Started as a parts counter, still runs like one
Founder’s Hardware opened as a two-aisle parts counter behind a since-closed appliance repair shop. When the repair shop closed, the counter stayed open, because the neighborhood kept showing up with broken things in hand rather than a shopping list.
That is still the job. The store has grown to seven departments, but every hire starts behind the service counter matching parts before they are allowed to run a register, because knowing where things are is the entire business.
Nine people work the floor on a given day. Between them they can cut a key, thread a pipe, mix a colour, and tell you honestly whether the part you are holding is worth chasing.
