PRO Group Recognizes Outstanding Retailers

Three businesses have been recognized by Denver-based PRO Group for investing in their communities and delivering exceptional customer service.

PRO Group awarded its annual Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award, which is named after PRO Hardware founder Paul L. Cosgrave, to 415 PRO Hardware. It also recognized Country Farm and Home PRO Hardware as the 2018 Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Finalist. Both stores were named 2017 PRO Retailers of the Year, along with Welches Mountain Building Supply & PRO Hardware.

“PRO Group is proud to honor these independent businesses,” says Shari Kalbach, vice president at PRO Group. “The winners are selected based on everything from sales to store modernization to support of PRO programs and more. Across the board, these retailers are top performers and truly represent what PRO Hardware stands for.”

Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Winner
415 PRO Hardware
Dallas, Pennsylvania

Over the course of just two years, 415 PRO Hardware has become a successful home center destination in Dallas, Pennsylvania. PRO Group has chosen the business as the 2018 Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Winner for its success in customer service and retail operations. The company is also the 2017 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year for the Bostwick-Braun Co. based in Toledo, Ohio. The business will be formally honored at Bostwick-Braun’s 2018 Fall Dealer Market, Sept. 20-22, in Toledo, Ohio.

Formerly a landscaper, Kurt Fetterman filled a community need by opening the business in April 2016. He puts a large emphasis on endcaps and merchandising displays by altering them with seasonal items and new products.

Fetterman is also improving his knowledge of the industry and his customer base to strengthen 415 PRO Hardware. Fetterman establishes relationships with contractors as the go-to shop for paint and sundries by stocking the products they want.

415 PRO Hardware is known as a family business in its community. Fetterman credits his wife, children and parents for their support. Family members can often be found working in the store and representing the business in the community.

Fetterman keeps 415 PRO Hardware involved with the community by donating products, financial resources and event space to several philanthropic organizations, including the Dallas Lions Club and the local American Legion post.

Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Finalist
Country Farm and Home PRO Hardware
Byrdstown, Tennessee

Country Farm and Home PRO Hardware is being honored by PRO Group as the 2018 Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Finalist for its success in customer service and retail operations. The company is also the 2017 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year for Wallace Hardware Co.

Country Farm and Home’s story began in 1980 when Kenneth and Trish Scott purchased a local feed store in Byrdstown, Tennessee, called Pickett Farm Supply. In 2010, the family expanded the business by acquiring a local hardware store. Three years later, in 2013, Kenneth and Trish’s son, John, bought the business and continued expanding. He entered into a partnership with local businessman Tommy Fitzgerald and his family, and in January 2015, the Scott’s former business officially became Country Farm and Home.

According to John Scott, the company’s relationship with PRO Hardware keeps the business ahead of the competition. He uses merchandising tactics and marketing strategies from PRO that have proven to be meaningful and profitable for Country Farm and Home. PRO Hardware’s programs help the company successfully communicate with their customers and offer unbeatable promotions.

The team at Country Farm and Home has also invested in the look and feel of the operation to create a pleasant shopping experience for customers. They have large, illuminated signage near the road so the store is easy to find. Inside the 26,000-square-foot Byrdstown location, the modern showroom is brightly lit and has appropriate signage to make shopping easy. Country Farm and Home takes it one step further by strategically using endcaps to feature special promotions, seasonal items and closeouts so their customers never miss a deal.

Service is another key area in which the business excels. In addition to offering major brands and quality product lines, customers can always expect knowledgeable sales people, special ordering capabilities and other services such as custom paint mixing.

The community relies on Country Farm and Home for its home improvement needs, and its civic support. They can depend on the store to give back to the community. Country Farm and Home supports several local organizations, including United Way, the chamber of commerce, high school athletics, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Byrdstown Fire Department, Byrdstown Police Department, Pickett County FFA and Young Rodeo.

Country Farm and Home also hosts events each year to bring the community together and thank their loyal customers. The company holds an annual customer appreciation day, a contractor appreciation day and multiple cookout events.

While Scott and Fitzgerald remain dedicated to their store in Byrdstown, the future is bright for the company. They’ve recently opened a second location in Cookeville, Tennessee. Plans are also underway for a third location in Monticello, Kentucky, and a fourth location in Crossville, Tennessee.

Country Farm and Home will be formally honored at the Wallace Hardware 2018 Fall Dealer Market, Oct. 10-12, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year
Welches Mountain Building Supply & PRO Hardware
Welches, Oregon

Welches Mountain Building Supply & PRO Hardware is committed to ensuring its customers receive flawless service.

Owners Bill and Rochelle Simmonds know that superior customer service is one of the most powerful business differentiators in Welches, Oregon. The team has even provided transportation for older customers to get products they need.

Recently, the business added unique, locally crafted items to its inventory. It also displays arts and crafts from local artisans.

Bill and Rochelle support many charitable organizations each year. The business also collects gifts to ensure a local family has a memorable holiday season. Rochelle organizes an annual fundraiser at the local fire station which raises money to supply bike helmets for area children.

“The team at Welches is so involved in nearly every community event in their market. They spend countless hours making Welches a better place to live,” says Mike Dawson, sales manager for Horizon Distribution. “They have a 100 percent commitment to serving their community.”

The business will be formally honored at the Horizon Distribution 2018 Fall Dealer Market, which is held Sept. 7-9, in Yakima, Washington.