As I wrote this after the last True Value Hardware show, it was clear that change was already underway. Familiar faces had begun to retire, others were transitioning to new roles, stores had already made a switch, and the rhythm we’d all come to know was subtly shifting. With this next chapter on the horizon, it feels right to share these reflections now—as a tribute to the community that has been more like family. To everyone who has been part of this journey, in every aisle, booth, hug, and handshake, this one’s for you.
The Hardware Industry: More Than Just Business—It’s Family
If you’ve spent any time in the hardware world, you know it’s not just about tools, products, or even the stores themselves—it’s about the people. This industry is full of folks who’ve been around for decades, and I’m talking 25 years or more. Whether it’s vendors, teammates, storeowners, or the behind-the-scenes folks who keep things running, everyone’s got a story, and we’ve all shared the journey.
Walk into any hardware show, and it feels like a big family reunion. You see the same faces—vendors who’ve seen it all, teammates who’ve had your back through thick and thin, and storeowners whose milestones and challenges you’ve helped along the way. Sure, some of us might change jobs or companies, but they never really leave. They just show up in a different shirt, still part of the same small world we all know and love.
And it’s not just the years we put in; it’s the connections we build. Helping others is in our DNA—whether it’s guiding a customer to find the perfect tool for the job or lending a hand to a fellow storeowner who’s navigating a tough transition. It’s about families with three, even four generations walking those show floors together, sharing stories, and passing down traditions. It’s about the vendors catching up over coffee, teammates sharing a laugh at the booth, and families keeping the legacy alive.
This isn’t just business; it’s personal. It’s why a handshake or a hug feels more like catching up with an old friend, and why every show feels like coming home. Here’s to the vendors, the teammates, the members, and the generations who keep this industry going strong, year after year. As we move forward together into this new chapter, let’s carry these memories and connections with us, remembering that this isn’t just business—it’s family.
Here’s to the next chapter.
With gratitude,
Renee
About the Mosaic: A Tribute to Our Hardware Family
This mosaic was created as a labor of love, pulling together snapshots of the people, stores, and memories that define our hardware community. From familiar faces to cherished milestones, we tried to include as many as possible to reflect the shared love and dedication that unite us.
We know that many of you wanted to share more pictures and memories but didn’t have the chance. If there’s enough interest, we’d be thrilled to create another mosaic or update this one to continue capturing the story of our hardware family.
If you’d like to contribute photos to future projects, you can upload them here: Add more photos.
