Betty West, the paint manager from Hawkins Ace Hardware in Hawkins, Texas.
Many hardware shows prominently feature their longtime dealers who have been around for years, maybe decades, and have built up a name – and a loyal following. That’s understandable.
But let’s not overlook the new owners who have come into retail hardware – and the ones about to enter the business.
Betty West, the paint manager from Hawkins Ace Hardware in Hawkins, Texas, is here at the show too, and not far from where Gregory is standing.
“We’re located just a couple hours down the road from Dallas,” she said.
“We have Ben Moore paints as well as Magnolia. Our owners, a husband and wife, are new owners,” said West.
New owners – new blood you might say – are always a sign of a flourishing industry. They see opportunity.
Back to Colorado Gregory.
“I already decided I’m going into the hardware business,” said Meeske.
“I’ve spent my life in the Springs. We’ve got growth, we’ve got the Air Force back now, and in that area I feel like I know everybody, or I will once I open my hardware store doors,” he said.
It was time to go our separate ways. “Best of luck,” I said.
He touched the brim of his cowboy hat saying, “hardware is right for me.”