Growing Without Losing Your Hometown Roots
By Zach Coblentz —
When people talk about “hometown roots,” to me it’s about more than just where you’re from. It means staying true to the values and traditions that have shaped the community you’re a part of. As a leader, I make decisions every day that reflect that commitment. That can mean prioritizing local needs, supporting community events and making sure our stores remain welcoming places where everyone feels like they belong. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and continuity in everything we do.
As we’ve grown—adding new locations like Lehman’s, which we acquired in 2021—balancing that expansion with preserving a community-first culture has been critical. We don’t just bolt new stores onto the network and call it a day. We integrate carefully, weaving in our Guiding Statements—the core values that drive how we operate. It’s about hiring and training Team Members who genuinely live those values every day. When we acquired Lehman’s, for example, it was a natural fit because their culture already aligned so closely with ours. As we’ve added new Team Members, we’ve looked for those traits that enhance, not dilute, the culture that makes our stores special.
When Hartville Hardware acquired Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio, the integration felt seamless thanks to both companies’ deep commitment to community, tradition and customer-first values. With shared small-town roots and a focus on serving with purpose, the partnership reinforced Hartville’s people-centered approach to thoughtful growth.
There are also things we deliberately don’t do. We haven’t switched to automated phone systems or thinned out our sales floors in the name of efficiency. We believe that personal interaction matters. When customers call, they get a person. When they walk in, there’s someone ready to help. Maintaining that human touch is essential to keeping our small-town feel, even as we grow.
When it comes to bringing new Team Members into the fold, especially at larger or acquired locations, we focus on “neighbor helping neighbor” service. From the first day, we talk about our values: “We do whatever it takes” and “We give more than expected.” It’s not just lip service. It’s part of our onboarding programs, our leadership training and our daily conversations. We encourage Team Members to build relationships—know customers by name when you can, get involved in local events and be a real part of the community you serve.
