By Kim Breyley,
Hartville Hardware has been operating in Middlefield since 2020, when the Ohio state government shut down nonessential businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “We signed the deal the same week they closed the schools,” said Scott Sommers, president of Hartville Hardware. “We thought this could be the nail in the coffin that shuts down all our companies.”
The store, owned by HRM Enterprises based in Hartville, Ohio, faced a slow start due to the pandemic but has since flourished. Today, it operates in 12,000 square feet of retail space and 35,000 square feet of warehousing.
Just west of the Village of Middlefield, Hartville Hardware is constructing a new 175,000-square-foot facility on 25 acres, with plans to open in early fall 2025. The new campus will feature a full-service hardware home center and a pro lumber yard offering a 40,000-square-foot drive-through lumber service. “Customers will drive indoors, place their orders, pick up their lumber, and pay as they leave,” Sommers explained. Other key areas will include tools from brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Festool, as well as building materials, flooring, doors, and windows. “We are very excited about our appliance department and our extensive Carhartt clothing area, including a large women’s section,” he added.
Hartville Hardware currently employs 40 people in Middlefield, with that number expected to grow to approximately 100 once the new facility opens. HRM Enterprises Inc. encompasses the country’s largest independent hardware store in Hartville, Hartville Kitchen—a top-rated restaurant—and a diverse MarketPlace & Flea Market, which has become a destination for visitors. Established in 1939, the family-owned company employs more than 900 people and is known for providing a positive work environment, with Sundays off, no late evenings, comprehensive benefits, and perks like company picnics, Christmas banquets, and employee discounts. Team members are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities.
Sommers represents the fourth generation of family ownership. “HRM stands for Howard R. Miller, my grandfather,” he said. “It all started in 1939 with my great-grandfather, who began a livestock auction in Hartville. After he passed away in his 50s, my grandfather, a serial entrepreneur, decided to shut down the livestock and start a restaurant.” Hartville Kitchen has been in business for more than 70 years.
In 1972, when a small 5,000-square-foot hardware store came up for sale, Sommers’ grandfather asked his two oldest sons, Howard Jr., 19, and Wayne, 16, if they wanted to enter the hardware business. They made the decision by Monday morning. In 1974, they moved to a 20,000-square-foot facility with help from the community. “My uncles ran the hardware division for the first 50 years,” Sommers noted. “They created a culture of empowerment and teamwork, and we’re the custodians of that culture.”
Over the past 30 years, the store has grown to more than 100,000 square feet, and in 2012, the current 300,000-square-foot complex opened, employing around 280 people. “My dad manages the Hartville Kitchen, so my first job was washing dishes when I was about 12,” Sommers recalled.
“We are now a destination retail home center, consisting of a working lumber yard and hardware store,” he said. “Contractors come here three to five days a week to buy supplies. We also operate as a John Deere dealership.” Hartville Hardware features a large tool department and the largest Carhartt display in Ohio, including the largest women’s clothing section in the U.S. The store also offers an Idea House, an 1,845-square-foot modern European-style home designed to inspire homeowners, contractors, and builders.
Kelli Hill, marketing director, shared her experience. “I’ve been with the company for three years, and what drew me here was the culture and the people. Coming from a large corporation, I found a better fit for my skills in this team-oriented environment.” “I believe that collective opinions lead to better results,” she added. “The marketing department isn’t siloed, allowing collaboration across various departments. This camaraderie stems from both current and past leadership. The family works hard to maintain those values and pass them on through generations.”
“We prioritize how we treat people and strive to be the best place to work and provide the best guest experience,” Sommers said. “We know that an engaged team leads to the best experience for our customers, which fosters sustainable success.” He acknowledged the balance between community expectations and employee needs. “Our community would like us to be open until 9 p.m., but our team members prefer not to work those hours,” Sommers said.
The company’s philosophy, inspired by their grandfather, emphasizes putting God first, treating employees and customers well, and giving back to the community. Hartville Hardware chose Middlefield for its demand and potential as a destination. “We hoped to help businesses grow in the community,” Sommers said. “We’ve always wanted to return to this area. My grandmother, Sarah Shrock, is from Burton, making it feel like home for us.”
The 25-acre parcel was recently annexed by Middlefield Village to provide necessary amenities. “When the Hartville Hardware leadership expressed their desire to expand, we eagerly facilitated the annexation through cooperation with Middlefield Township,” said Mayor Garlich. “We look forward to their new investment in our community.” Many in the area wonder if the new location will replicate Hartville Kitchen. “A replica is not currently in the plans, but we’re open to it,” Sommers said.
The expansion will provide more opportunities for community involvement through events, such as pancake breakfasts and product demonstrations. “We’re excited to involve the community more in Middlefield,” Hill said.
Hartville Hardware has been a wonderful addition to this community, offering more than 40 jobs and the potential for many more. This expansion will meet community needs and enhance the area.
For more information, visit hartvillehardware.com.
