Hardware All Stars: Kansas & New York

Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-height: 100000px; border: 0px; font-family: open_sansbold, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initi

Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by Epicor).

It's not exactly tough to find retailers that provide knowledgeable service, or stores that are important to their communities. When it comes to All Star status, however, it's usually a matter of someone with a little extra -- be it exceptional service, an unusual market niche, or perhaps just a really great story.

The April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer magazine contains the full list of 2015 honorees. Here are more highlights, two states at a time, of the class of 2015. 

Chanute, Kansas: Cleaver Farm & Home

Despite its humble beginnings as a small livestock and scrap metal business in 1946, Cleaver Farm & Home wasted no time in making a name for itself.

It was honored as one of True Value's 2013 "Best Hardware Store in Town" honorees after owners Chris and Jason Cleaver converted to the Destination True Value format that year, with the premises currently spanning 14 acres with 20,000 sq. ft. of retail showroom and office space, plus 45,000 sq. ft. of covered storage.

Within this accommodating floorspace, there's room for things like a brand new color center featuring a Dutch Boy and a True Value Easy Care selection, as well as a reputable stock of Made in America fencing and livestock equipment.

Today, its customer base ranges far and wide, including school districts and agricultural supply dealers. 

Chappaqua, New York: Chappaqua Paint and Hardware

Since opening five years ago in upscale Chappaqua (home of the Clintons), the store has dedicated itself to making life easier for its customers.

Let's count the ways: Little League baseball sponsorships, gift certificates to charities, paint donations for local barns and murals, and, of course, stocking emergency supplies in rough weather -- a time when locals can count on their help.

"Customers come to us at all hours for help with issues ranging from replacing a broken light bulb, selecting paint colors, delivering a BBQ grill, picking up or special ordering a generator, to assistance with handyman projects," says Chappaqua Paint and Hardware on its website.