How A Third Generation Owner Keeps A Small Town Hardware Store Thriving

Send us Fan MailA hardware store that’s lasted since 1946 has to be more than a place to grab a bolt. Sitting down with Evan Noel of Noel's Inc. in Farmington, New Mexico, we get into the real reason certain small businesses become permanent fixtures in the Four Corners: they earn trust one customer at a time, then protect it with consistency. Evan shares how he grew from working in the store as a teenager to leading a third generation, family-owned hardware business built on advice, problem solving, and relationships that span decades.We talk candidly about what modern retail feels like from the owner’s seat: customers who want expert help but also want the lowest possible price, the constant pressure from online shopping, and why word of mouth still matters in a relationship-driven community. Evan explains why being out on the floor matters for leadership, how customer service becomes a competitive edge against big box stores, and what it takes to sell solutions across a huge product mix that ranges from industrial supplies to homeowner tools.Then we go behind the scenes into operations and growth. Evan breaks down the time sink of paperwork, ordering, payroll, benefits, and compliance, plus the pain and payoff of switching ERP software to support better logistics and distribution. We also dig into a challenge many small retailers recognize instantly: major brands often hold the power on margins and support, and small businesses have to fight to be heard. The conversation closes with what success looks like next, including employee retention, sustainable growth, and expanding distribution beyond San Juan County and the Rockies region.If you care about small business, customer experience, leadership, or the future of local retail in Farmington and the Four Corners, this one is packed with practical insight. Subscribe, share this with a business owner you respect, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Be sure to follow or subscribe!  And, if you're a local business owner who'd like to be featured - or know someone whose story should be told - get in touch at [email protected] show is brought to you by Strategic Horizons Consulting (a division of Ken Collins Marketing).Support the show