Warming Up to Niche Services: How Jenneman’s Tackles Cold Weather Customer Needs and More

Nestled in Siren, Wis., Jenneman’s Hardware Hank adapts to the unique challenges of its environment and the needs of its customers, offering specialized niches and services such as cabin shut-downs, sandpoint well installations, and appliance sales that go beyond traditional hardware store offerings.

“We’re a third-generation business and cabin shutdowns and sandpoint well installation and repair started with my grandfather, who grew up as a farmer in Wisconsin,” says Mike Swanson, owner of Jenneman’s Hardware Hank. “I grew up in the business and that was my education.”

Jenneman’s Hardware Hank was founded in 1973 by Les Jenneman and initially run by Les Swanson and his wife, Alice, the store was later passed down to the next generation, with Kevin and Luanne Swanson taking over operations. Today, the store is owned and managed by Mike Swanson, continuing the family tradition of serving the local community. Since opening, the key to success for Jenneman’s Hardware Hank is listening to customers and adapting to their needs.

“Customer service is our whole deal,” says Ralph Elsing, a long-time salesperson at Jenneman’s. “If customers aren’t asking questions, we’ll ask them. It’s all about understanding their needs and finding the right solutions, whether it’s a more affordable option or a premium product.”

For more than 45 years, this third-generation, family-owned business has built its reputation on personalized customer service and an impressive array of unique services. This hands-on, service-oriented approach extends beyond the store’s walls.

“We’re not just selling products,” says Elsing. “We’re solving problems and building relationships. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

If Jenneman’s can’t handle a job, they’ll refer customers to trusted local professionals. It’s this commitment to the community that has kept customers returning for generations.

Winter Cabin Shut-Downs: A Trusted Niche

In Northwestern Wisconsin, where winter temperatures often plunge to 20 or 30 degrees below zero, winterizing seasonal cabins is essential. Jenneman’s has perfected the art of cabin shut-downs, a service they’ve offered for more than four decades. business comes from providing shut-down and opening services and sandpoint well installation.

Cabin shut-down customers place a lot of trust in Jenneman’s staff to secure their properties.

“We have to be cautious with cabin shut-downs,” Swanson says. “You have to know what you’re doing or you can damage a property if it’s not done properly.” 

Each year, the store shuts down about 200 cabins, and many cabin shut-down customers have trusted Jenneman’s for decades. “A lot of customers are second-generation family cabins and we’ve been helping them for more than 30 years,” Swanson says.

The process involves draining and blowing out all water lines, adding biodegradable antifreeze to fixtures, and ensuring appliances are fully protected from freezing temperatures. Each job is meticulously handled, with most taking an hour or two, although larger properties or resorts can take an entire day. Cabin re-openings in the spring are equally thorough, ensuring everything is functioning as it should.

The shut-down season runs from late September to November, with most calls coming in October and November. Re-openings occur from mid-April to early June, aligning with the return of seasonal residents.

Sandpoint Wells: An Expertise Few Can Match

Jenneman’s is one of the only places in the area specializing in sandpoint wells, a cost-effective solution for the region’s sandy soil. These shallow wells, typically 30 to 60 feet deep, are an affordable alternative to drilled wells, with installations costing between $3,500 and $5,500. Each year, the store installs about 15 wells in the Siren, Wis., area.

The store also stands out for exclusively selling domestic plumbing parts, which Elsing says are more durable than those found at big-box stores. “Our plumbing department is the largest in the store. It’s a critical part of what we do,” he says.

Appliances: A Growing Segment

Jenneman’s appliance sales and installations have grown significantly, and each year, the store sells 200 to 250 appliances. Appliance sales account for about one-third of the company’s business, and the store offers complete installation services as well. The store’s installation team handles everything from delivery and setup to connecting water lines and leveling appliances. Whether it’s a refrigerator, stove, or dryer, Jenneman’s ensures a seamless experience.

“We’re in an area selling more and more,” Swanson says. “We’re doing more packages for new homes and remodels. People are relocating from the Twin Cities since COVID because more people are working remote.”

As far a advice for other hardware retailers looking to create new niches, Swanson offers this advice: “If someone asks twice about a product or service, I start looking into it. If a third person asks about it, that’s my hint to really pursue it.”