Hardware All Stars: Ohio & Vermont
It takes a little more to be an All Star.
Now in its fifth year, the 2015 All-Star project is designed to recognize retail excellence. After a months-in-the-making review of nominations from vendors, distributors and manufacturers, HBSDealer published a list of 50 All Stars from 50 states. The 2015 All Star project is sponsored by Epicor.
It takes a little more to be an All Star.
Now in its fifth year, the 2015 All-Star project is designed to recognize retail excellence. After a months-in-the-making review of nominations from vendors, distributors and manufacturers, HBSDealer published a list of 50 All Stars from 50 states. The 2015 All Star project is sponsored by Epicor.
The full article can be found online in our digital issue. Here are two mini-profiles of honorees – from Ohio and Vermont.
Woodsfield, Ohio: Woodsfield True Value Home Center
One thing about operating a hardware store in a small, rural town like Woodsfield, Ohio – “you get to know a lot of the people,” says Walter Kemp.
Kemp is the owner of Woodsfield True Value Home Center, which has made a lot of friends over the years in the Southeastern Ohio city of some 2,500. But friendliness is just one factor that leads to hardware store success. Another is product knowledge.
Woodsfield True Value was one of the Chicago-based co-op’s 2014 “Best Hardware Store in Town” honorees during its latest Reunion. The store operates out of a 12,000-sq.-ft. showroom and six different buildings for building materials. Karp describes the competition as Home Depot, Lowe’s and 84 Lumber. “We compete with them all the time,” he said. How? “Our employees know the products, that’s one of the main things.”
Manchester, Vermont: rk Miles
High quality showrooms set the stage for business at rk Miles, a four-location home center celebrating its 75th anniversary. The business supports its professional customers with a complete work-wear department and a strong tool department. For home owners, there is definite “wow” factor built into the kitchen and bath vignettes.
But more than that, the Manchester-based company prides itself on history of service, to customers and the community.
“It is the company’s commitment to fair business practices, belief in family and community, and the loyalty of its customers that makes rk MILES what it is today,” said Amanda Monks, marketing coordinator. “That and the knowledgeable staff and value added services we provide.
[Note: The photo caption that appeared on page 20 of the April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer was incoorect. The photo shows a finished kitchen, not an rk Miles showroom. HBSDealer regrets the error.]