Indiana True Value store marks 50 years

The staff at Goecker Building Supply and True Value in Seymour, Ind., recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the hardware business. Family-owned and operated, the business was started in 1958 by Earl Goecker as a contracting company. Goecker’s son-in-law, Max Roeder, joined the business in 1970, adding a small retail selling space before opening a 10,000-square-foot hardware store in 1976.

Last year the store grew by 5,000 square feet to make room for a Just Ask Rental, which is managed by Roeder's son, Brett. The family owns a second store 15 miles east of Seymour in North Vernon, Ind.

Seymour, Ind., is the birthplace of recording artist John Mellencamp and the subject of his hit song, "Small Town," Max Roeder said.

"We're just an independent lumberyard that's become a fixture here," he said. "If it weren't for the loyal customer base, we couldn't compete against the Home Depots and Lowe's and 84s that have opened around here."