IN AN age of big-box retailers and online ordering, small hometown businesses continue to play an important role in strengthening local communities. For Jeff and Sherry Frame, owners of Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware, the store reflects a lifelong commitment to serving people and investing in the place they call home.
After several years working in the lumber and hardware industry, the Frames began to feel a desire to take a new professional step. Jeff wanted the opportunity to lead, to build something of his own, and to serve customers in a more personal way. When the opportunity arose to purchase Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware, he and his wife, Sherry, didn’t hesitate.
“I had been in the lumber and hardware business for several years,” Jeff shared. “When the opportunity came up to purchase the store, I jumped at it. I wanted the chance to be my own boss and serve our community in a hands-on way.”
Operating a small business in a hometown comes with unique opportunities. For the Frames, one of the greatest rewards has been the ability to connect with customers on a personal level.
“Running a small business in a hometown gives you the opportunity to be involved in the community and to help customers one-on-one,” the couple shared.
That personal connection is what sets a local hardware store apart. While larger retailers may offer convenience, they often cannot match the level of care and attention found in a locally owned shop. At Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware, customer service is the foundation of the business.
“We pride ourselves on customer service,” Jeff explained. “When someone walks through the door, we meet them, take them to the item they need, and even help explain how to fix their problem.”
That kind of service reflects the store’s “mom-and-pop” approach. Instead of directing customers to an aisle number, Jeff, Sherry, and their team focus on solving problems and meeting real needs. Sometimes that means stocking hard-to-find items or even carrying something as small as a single screw.
“Where else can you buy one small screw for just a few cents instead of having to purchase a whole box?” Jeff said.
Listening to customers has also helped the business grow over time. When someone comes in looking for a specific item, the team does their best to track it down and add it to their inventory if there is a continued need.
“If a customer needs something we don’t have, we try to find it and put it into our stock,” Jeff shared. “That helps grow our business and makes sure we’re providing what the everyday consumer needs.”
Like many small businesses, Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware depends on the support of the local community.
“As a mom-and-pop store, we rely on our community to keep coming back and shopping here,” Jeff said. “That support really matters.”
Over the years, that mutual support has turned into something even more meaningful — relationships. Many customers who walk through the doors are no longer just customers — they are friends.
“We’ve formed lifelong friendships with people we’ve served over the years,” Jeff shared. “They know when they come in, we’re going to do our best to help them.”
Running a small business also comes with daily challenges. One of the biggest is balancing supply and demand, making sure the right products are available at the right time without overstocking or running short.
“Keeping what customers need in stock is a daily balancing act,” Jeff explained. “But one of the best moments is when someone comes in and says, ‘You’re my last hope — do you have this?’ And we get to say, ‘Yes, we do. Let me show you.’ They’re often surprised we had it, and that’s a great feeling.”
That commitment to being there when customers need help is captured in the store’s simple motto: “Shop Poultry First.”
Looking ahead, the Frames hope to continue growing alongside the community they serve.
“We want to keep growing and changing as our community grows,” Sherry said.
Stories like the Frame’s are a reminder that shopping locally is about investing in relationships, strengthening the local economy, and supporting the people who are committed to serving their neighbors every day.
At Poultry Electric & Pro Hardware, the good news is simple — when a community supports its local businesses, those businesses are able to continue supporting the community right back.
Sometimes, that support looks like a friendly face at the door, a helpful conversation, and exactly the right part you have been hunting. GN
