RTC's Business Communicator for Winter 2018

10 WINTER 2018 PLAZA TRUSTWORTHY HARDWARE 307 Main Street in Plaza • 701-497-3750 RTC Services: Internet, Phone, and TV Susan Edwards describes Plaza Trustworthy Hardware this way: “We’re a small general hardware store (about 40 feet x 50 feet) that carries a little bit of everything. We try to have the things our customers need right away.” Edwards started Plaza Trustworthy Hardware in 1975 and has developed a strong tradition of customer service in those 43 years. “People who visit our store can sit down with a free cup of coffee and visit with friends. We have a coffee hour in the morning from 8:30 to 9:30, which we jokingly call our AARP meeting, but we give away free coffee all the time. The tradition of serving coffee started when we were at our old location. At that time, there wasn’t a restaurant in town, and we had some extra space so we set up a couple of tables,” she says. If customers are thirsty for advice, they can get that as well. Edwards explains, “I’m good at picking out paint colors for people when they bring in a paint can or a piece of fabric. Or if a customer comes in with a plumbing piece that needs to be replaced, we can help with that, too.” Active in the Plaza Community Club for 40 years, Edwards vol- unteers her time and makes donations. Coming up on December 15 is the club’s toy giveaway at the Community Hall. She says, “Plaza Trustworthy Hardware gives a discount on the club’s toy purchases and supplies free gift wrap. Each child gets a ticket, and when their name is called, they come up and get a gift.” S & J HARDWARE 8 North Main Street in Garrison • 701-463-2712 RTC Services: Internet, Phone, TV, and SecureIT How does owner Gary Larson describe S & J Hardware? He replies, “S & J Hardware is a small town hardware store. We have hard- wood floors and high ceilings, which gives it an old-time look. But we also use today’s technology to better serve our customers, like online ordering with ship-to-store service.” Like Badlands Hardware, S & J Hardware is also an independently owned member of the Do it Best Corp. buying cooperative. This provides online access to 67,000 items to compliment the well- stocked store. In addition to the product inventory, customers appreciate the repair advice and DIY tips available at S & J Hardware. Larson says, “We get asked for advice about many different items and projects—from how to repair a vacuum to how to install a new faucet—and we’re happy to do it. You don’t get that kind of help from a big box store.” He adds, “People tend to stick around and chat when they come to our store. We ask them about their families; they ask us about ours. It’s a small town way of doing business. S & J Hardware is also a local information resource. I get questions such as, ’My fridge doesn’t work. Who can I call?’ or ‘What time does the dump open?’ You could say we’re a precursor to Google.” S & J Hardware has long been active in the Chamber of Commerce, both by serving on committees and in leadership positions. The store is also supportive of local schools and has a presence on the volunteer EMS team. 10 Susan Edwards, Plaza Trustworthy Hardware Gary Larson, S & J Hardware

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