Hardware All Stars: La., Ky. And Kan.

It takes a little more to be an All Star

The 2016 HBSDealer All Star project, like many before it, has been designed to recognize retail excellence.

After a months-in-the-making review of nominations from vendors, distributors, manufacturers and retailers themselves, the class of 2016 has been identified.

The 50 hardware stores, lumberyards and farm-and-ranch dealers selected for the honor have achieved recognition in 50 different ways – but a common thread is great customer service. Highlighted here are three all-stars

Kansas

The Hardware Store

For owners Derek and Kelly Franklin, things have really grown since a 2,500-sq.-ft. expansion project in 2013. The square footage has made room for more special events (Oktoberfest and Fat Tuesday among them). Derek also keeps busy as the Republican County Central Chairman, chair of the community planning commission and a supporter of the Boy and Girl Scouts. He ranks the store’s strengths: “Number one it’s my staff – absolutely our staff. Highly educated, highly motivated, they work hard. Most of all, great customers. We have great friends that are great customers. And lastly, we have a great supplier.”

Kentucky

Lone Star Farm & Home

Lone Star’s strength is multi-faceted: an extensive assortment in pet, animal health, and lawn and garden makes it a destination for farm & ranch customers. It’s also got a high touch in customer service and the community at large, supporting the 4-H and FFA programs at local schools. More than anything, it’s a solution to the problems that founders Valerie and Neal Sluder experienced when they found themselves having to drive 30 miles for farm supplies. Now, locals have a friendly dealer close to home that offers bulk feed delivery.

Louisiana

Ivey's Building Materials Center

Ivey’s found strength in loss after a sudden loss of gas exploration and production presented hard times for its Mansfield location. The store made a comeback with a revamp of its product assortment and a remodel, and it’s now a destination in lawn and garden thanks to its support of local live plant suppliers. Its newest location in Haughton features a 2-acre drive-through lumberyard and a strong dollar item category. The company’s mission statement on its website is a testament to founder Mack Ivey: “We are challenged every day to continue with his vision, building relationships, going the extra mile, and to try and smile as much as possible.”

See the full class here in the May issue of HBSDealer.