HARDWARE ALL STARS Merrilees Trustworthy Supply
Triangle Building Supplies & Services
CLEVES, OHIO
BELLEFONTE, PA.
Its company mantra—“The Problem Solvers”—is so ingrained in the culture at Merrilees that a sign “We’re the Problem Solvers!” is draped across the exterior of the store. Voted as one of the best hardware stores in Ohio, Merrilees never gets complacent; it keeps tabs on the local competition with occasional in-store visits and adjusts pricing when necessary. Owner Dale Drew, who took over from his father, is joined by his wife and kids in the day to day affairs. “We try to be a welcome throwback to what a hardware store should be,” he said.
Being diversified has allowed Triangle, a 2019 True Value Best Hardware Store in Town honoree, to withstand any seasonal softness. Although its business is concentrated on building supplies, Triangle operates a hardware store, a separate rental business, an attached showroom for kitchen and bath (soon to be spun off as its own LLC), a full-service lumberyard, and an on-premises mill shop. Owner J. Allen Witherid also has a separate heating and cooling business. “The last couple of years have been very good, and we’re ahead of our pace this year,” said Andy Corman, manager. “Unlike the box stores, we know where our products are located, and we help our customers solve their problems.”
Building Solutions TULSA, OKLA.
When other lumberyards were cutting back during the housing downturn, Building Solutions president Ronnie McGlothlin saw a market opportunity “to fill in the gap and expand.” To seize that opportunity, McGlothlin changed the company’s name to reflect that it sells more home construction supplies than just lumber. Today, Building Solutions has one of the largest full-line cabinet shops in northeast Oklahoma. In the midst of growth, McGlothlin said Building Solutions never lost sight of their mission — to be the best building material supplier in the industry.”
Tightwads Discount Building Supply PRINEVILLE, ORE.
They might be “Tightwads” in name but don’t mistake this building supply establishment for being cheap, or even a thrift store. As managing partner Josh Hanson noted, “We sell all new items here.” Tightwads focuses on budgetconscious customers—mostly DIYers for home improvement projects—with pricing and unique items. Hanson, a fifth-generation lumberman who spent 25 years in the sawmill industry, is able to leverage his relationships with mills, with the ultimate goal of passing the savings onto his customers.
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Mt. Pleasant Hardware PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Marc Gillson, the third-generation owner of a business his grandfather established in 1923, credits their success with being able to adapt. “We have morphed from strictly hardware to industrial supply to paint; and as those markets dried up, we moved into window and glass installation and repair for commercial and residential customers. It’s all about giving the customer what they want, when they want it.” Mt. Pleasant runs a lean operation, with fewer than 10 full-time employees. However, these employees are often on a first-name basis with customers and able to cultivate relationships that go beyond the sale.
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 interrupt-
MAY 2019 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER
ing 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 you are caught in an after-hours winter storm emergency, he’ll open 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.
Elliott’s Hardware FAIRVIEW, TEXAS
As part of CNRG, it’s fitting that Elliott’s Hardware’s newest store (opened October 2018) is stocked with best synergies and best practices from the retail group. From the wall of decorative hardware (accessed by a classic rolling ladder) to the Elliott’s Hardware Workshop, the commanding presence of the Décor Center and the OPE aisle
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