All Star Review: Conn., Del., Fla.
It takes a little more to be an All Star.
To provide the best customer service; fit perfectly with your community; find the niche categories for your locals; and have the people and personalities to create that certain something extra.
This year’s class of STIHL Hardware All Stars marks the 14th year of the program, in which editors recognize one business from each of the 50 states.
We visited with, and talked to, stores and dealer markets, distributors and suppliers, even studied customer reviews on social media to help determine the honorees. And that’s how we found our latest elite-level hardware and building supply dealers.
CONNECTICUT
• Keough’s Do it Best Paint and Hardware
In Ridgefield, this hardware store has been serving, encouraging, educating and supporting their customers for more than 50 years. Keough’s strives to reduce its carbon footprint too. Solar panels were installed on the store’s roof and they no longer use plastic bags. And owner Bill Keough keeps his 10,000 square foot location looking fresh. Faced with hurricanes and snowstorms, customers know emergency supplies are available and the team is ready to help. Also, their active Facebook page includes their popular store mascot, Buddy the Cat.
DELAWARE
• Smyrna Community Hardware
This Orgill dealer is a family owned local hardware store servicing two communities since 2008. They offer a customer friendly, relaxed shopping environment. “Here at Community Hardware our slogan is ‘Let us help you do it right,’ and our staff is always here to help.” A customer recently wrote this message: “This is my go to store, impressive stock and reasonable prices. Not like these box stores and you'll actually get help, and not have to self checkout.”
FLORIDA
• Hagan Ace Hardware
Hagan Ace Hardware was founded by Don Hagan in 1962. His son Bill Hagan now runs the company along with his grandson Jacob Hagan who is the director of store operations. “We have a saying at Hagan Ace, ‘We Strive for Five,’ meaning we always strive for a five star experience with every single customer,” said the company. STIHL is prominently featured at their Blanding, Green Cove Springs, Mandarin, Saint Augustine, Yulee, Glen Saint Mary and Callahan locations.
