The Goodz Rebuilds Smarter, Stronger After Hurricane Ian

When Hurricane Ian tore through Fort Myers Beach in September 2022, it left behind unimaginable damage. For Graham Belger, owner of The Goodz, the storm not only destroyed his 6,000-square-foot hardware and gift store but also upended the business he had painstakingly rebuilt since purchasing it in 2013.

But Belger didn’t give up—and neither did his community.

For the past two and a half years, The Goodz has continued to serve island residents from a patchwork of temporary trailers, keeping a full inventory of hardware, beach gear, clothing, Love Boat ice cream, and souvenirs—all while navigating FEMA restrictions, town permitting hurdles, and a complete redesign of the store’s future footprint.

“We had 11 feet of water for 10 hours and 140-mile-per-hour winds. It destroyed everything,” says Belger. “But we’re not giving up. We’re building back smarter and stronger.”

Rebuilding with Resilience

The new Goodz store, set to break ground within the next three months, will be a three-story structure with flood-resilient design features, including elevated retail space and two elevators. Parking will be located underneath the building. The layout calls for a hardware store, gift shop, and ice cream counter on the main level, with a rooftop level that will include beer, wine, and pizza service—adding a community-focused hospitality aspect to the rebuild.

“I don’t want to take a chance on losing everything again,” Belger says. “This new building will let us keep serving the island, and even add to what we can offer.”

The original store, which had been a fixture on Estero Boulevard since the 1950s, was brought back to life by Belger after he acquired it in 2013. He expanded the hardware offering, refined the mix of souvenirs and beach essentials, and helped reestablish the store as a go-to for both locals and tourists. Before the hurricane, The Goodz had eight employees; today, Belger runs the business with a team of three.

Staying Open, Staying Local

While rebuilding plans moved through town approvals, Belger transitioned into operating from a series of enclosed trailers—two 24-foot trailers for hardware and a 20-foot trailer for gifts and ice cream. Despite the cramped conditions, he has managed to stock a full inventory thanks in part to distributor support from both Orgill and Do it Best.

“Do it Best really stepped up,” Belger says. “They approved a solid credit limit so I could buy at the show and restock the trailers. And both distributors have been great about checking in and helping however they can.”

The Goodz remains open at 1698 Estero Blvd, where signs point visitors to the trailers that now serve as the temporary storefront.

Supporting the Community

Throughout the disruption, the store has remained a vital local resource.

“Traffic can be crazy here. It’s two to three hours round-trip to get off the island and back from a big box store,” says Belger. “People count on us to save time—and we work hard to keep our prices comparable.”

From homeowners doing repairs to contractors in need of tools and materials, The Goodz has played a critical role in Fort Myers Beach’s recovery. Belger says it’s not unusual for longtime customers to stop by first before making the trek elsewhere.

“It’s refreshing to see how many people have stayed loyal,” he says. “They show up to support us—and that support is what keeps us going.”

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Rebuilding has come with setbacks. FEMA regulations forced Belger to relocate his temporary trailers this past spring, temporarily hurting foot traffic and sales. Insurance covered less than 10 percent of the nearly $1 million in damage to the original store. And the permitting process has involved countless tweaks and delays.

“It’s definitely not easy,” he says. “But I’ve got a good customer base, and that makes all the difference.”

Belger’s vision for the new Goodz store extends beyond bricks and mortar. Over the next five years, he hopes to expand service offerings, grow back to a larger team, and create a destination that blends retail convenience with community connection.

“This is more than a store. It’s part of the fabric of Fort Myers Beach,” says Belger. “We’re going to make sure it stays that way.”