All-star performance in S.C., S.D. and Tenn.
The editors of HBSDealer took notes and took nominations. Utlimately, they selected fifty high-performing, customer-serving hardware and building supply all stars – we call them our STIHL Hardware All Stars. All 50 were featured in a recent issue – check it out here.
What were the selection criteria? Any or all of the following:
High levels of customer service;
• High performance – growth, sales, profit or any other metric;
• Deep involvement in the community;
• Innovative culture;
• Outstanding merchandising and store design;
• Willingness to take risks;
• A passion for philanthropy;
• Excellence in training;
• Ability to adapt to trends and society; and
• Generally, just an all-around all-star retailer.
Several of the above apply to all of the below.
• Southern Lumber & Millwork
Charleston, S.C.
Adversity not only builds character, sometimes it builds businesses. When the Department of Transportation took 2 acres from Southern Lumber & Millwork—citing eminent domain to expand the nearby interstate—Southern was forced to reduce its footprint from 7 acres to 5 without interrupting its business. “That meant our inventory levels couldn’t drop and our service couldn’t either,” owner Thad Shuler said. During the re-sizing Southern turned out three of its best years. Southern is noted for its custom millwork and special moldings and trim work for the restoration and new construction industries.
• Kopetsky’s Ace Hardware
Yankton, S.D.
Kenny Kopetsky lets it be known that if your caught in a winter store emergency, he’ll open the store for you. Just ask. That kind of commitment to customer service scores points with customers, and so do the numerous giveaways and events, the latest being an open house with a local builder. Kopetsky’s also engages the community with its side business – Ace Bike & Fitness, known as “Yankton’s outdoor fun headquarters.”
• Tennessee Ace Hardware
Galatin, Tenn.
Entering town from the north, you hit Lowe’s. Enter from the south, and you hit this 2019 All Star – a 40,000 sq. ft. community-focused service-oriented home center, known for its grilling and chilling. “We sell tons of grills,” said Collin Barnes, store manager, pointing to Traeger, Weber and Big Green Egg. And its also known for its power equipment expertise – the store is a certified STIHL Elite dealer. And a supporter of local sports, as well as the Children’s Miracle Network of hospitals.
What were the selection criteria? Any or all of the following:
High levels of customer service;
• High performance – growth, sales, profit or any other metric;
• Deep involvement in the community;
• Innovative culture;
• Outstanding merchandising and store design;
• Willingness to take risks;
• A passion for philanthropy;
• Excellence in training;
• Ability to adapt to trends and society; and
• Generally, just an all-around all-star retailer.
Several of the above apply to all of the below.
• Southern Lumber & MillworkCharleston, S.C.
Adversity not only builds character, sometimes it builds businesses. When the Department of Transportation took 2 acres from Southern Lumber & Millwork—citing eminent domain to expand the nearby interstate—Southern was forced to reduce its footprint from 7 acres to 5 without interrupting its business. “That meant our inventory levels couldn’t drop and our service couldn’t either,” owner Thad Shuler said. During the re-sizing Southern turned out three of its best years. Southern is noted for its custom millwork and special moldings and trim work for the restoration and new construction industries.
• Kopetsky’s Ace Hardware
Yankton, S.D.
Kenny Kopetsky lets it be known that if your caught in a winter store emergency, he’ll open the store for you. Just ask. That kind of commitment to customer service scores points with customers, and so do the numerous giveaways and events, the latest being an open house with a local builder. Kopetsky’s also engages the community with its side business – Ace Bike & Fitness, known as “Yankton’s outdoor fun headquarters.”
• Tennessee Ace Hardware
Galatin, Tenn.
Entering town from the north, you hit Lowe’s. Enter from the south, and you hit this 2019 All Star – a 40,000 sq. ft. community-focused service-oriented home center, known for its grilling and chilling. “We sell tons of grills,” said Collin Barnes, store manager, pointing to Traeger, Weber and Big Green Egg. And its also known for its power equipment expertise – the store is a certified STIHL Elite dealer. And a supporter of local sports, as well as the Children’s Miracle Network of hospitals.