All Star Review: Mo., Mont. and Neb.
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.
MISSOURI
• Pack’s Hardware Smithville
Just north of Kansas City, Pack’s Hardware has been a Smithville staple for more than 50 years. Manager Sheryl Stang has enhanced product assortments and adjacencies by deepening their Milwaukee selection and expanding their farm and ranch category. She introduces herself to and actively pursues partnerships with new businesses – even gaining the business of a new big-name data center – so that Pack’s is their go-to for home improvement supplies. Pack’s team works hard to exceed expectations.
MONTANA
• Montana Ace Hardware
“We have five flagship locations, one nursery, and one small engine shop totaling seven locations in Western Montana and have been doing business here for over 30 years,” said Dan Conners, store manager. He said the Eastgate store has become the go-to destination for anything floating on the river in Missoula. “We sell thousands of river floats every year. Montana Ace also has a cult-like employee following.” His employees have a combined 130+ years of service just at the Eastgate location.
NEBRASKA
• David City Ace Hardware
David and Casey Burgess own David City Ace. “Our Mission with our family of stores is to help underserved America flourish,” they said. “We believe that the people that live in underserved America deserve a world class hardware store in their town just as much as cities and towns that are well off.” A customer Yelped: “Staff has always been super nice and helpful. My kids love their bottled soda with all the funky brands and flavors.” Besides David City, the Burgess Ace group family of stores consists of York and North Platte Nebraska, and others.
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