Northeastern excellence in New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut
It takes a little more to be a Stihl Hardware All Star.
Each year, HBSDealer solicits nominations from readers and the industry for Hardware All Stars.
And each year, we’re rewarded with a fresh class of high-performing, community-minded, service-oriented businesses worthy of the honor.
During the course of our research, we’ve met dealers who take risks, inspire staff and lift communities — or have what we call the All Star spirit.
Congratulations to all of the 2018 Stihl Hardware All Star honorees. Here’s four stars worth gazing at:
New Jersey
Bernardsville Hardware & Supply
When Drew and Renee Hubiak saw a hardware store for sale in upscale Bernardsville, they jumped at the opportunity. “It was based on passion more than anything,” Drew said. “I just felt the community needed that and wanted that, and we also saw an opportunity for ourselves to grow.” But some things had to change with the aging store’s vintage feel. When the store reopened in 2017, it entered All Star level. “We totally remerchandised all the fixtures, it’s just a more modern approach to an old-fashioned hardware store. That’s how I would describe it.”
New York
Alper’s Hardware
This 2018 True Value Best Hardware Store in Town honoree has been serving its Long Island community through four generations since 1911. The store is known for its selection, reliability, its great service and, increasingly, its annual Alper’s Karmacue. It’s a barbecue with karma — a street fair that raises money and awareness for the Community Chest of Port Washington. “I think the key to what makes us successful is embracing change,” said Adam Novick, fourth-generation co-owner.
Rhode Island
Cluck! Urban Farm Supply
This Providence farm and gardening supplies retailer has an unusual name to go along with an unusual path to All Star status. After battling regulators over outdated ordinances, owner Drake Patten skillfully overhauled an abandoned, unsightly gas station into an urban oasis of equipment for local garden and outdoor enthusiasts.
Connecticut
East Lyme True Value
Longtime employees provide stability and leadership at this All-Star store known for its big brands and healthy lawn and garden department. Case in point: manager Emerson Dexter started working here in 1982 as a high school student. Last year, he and his team were recognized as one of the top performers throughout New England for Stihl’s lithium-ion-powered offering. “When we can offer a quality product, we just knock it out of the park,” he said. Dexter also spearheads a successful cabinet design service.
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See the full Class of 2018 Hardware All Stars — presented by Stihl — in the May issue of HBSDealer magazine.
Each year, HBSDealer solicits nominations from readers and the industry for Hardware All Stars.
And each year, we’re rewarded with a fresh class of high-performing, community-minded, service-oriented businesses worthy of the honor.
During the course of our research, we’ve met dealers who take risks, inspire staff and lift communities — or have what we call the All Star spirit.
Congratulations to all of the 2018 Stihl Hardware All Star honorees. Here’s four stars worth gazing at:
New Jersey
Bernardsville Hardware & Supply
When Drew and Renee Hubiak saw a hardware store for sale in upscale Bernardsville, they jumped at the opportunity. “It was based on passion more than anything,” Drew said. “I just felt the community needed that and wanted that, and we also saw an opportunity for ourselves to grow.” But some things had to change with the aging store’s vintage feel. When the store reopened in 2017, it entered All Star level. “We totally remerchandised all the fixtures, it’s just a more modern approach to an old-fashioned hardware store. That’s how I would describe it.”
New York
Alper’s Hardware
This 2018 True Value Best Hardware Store in Town honoree has been serving its Long Island community through four generations since 1911. The store is known for its selection, reliability, its great service and, increasingly, its annual Alper’s Karmacue. It’s a barbecue with karma — a street fair that raises money and awareness for the Community Chest of Port Washington. “I think the key to what makes us successful is embracing change,” said Adam Novick, fourth-generation co-owner.
Rhode Island
Cluck! Urban Farm Supply
This Providence farm and gardening supplies retailer has an unusual name to go along with an unusual path to All Star status. After battling regulators over outdated ordinances, owner Drake Patten skillfully overhauled an abandoned, unsightly gas station into an urban oasis of equipment for local garden and outdoor enthusiasts.
Connecticut
East Lyme True Value
Longtime employees provide stability and leadership at this All-Star store known for its big brands and healthy lawn and garden department. Case in point: manager Emerson Dexter started working here in 1982 as a high school student. Last year, he and his team were recognized as one of the top performers throughout New England for Stihl’s lithium-ion-powered offering. “When we can offer a quality product, we just knock it out of the park,” he said. Dexter also spearheads a successful cabinet design service.
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See the full Class of 2018 Hardware All Stars — presented by Stihl — in the May issue of HBSDealer magazine.