Hardware Store All-Stars: Illinois and Ohio

HCN congratulates the 50 hardware store, home center and farm and ranch retailers who made the annual HCN Hardware Store All-Star list.

Now in its third year, HCN's annual list of high performers recognizes hardware stores -- one from each state -- that are outstanding in their field. The complete list and analysis can be found in the September issue of HCN. Meanwhile, HCN Daily will work its way across the country with mini profiles, continuing this week with Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

Illinois: Talk about keeping it in the family. Tonnies Hardware and Rental is owned and operated by third-generation hardware chief Steve Tonnies, who was born and raised right above the store in Albers. In fact, both he and his wife Susan run the team, which is made up of generations four and five. Over 100 years later, Tonnies is still the place that boasts, "We sell everything."

Ohio: It's said that Georgetown's Applegate's Pro Hardware is the kind of store one's grandparents would have shopped in. Assuming one's grandparents were hyper-involved in their communities, this probably wouldn't be too far off-base. This store's priorities lie in community service, local politics and superior customer service. Plus, with a recent expansion project under its belt, Applegate's is rather easy on the eyes as well.

Next week, HCN will wrap up its All-Stars series in Wisconsin and Michigan. For the full state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here.