All Star Review: S.D.; Tenn.; Texas; Utah
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.
• SOUTH DAKOTA
Hamlin – Lake Norden Building Center
This locally-owned and small-town company was founded in 1992. The owners said: “We currently have two full-service lumber yards in Brookings and Lake Norden. Our company works closely with contractors and homeowners to supply lumber, building materials and construction services needed for new home construction, commercial construction, renovations, remodeling and DIY projects.” And they deliver materials to all the neighboring counties.
• TENNESSEE
Walker Lumber and Supply
Weekend warrior? Pro builder? This Nashville lumber yard and building supply store, and Orgill dealer, for 75 years and going, has everything you need to get your project done. And their team matters. “We get so many compliments about how sharp our team always looks, branding matters to us. We wanted the guys in our Second Chance program to feel special so we reached out to Poncho Outdoors and asked them to partner with us to give the guys in our program and fellow co-workers a gift to make them feel appreciated.” They all received stylish shirts for weekend wear while not at work.
• TEXAS
Jabo’s Ace Hardware
Family owned and operated business with five locations across Dallas-Fort Worth. The Jablonowski family has been instrumental over the years in the success and growth of the local hardware industry in DFW and continues to be key leaders in the group of North Texas Ace retailers. “We set the tone for the commercial Christmas light business in the metroplex and created a unique boutique area in their stores known as ‘The Cove’ to cater to all customers,” said the owners.
• UTAH
Intermountain Farmers
“From the coop to the co-op,” that’s what they like to say at their IFC stores, and they have 23 of them mostly in Utah, and some in other western states. They sell chicken breeds and poultry feeds; weed preventers and garden tillers; shelters, troughs, compost and mulch. This locally owned farmers cooperative and Orgill dealer has been doing business since 1923. The elegantly simple saying they live by is a sweet one, and it goes like this: “Helping to grow the things you love.”
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