This Business Spotlight is the third in a series of posts highlighting Small Business Week (Sept. 12-18, 2021) in Gahanna!

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For over six decades, Gahanna Hardware (73 N. High St.) has reliably served the greater Gahanna area, offering custom guidance in-step with continual advances in building trades. Owner Twyla Edgell is proud to operate the business, steps away from the Creekside plaza.   

“To retain employees, I’ve found it’s best to treat them the way you want to be treated. I love to surprise them with breakfast or lunch, which means a lot to the crew,” shared Edgell. 

With a staff of 11, a typical Gahanna Hardware employee is often retired and well-versed in the building trades. However, all employees receive hands-on training to perform paint mixing, key cutting, plexiglass cutting, and pipe cutting, among other services.  

“I’ve found success hiring older, retired employees that enjoy helping others. Most employees work about 20 hours a week, so they can treat this job almost like a fun hobby,” explained Edgell. 

Aside from showering her employees with gift cards on holidays and birthdays, Edgell also takes time to gift each worker with a Christmas ham. Most importantly, Gahanna Hardware’s operating hours help her crew sustain a predictable work-life balance, as the store closes at 6 pm on weekdays and is also closed on all holidays.  

“I’ve been coming to Gahanna Hardware my entire life. It feels really satisfying to help others with a variety of different projects. Customers leave here really happy, which makes me feel great as a customer service employee. Plus, I get to see a lot of the people I grew up with. Gahanna Hardware is a just a really rewarding and relaxing place to work,” shared Jeff I., who has worked at Gahanna Hardware for the past three years.   

Edgell claims her success with employee retention is also based on her ability to quickly identify the strengths and weaknesses of her crew, enabling her to create a tailored training plan to best support each worker.  

“Twyla, the owner, makes sure we feel taken care of, and she even makes us feel like her kids. I’ve lived in Gahanna my entire life, and I really do enjoy working in the heart of my community,” exclaimed manager Brad M., who has worked at Gahanna Hardware for two years.  

Gahanna Hardware is currently hiring two crew members. To apply, please stop in the store and ask for an application.  

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