"I refuse to drive anywhere to buy lumber. I go out to Bloedorn and buy my lumber."
That statement comes from Greg Carter, co-owner with his wife Lisa of Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance--a competitor of Bloedorn Lumber. Greg made the statement during our Summer of Small Business podcast interview while discussing the importance of shopping local. "What I really want to do is convey the benefits to buying locally...I love our town!"
The Carters began their small business journey by purchasing Roller Hardware. Then-owner Harold Roller was retiring and the Carters took over the store downtown. After several years of growth and success, the Carters decided to expand their business by purchasing the Shopko building on Flack Avenue following that store's closure. Greg tells Panhandle Post: "If people hadn't supported us downtown, we would have never grown into the Shopko building."
Today, Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance has a staff of 13 (plus Greg and Lisa), and continues to add new departments and merchandise. A greenhouse has been a big success as have a variety of gift and home items.
To learn more about Greg and Lisa Carter's small business story, including the day Greg came home and told his wife he wanted to buy a hardware store, listen to our full interview podcast.