From the CEO:

They Came for a Part...

They Stayed for the People️

I remember growing up in Verona, WI, when my dad would head down to the local hardware store on a Saturday morning. He always said he needed something for a project. Truth be told, I think sometimes the project was just the excuse.

My dad was a DIY guy before it was “cool,” and once in a while I got to tag along. I can still picture the owner—big guy, rough hands, usually a little grease under the fingernails.

But what I remember most wasn’t how he looked. It was how he made me feel. He made you feel like you owned the place.

The shelves were packed, and somehow, he knew where everything was, especially the things nobody else could find. But more important than that, the store wasn’t just a place to buy something…

It was a place to connect.

My dad would catch up on what was going on around town. Who was new? What was happening at the school? At one point, when he served on the school board, it was one of the few places he could actually hear what people were thinking—without someone poking a finger in his chest.

Fast forward to my time in Stevens Point, WI. I grew to appreciate our local hardware store here, too. Sadly, it has since closed. But I still remember it well, especially the service at Frank’s Hardware.

Let’s just say… if you walked in the door, you WERE getting helped. Immediately.

Sometimes it felt like you were being “assaulted” with great service by someone excited to run up and help you. Their shelves were a little more organized, but just like the store I grew up with, you could buy ONE of anything. And it didn’t come in a plastic box like our food does.

And just like Verona… it wasn’t just a store. It was a hub.

Here’s the reality today…

Networking and connecting hasn’t gone away. But it has changed.

People don’t automatically gather like they used to. Conversations don’t just happen. Community isn’t built by default anymore.

Which means this:

Hardware stores that intentionally create connections will win.

Because here’s the truth: People may come in for a part… but they stay because they feel like they belong. You can’t belong to online or big box stores.

So how do you create that today?

Here are a few simple ways to bring that “Saturday morning hardware store” feeling back to life:

1. Train your team to greet AND engage

Not just “Can I help you?”

But:

• “What are you working on today?”
• “How’s that project going from last time?”

Make it personal. Make it memorable. Your team members can get connected, too. Maybe their future isn’t hardware but somebody walking across the stoop may have that opportunity they need or want.

2. Create reasons for people to stop in

Host something small:

• DIY demos
• Spring project kickoffs
• Grilling or outdoor living events
• Deals for those new to the community

You don’t need 100 people. You need 10 good conversations. Let them be your social media.

3. Be the place that knows what’s going on

Community boards.

Local updates.

Conversations.

Be the place where people don’t just get supplies…They get connected.

4. Follow up

If someone is working on a project, ask about it next time.

That one question:

“Hey, how did that turn out?”

…goes a long way.

What strategies are you using to stay connected and be competitive? I’d love to hear your stories and share them with our eHELPS network. Send them my way and I’ll share them down the road.

Hardware stores have always been more than shelves and inventory. They’ve been about relationships. And in a world that feels more disconnected than ever…

That might just be your greatest competitive advantage.

— Todd

NEXT MONTH: Sharing your ideas and others on how to build connections to build your business.

You have more wisdom than you realize.

Every day, you’re solving problems, trying new ideas, and finding ways to better serve your customers and employees. What if we could share those lessons with each other?

MHA is launching a new feature in eHELPS called Storefront Stories—a place where members can learn directly from other members.

We’d love your input.

Take a couple of minutes to answer the four questions below. We’ll feature responses in future newsletters so others can learn from your experience.

Send your answers to: toddk@midwesthardware.com.

Questions:

1. What’s one problem you wish someone else had already solved for you?
2. What’s one small change you made that had a big impact?
3. What’s one way you are building a better culture for employees in your store?
4. What’s one piece of advice you would give a new store owner?

Don’t overthink it—just hit reply and share what comes to mind.

Your experience could make a difference for someone else.

We’ll keep responses short and may feature your name, store, and location (unless you prefer to stay anonymous).

You didn’t get into hardware just to run a store.

You got into it because you care about your community…your customers…and doing things the right way.

That’s exactly why I’m reaching out.

At Midwest Hardware Association, we’re looking for leaders—not just participants—to help guide where we go next.

Serving on the Board of Directors isn’t about titles.

It’s about impact.

It’s about:

• Strengthening independent hardware
• Shaping the services that support your business
• Making sure the next generation has something worth stepping into

This is a chance to be part of something bigger than your own four walls.

If that resonates with you, I’d love to start a conversation about serving on the MHA Board of Directors.

👉 [Position Profile Link]

—Todd

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What does a spoofed call or text look like?

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Did you know? Though most electronics retailers offer recycling programs, they certainly don't accept everything. So when it's time to discard that old computer monitor, where do you take it? Instead of paying $20 to recycle it, have you considered donating it to a charitable organization like Goodwill or The Salvation Army? Many nonprofit organizations like these will take your monitor and/or other electronics, working or not, at no charge. A good deed that is also good for the environment!

Disclaimer: Always contact your local nonprofit first for information on their electronics donation policy.