SBP#11 -75 Years of Small Business Success | Joe Kimray of B&W Hardware | Wake Forest, NC

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Randy Kerr sits down with Joe Kimray, co-owner of B&W Hardware — a 75-year-old Wake Forest landmark that’s now serving its fourth generation of customers.Joe shares what it’s like marrying into a multigenerational family business and learning how to “retrovate” — blending old-school service with new ideas, products, and technology to keep a small-town hardware store thriving in a big-box world.They dive into Joe’s national advocacy work as part of the National Retail Federation, where he’s traveled to Capitol Hill to fight for small retailers on issues like credit card swipe fees and tariffs — and how those policies quietly impact the people on Main Street more than anyone else.Randy and Joe also explore local Wake Forest politics, Joe’s run for Town Commissioner, and his ongoing leadership roles with the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, including his time as interim president. They touch on his recognition as Man of the Year (2021) and his deep commitment to keeping the heart of downtown Wake Forest strong.From Traeger grills to the town’s beloved Christmas train display, Joe’s story is about community, adaptability, and finding common ground — whether it’s in business, politics, or everyday life. As Joe puts it, “the answers aren’t on the left or the right — they’re in the middle.”