All Star Review: Ohio, Okla., Ore.
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.
• OHIO
Gillman Home Center in Eaton
The business calls itself: “Your building supply place. We carry hardware, lumber, windows, doors, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing supplies, grills, kitchen cabinets and more.” Gillman Home Centers also rent tools and equipment from small to large. In 1962, Carl Gillman and his brother Leo (Dick) founded Gillman Brother’s Lumber. That small lumber yard ignited an interest in retail and building materials in one of Carl’s 10 children – Charlie. Today, this second-generation home builder runs the company with his sons and 400 other team members.
• OKLAHOMA
Walker’s Do it Best Hardware and Lumber
Surrounded by state parks and waterfront homes in the foothills of the Ozarks, Langley Home Center had fallen into disrepair. Craig and Debbie Walker gladly rescued the tired business and breathed new life into it. They expanded their business into a new building with 10,000 square feet of space, gave it a new name, and returned the business to the prominence it once held in the community. Soon they constructed an all-new building with a rental department that features Husqvarna, Bobcat and STIHL.
• OREGON
Jerry’s Home Improvement
Jerry’s, Eugene’s original discount building material store, was founded in November 1961 by Jerry and Merle Orem, and has grown from two employees to hundreds. The store opened for business with a 5,000 square foot store, but after many remodels and expansions, Jerry’s ran out of space. In 1996, this Orgill dealer opened the doors of a brand new 350,000 square foot facility. In December 2010, Dennis Orem transitioned ownership to the employees through an ESOP, allowing them to become partners in the store’s growth.
Have you seen all-star retail performance? Let us know at news@hbsdealer.com.
