The nuts and bolts of Berlin's newest hardware store
When you've got 140 years invested in a family owned and operated store, you must be doing something right. When the opportunity presents itself to bring that kind of a family business into a community like Berlin, which puts so much stock in family values and down-home business dealings, you jump at the chance.Dick McCoy, owner of Orme Hardware, which is the family business that has been at it for more than a century, recently purchased Kandel's Hardware from John Kandel, making it the fifth store McCoy owns. His other stores are located in Cambridge, Newcomerstown, New Concord and Cadiz, and McCoy said he will take the same, no-nonsense approach in the Berlin store that he has implemented in his others.
"We're a small-town hardware store, and we firmly believe in becoming wholeheartedly entrenched in everything that our communities are all about," said McCoy, who was experiencing quite a good day on Friday, Oct. 2, during the annual German Village Appreciation Night festivities. That marked the second day in which McCoy was operating the Berlin store, which he had purchased from former long-time owner John Kandel. "We love to support the communities we live and work in, and we are truly excited about having the opportunity to be a part of the Berlin community."
McCoy has known the Kandel family for years, and the two families began talking about a possible buy-out some time ago. It wasn't until recently when the two sides really dug in in earnest, and McCoy and Kandel eventually found the perfect solution which they felt would benefit everyone involved.
"I was ready to expand, and John was ready to let go," said McCoy. "Holmes County is a wonderful place for growth and expansion, and the people here fit into what we believe our company is based on with its family tradition and values."
One huge advantage McCoy will have in moving into the new Berlin store is that he will have a staff which is already very familiar with the people of the community. In addition to keeping the entire staff on board, including manager Michelle Hysong, Kandel will continue to work for McCoy, working in sales.
The other aspect of the new store which he believes will enhance the value is his desire to expand the operation, both physically and in inventory.
"Having everyone who was here from before continuing to work here is a fantastic opportunity for us to make a smooth transition into the community," said McCoy. "Having John's expertise is even better. He is familiar with the people here, and understands many of the products which we haven't carried in our other stores. His knowledge will be invaluable to us. We feel like the transition into the Berlin community has gone flawlessly, and much of that is due to the Kandel family."
McCoy plans on taking down the temporary wall inside the store to the west side, and expanding there with more products, many of them geared toward the electrical area. He said he also wants to continually keep the store well-stocked with bulks nails, screws, and other smaller items, so patrons can pick up the nickel and dime items as well as the bigger ticket tools and equipment.
"Like I said, we are a family business, built on family values, and even though we have plenty to offer, we enjoy operating our stores the old-fashioned community way," said McCoy.
Bruce Hummel, co-owner of the German Village mall, said having Kandel Hardware becoming Orme Hardware of Berlin will be something that is good for the people of the community and for the complex itself.
"We're thrilled to have them here," said Hummel, of the McCoys. "They're a class family business, one which fits in so nicely with this community. People are really going to enjoy seeing their commitment to the community and its people."