Stihl Hardware All Stars: Ala., Alaska, Calif.

It takes a little more to be a Stihl Hardware All Star.

Since 2011, HBSDealer has reached out to suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, vendors, retailers and homeowners in search of high-performing, service-oriented, community-minded hardware store, lumberyard or farm and ranch dealers worthy of All-Star status.

It’s a tribute to this industry that each year brings a surplus of high-quality nominations. The companies profiled have earned their place on the list of 50 — one from each state. And they join an elite fraternity of honorees.

Here’s to the class of 2017. And here's three stars worth gazing at.

Alabama

Anders Hardware

A classic store on Main Avenue in historic downtown Northport. Some of the features harken back to opening day in 1909, including original shelving and three 100-year-old  carousel-style nail bins. Still going strong, the retailer expanded to a Tuscaloosa location in 2002, serving the needs of the college town and the Universtiy of Alabama.

Alaska

The Lumberyard

It’s one thing operating a lumberyard in four reasonable seasons. But in Bethel, old man winter is a much larger presence. The Lumberyard in Bethel has learned to work through some tough conditions. And this All Star and Orgill customer is noted for its resourcefulness and efficiency, using custom-built containers for orderly storage and protection of all of its building material products.

California

Miner’s Ace Hardware

The San Luis Obispo location of this seven-store California institution embraces its history as a rail and stagecoach station. It’s also a color-drenched destination for lawn and garden, and outdoor living. “I don’t think it’s any secret, when we compete with the big boxes, we make strides with our service and our people,” said president Paul Filice. Staff name badges include years of service — none more tenured than employee Wally Lewis, who earned a Lifetime Acheivement Award with 56 years and counting on the job.

See the full Class of 2017 All Stars  — presented by Stihl — in the May issue of HBSDealer.