Stihl Hardware All Stars: S.D., Va., Wash.

HBSDealer editors like to say: It takes a little more to be a Stihl Hardware All Star. The 2017 list of 50 hardware stores from 50 states supports that maxim with a tremendous variety of stores.

Since 2011, HBSDealer has reached out to suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, vendors, retailers and homeowners in search of high-performing, service-oriented, community-minded hardware stores, lumberyards 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 — and they join an elite fraternity of honorees. Here’s to the class of 2017. And here are our representatives from South Dakota, Virginia and Washington.

South Dakota

Dell Rapids Ace

This Ace store grew out of its old location and now has close to 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space with expanded departments throughout. “We’re able to offer more of what the town needs,” store manager Alan Nedved said. The store features large aisles and expansive open space to help individuals in mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Besides hardware and household items, Dell Rapids offers numerous sporting goods items including live bait, and recently expanded its rental department.

Virginia

Capps Home Building Center

When asked to identify Capps’ key to success, Ryan Cappellari, contractor sales manager, used the word “diversity.” He explained, “by offering many different products and services, we show value to the customer and protect against any economic downturns. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for all your home needs.” To further its growth, this Monetta retailer recently expanded its store by over 8,000 sq. ft. to include a design showroom and an expanded lawn and garden center, which features a year-round greenhouse.

Washington

Johnson’s Home & Garden

All Stars know how to expand. Case in point: Johnson’s Home & Garden in Maple Valley. Since the store first opened in 1969, it’s made several renovations and expansions. The biggest came in 2013 with a new 35,000-sq.-ft. location, including a massive 6,500-sq.-ft. greenhouse. Johnson’s business doubles as a community gathering spot. It held an orchestra in their garden center during the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, regularly hosts wildly successful ladies’ nights and always has free popcorn and pint-sized shopping carts for the kids.

See the full class — presented by Stihl — in the May issue of HBSDealer.