Heart of the Community

M&M Hardware co-owner Annie Campbell-Johnston reflects on local relationships, neighborly outreach and being named a Crimson Connections Champion. 

By Annie Campbell-Johnston 

For me, community involvement has never been separate from the hardware business. At M&M Hardware in Steubenville, Ohio, helping people has always been part of what we do, whether that means helping someone find the right product in the store or helping the community outside the business’s four walls. 

Our store dates to 1918. My dad, Scott Campbell, took ownership in 1993, and within the past 10 years my brother, Sean, and I became co-owners. We’re second-generation, and we plan to continue that legacy. 

I grew up in the store. When I was little, I helped retag merchandise, cut down cardboard boxes and do all the small jobs that come with growing up in a family hardware store. At one point I thought I might head in an entirely different direction—I even considered mortuary school while taking classes at the local community college. Eventually, though, I went to Wheeling Jesuit University, earned a degree in business management with a minor in accounting and came back to work alongside my dad. 

What kept me here is simple: I genuinely like helping people. I like being part of a small local business where you know your customers and build relationships with them over time. Community involvement was always important to my dad, and that mindset carried over to me. We’ve always believed you help where you can, whether that means donating products, donating time or simply showing up when people need support. 

A Heartwarming Moment in the Spotlight 

That commitment recently led to me being named a “Crimson Connections Champion” through Trinity Health System. The recognition is part of a women’s health-and-wellness initiative that highlights women making meaningful community contributions through leadership, outreach and service. I was nominated for my local involvement and leadership efforts, and honestly, my first reaction was surprise. 

I don’t do what I do to be recognized. I’m not somebody who likes being the center of attention. At first, I was taken aback. But at the same time, I felt humbled and grateful. It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader, especially because there are so many good people quietly doing important things in their communities every day. 

The award event itself focused strongly on women’s heart health, which hit close to home because of my family history. My grandfather had heart troubles. My uncle passed away from heart disease and diabetes. My dad had triple bypass surgery several years ago. When I turned 30, I ended up on blood pressure medication myself. 

That pushed me to make changes. I started walking more regularly and paying closer attention to my health. Recently I was able to come off the medication, which felt like a big milestone. 

One message from the luncheon really stayed with me. The speaker talked about how important relationships are to heart health and overall wellness. That idea—building relationships and staying connected to people—resonated because it reflects how I view our business and our local role. 

Building Community Beyond the Store 

Over the years, some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has happened outside the store itself. 

Last year, after major flooding hit the Wheeling, W.Va., area, we partnered with First Westminster Presbyterian Church and local television station WTOV9 to organize flood-relief collection efforts. We had semi-trailers set up in Steubenville and Cadiz, Ohio, as well as Weirton, W.Va., collecting supplies for families affected by the flooding. 

Those trailers filled up quickly. In all, four tractor-trailer loads of supplies were sent to flood-relief hubs helping families who had lost homes and personal belongings. 

Another program that has become especially meaningful to me is Badge Buddies, which we help organize through the church alongside local law enforcement. The program works with third-grade students in downtown Steubenville, particularly in areas where many children might interact with police officers only during difficult situations. 

Once a month, officers come into the schools during gym class and spend time talking with students about communication and trust. Afterward, they play games like dodgeball and kickball. The students also receive special coins they can collect and exchange when they see officers in the community. 

What’s been amazing is hearing how those small interactions are already changing relationships. We’ve had officers tell us kids now come up and say hello to them at football games or around town. It creates familiarity and trust where neither might have existed before. 

Programs like that matter because not every child grows up with strong support systems or positive role models. Being able to help create those relationships feels extremely important to me. 

Ultimately, that’s what this is all about for me. Yes, we sell hardware. Yes, we run a business. But we’re also part of the daily life of this community. We know our customers. We know their families. We see them at school events, church events and local fundraisers. 

If you can make one person’s day a little better, that means something. Every day is a blessing, and I feel fortunate that this business gives me opportunities to help people both inside and outside the store. 

Annie Campbell-Johnston is co-owner of M&M Hardware in Steubenville, Ohio, and a second-generation hardware retailer active in community outreach throughout the Upper Ohio Valley. In addition to the hardware store, she has three children and lives and operates a small farm with cows, sheep, pigs and chickens.