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On the fourth day of the NRHA New England Road Trip, I made my way to the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe, Vermont, to get some sleep before my final day of meeting the enterprising retailers who call the region home. The next day, I had an early morning ahead of me driving through Vermont and ending back in Boston.
Day 5: Vermont, Massachusetts
On Day 5 of the NRHA New England Road Trip, I left the hotel by bright and early to make my way to Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware in Woodstock, Vermont. The operation is one of seven Biben’s Ace locations throughout Vermont. At the store, I met Matt Sacco, vice president of the company, and Greg Bibens, marketing and training coordinator. They spoke about the family operation and how they work to tailor each store’s products to meet the needs of the community served.
After spending some time at Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware, I hit the road for Boston, excited to visit the last store of the trip. I arrived at Norfolk Hardware & Home Center in Boston early in the afternoon. While at the business, I was able to sit down and talk with president of the Norfolk Companies, Stewart Rosen, as well as Norfolk Hardware & Home Center store manager Kevin Peebles and Vicki Maderia, human resources director. They spoke about the history of the company, the recent investment in remodeling the store and the fact that the business is celebrating 85 years in operation this year. I toured the store, snapped some photos and got a firsthand view of how employees at every level are empowered to serve customers.
That night, I stayed just outside Boston and had the opportunity to reflect on the amazing experiences I shared and the unforgettable people I met during the NRHA New England Road Trip. Make sure to follow NRHA’s Instagram and Facebook to see photos from the trip. Look ahead to the November issue of Hardware Retailing for an in-depth recap of the entire trip. Subscribe today to ensure you don’t miss a word!
