Inside Aubuchon’s history-rich acquisition
Jack and Kent Hostetter have agreed to sell J.B. Hostetter & Sons in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, to the Aubuchon Company, in a move described as a match of cultures and family businesses.
Following the closing later this year, the Aubuchon Company will operate 112 stores in 9 states.
“For over 96 years, J.B. Hostetter & Sons has been a destination for customers in Mount Joy, Elizabethtown, and northwest Lancaster County,” said William E. Aubuchon, IV, president & CEO. “The reason they have been so successful for all these years is their commitment to investing in their business and people.”
Hostetter & Sons, led by Jack and Kent Hostetter, president and vice president respectively, today employs up to 70 people, offering a variety of goods and services including True Value paint, lawn and garden supplies, rental, appliances, lawn equipment, and in-house service departments.
The store, measuring 33,000-square-foot store, with a 21,600-square-foot warehouse and two greenhouses, will continue to operate as J.B. Hostetter & Sons, and Kent will continue to be involved as a member of the Aubuchon team.
“Our knowledgeable and experienced team is how we provide outstanding customer service and value to our customers,” says Kent Hostetter. “This has always been so important to our family because our customers are our friends and neighbors. We’re big in service. We fix things. Help people. It’s the whole package. It’s a long-term relationship that we build with our customers.”
Regarding the sale of the business, Jack Hostetter stated: “We wanted to find the best fit for what our customers and staff have grown to expect and a business that really cares. We are very excited to announce that we have found another family business that cares about our mission.
Aubuchon was founded in 1908. J.B. Hostetter & Sons first opened in 1927. Jack and Kent stepped into leadership roles in 2000, with the death of Arthur Hostetter.
“Our business has undergone several changes since it began, including acquisitions, new locations, and adding new products and services,” said Jack Hostetter. “Now after 96 years, half of which under our leadership, it is time for us to take a step back and enjoy life with more than work.”
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The store has a pair of greenhouses. -
Appliances are part of the mix in the 33,000 square retail space.
The company’s announcement of the deal included the following history of J.B. Hostetter & Sons:
In 1927, Joseph B. Hostetter retired from a successful farming career in Rapho Township and. purchased Gabe Moyer’s hardware store on W. Donegal Street in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. The store was renamed J. B. Hostetter & Sons. In 1929, the business acquired Brown Brothers Hardware on Main Street and moved to that location.
Joseph retired in the 1950s, passing responsibility for the business to his sons Paris, Irvin, Clarence, and Arthur.
In May 1970, J. B. Hostetter & Sons joined Cotter & Co., the True Value Hardware wholesale cooperative. In 1972, the business acquired H.S. Newcomer & Sons, a hardware store located at 93 East Main Street in Mount Joy. Arthur, his wife Clara, and sons Jack & Kent owned and operated this new location.
In 1982, Arthur purchased five acres of land with the vision of combining the two stores into one convenient location. With construction completed in 1984, the two stores merged into a beautiful 33,000-square-foot store. A 21,600-square-foot warehouse and two greenhouses were added in 1994. With Arthur’s passing on June 16, 2000, ownership transitioned to his sons Jack (President) and Kent (Vice President).
Today, the store employs up to 70 people, offering a variety of goods and services including True Value paint, lawn and garden supplies, rental, appliances, lawn equipment, and in-house service departments.
