Stihl Hardware All Stars: Okla., Ore., Utah

There’s a bright golden haze on the meadow in Oklahoma, where service and new ideas have helped sustain business at Ross True Value for more than 100 years. In Oregon, “Work hard. Play hard. Jo hard,” is the slogan of Joseph Hardware. And Utah’s CJ Do it Center does it all — LBM, paint, plumbing and more. 

These three retailers are all part of the 2017 class of Stihl Hardware All Stars. Since 2011, HBSDealer has reached out to suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, vendors, retailers and homeowners in search of such high-performing operators. We found one in each of the 50 states. Here’s the skinny on the aforementioned trio:

Oklahoma

Ross True Value

With locations in El Reno and Chickasha — the latter of which will turn 100 years old next year — Ross True Value combines core home improvement with farm and seed, and a willingness to try new ideas, such as a bridal registry. “It brings women into the store,” owner Tom Ross said. But the biggest idea is service, he said. “When the customer comes into Ross, they’re going to get service. And if you step up a customer to a better item, they’ll appreciate it in the long run.”

Oregon

Joseph Hardware

“Work hard. Play hard. Jo hard.” That’s the slogan unleashed by James and Leah Johnson when they purchased the hardware store in 2010. And when the couple converted a bowling alley into what is now their main location, the maple wood lanes were preserved as part of the store design. “This is a people game,” James said. “We never lose sight of that. It’s paramount to what we do. Every decision this company makes is predicated on that fact.”

Utah

CJ's Do it Center

CJ’s, of Price, is known for its strong mix of LBM, paint and plumbing. And check out what’s on the walls of this 81-year-old hardware store: In 2016, the store commissioned a local artist to create an in-store mural depicting several scenes and people that define Carbon County — a desert ranch entryway, several roughnecks, a welder and rancher. The mural has helped drive additional traffic, owner Rick Krompel said.

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