JERSEY SHORE - Buttorff's Hardware, Inc. may seem like a normal hardware store, but it's not all about nails, screws and hammers.
The store has seen three generations of Buttorff ownership and has maintained a relationship with the Jersey Shore community since it first opened its doors in 1943.
Keith Buttorff, owner, said they have been able to stay in business for so long because of the service and helping nature of the store employees. "It's being personable with the customer- answering their questions."
Warren, Keith's grandfather, started the business in 1943 and it has remained in the family since. Buttorff said he started working at the store in 1972 when his father, John Sr., owned it.
He said the business remaining in the family for so long built a sense of family in the store and the customers appreciate it.
The store is lucky to have employees that want to help people, he said, "Everybody that works here just likes helping people."
Though Buttorff's is a business it's not all about money, he said, it's also about helping the community.
"You don't get the help you do here anywhere else," Buttorff said.
The store sells hardware, yard and garden accessories, and home appliances. Another service they provide is installing Dish Network. Buttorff said they also fix everything they sell as well as other appliances customers bring in.
"If someone comes in with a screw busted, we'll figure it out for you," he said.
The store being in the area for so many years has allowed residents to build a good, working relationship with the store, Buttorff said. The area understands the store wants to help them and knows the work and product the store offers, he said, "We trust people and people trust us."
This relationship has been strengthened by the mindset of doing what it takes to make sure the customer is happy.
"If something goes wrong, we take the loss," Buttorff said, "We try not to make anyone unhappy."
The store doesn't plan on changing anything because Buttorff said "it's working," and "we've done it for a while."
He said the store has seen an increase in business due to the gas companies entering the area but said the community relationships and helpful service the store provides is the backbone of Buttorff's Hardware.
"Our business grows in here by the day," Buttorff said, "We've been here forever."
