All Star Review: Nev., N.H. and N.J.
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.
• NEVADA
Bath Lumber Company
Out here – where the desert meets the blue sky, near Ely – owners Jim and Tom Bath have a business. They want you to know a few things: “We depend on our community to support us. We believe it is important for us to return that through supporting local causes and charities. We show this support through service to the local Chamber of Commerce and by sponsoring other worthwhile causes such as the Children’s Miracle Network, high school sports programs, and Little League.” They’ve been serving the community for 65 years – their “outdoor” department is pretty darn good.
• NEW HAMPSHIRE
LaValley Building Supply
1962 – that’s how long they have served their customers. Reliable service and honest dealing were the underpinnings of LaValley’s success in those opening days. Today, this Orgill dealer continues these steadfast virtues to guide the three-generation family business. Company founders, Harold and Gerry LaValley, remain active in the business, and the LaValley-Middleton brand today consists of 12 locations that “offer our customers a ‘one stop shop’ for all of their building needs,” they said.
• NEW JERSEY
McAfee Hardware in Vernon Township
Ron Williams bought a hardware store in a small mountain town an hour north of New York City – and saw an opportunity to make his store a local destination. He quickly expanded the small footprint into a 10,000 square foot home and garden center with convenience lumber and building materials. On a tight budget, he took a chance with a basic cable TV commercial, with the tagline: “We know what the hell we’re doing.” Turns out, it would follow him for the next 35 years. Strangers have repeated that line back to Ron on his travels.
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Have you seen retail performance worthy of the All Star Award? Let us know at [email protected].
