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Gronis Hardware is located at 517 Cherokee St., Leavenworth.
1. Gronis Hardware has been operating in downtown Leavenworth for many decades. Tell us about the history of the hardware store, including the year the business began and who started the business.
Gronis Hardware is a family owned and operated business. John D. Gronis, a veteran of World War I, opened Gronis hardware in 1940. In 1968, John sold the store, which up to that time occupied only one building, to his brother Delmar Poell. Delmar was responsible for the expansion of Gronis into its current format of four buildings and prior to the expansion the space was occupied by Hoin’s Meat Market. Delmar ran the store until his death in 2000 and ownership of Gronis now rests with Delmar’s daughter, Joan Hall, along with her husband Charles, her son Mike Hall and her daughter Beth Hall.
2. Many people in the community like the fact that your staff is so well trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of the hardware business. How do you train your sales representatives and what is the most important thing you emphasize to them in dealing with customers?
We train our representatives thoroughly. We teach them basic and advanced concepts concerning power-tools, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, plumbing solutions, electrical solutions and a wide range of other potential issues customers frequently experience. In training our sales team we emphasize the need to actually assist customers as opposed to trying to sell them unnecessary items. We frequently find ourselves recommending potential solutions that do not require the customer to purchase a product from our store.
3. What sorts of products and services does Gronis offer the community? What’s your best-selling product?
We offer products in almost every area imaginable. Our selection of products covers areas such as kitchen and bath, plumbing, electrical, painting and garden. Our best-selling products are the STIHL trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and tillers. In addition to the wide variety of products that we offer, we also provide a small-engine repair service. Our shop is operated year-round by two highly qualified mechanics and we are able to either supply individual parts or repair entire units.
4. Have any of your sales people been in a situation where a customer is seeking instructions and advice on a do-it-yourself project that he or she is clearly not skilled enough to undertake? If so, would your sales staff try and talk someone out of embarking on a project that was out of their skill range?
We frequently encounter customers attempting to solve complex issues. Although we are able to assist most customers with completing a complex task, we sometimes encounter jobs that are far too complex or dangerous to complete. Most often these issues concern either electrical or plumbing and if we feel that a customer is unqualified to complete their current task, then we will undoubtedly recommend that a professional completes the job. Our reason for this is simple. We want the job to be completed in a safe, responsible manner.
Gronis Hardware is located at 517 Cherokee St., Leavenworth.
1. Gronis Hardware has been operating in downtown Leavenworth for many decades. Tell us about the history of the hardware store, including the year the business began and who started the business.
Gronis Hardware is a family owned and operated business. John D. Gronis, a veteran of World War I, opened Gronis hardware in 1940. In 1968, John sold the store, which up to that time occupied only one building, to his brother Delmar Poell. Delmar was responsible for the expansion of Gronis into its current format of four buildings and prior to the expansion the space was occupied by Hoin’s Meat Market. Delmar ran the store until his death in 2000 and ownership of Gronis now rests with Delmar’s daughter, Joan Hall, along with her husband Charles, her son Mike Hall and her daughter Beth Hall.
2. Many people in the community like the fact that your staff is so well trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of the hardware business. How do you train your sales representatives and what is the most important thing you emphasize to them in dealing with customers?
We train our representatives thoroughly. We teach them basic and advanced concepts concerning power-tools, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, plumbing solutions, electrical solutions and a wide range of other potential issues customers frequently experience. In training our sales team we emphasize the need to actually assist customers as opposed to trying to sell them unnecessary items. We frequently find ourselves recommending potential solutions that do not require the customer to purchase a product from our store.
3. What sorts of products and services does Gronis offer the community? What’s your best-selling product?
We offer products in almost every area imaginable. Our selection of products covers areas such as kitchen and bath, plumbing, electrical, painting and garden. Our best-selling products are the STIHL trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and tillers. In addition to the wide variety of products that we offer, we also provide a small-engine repair service. Our shop is operated year-round by two highly qualified mechanics and we are able to either supply individual parts or repair entire units.
4. Have any of your sales people been in a situation where a customer is seeking instructions and advice on a do-it-yourself project that he or she is clearly not skilled enough to undertake? If so, would your sales staff try and talk someone out of embarking on a project that was out of their skill range?
We frequently encounter customers attempting to solve complex issues. Although we are able to assist most customers with completing a complex task, we sometimes encounter jobs that are far too complex or dangerous to complete. Most often these issues concern either electrical or plumbing and if we feel that a customer is unqualified to complete their current task, then we will undoubtedly recommend that a professional completes the job. Our reason for this is simple. We want the job to be completed in a safe, responsible manner.
5. What’s the best thing about operating a business in downtown Leavenworth and what is Gronis’ most important goal in serving regular customers and attracting new ones?
The best thing about operating a business in downtown Leavenworth is the comradery between the businesses and the local residents.
We have always found our interactions to be very pleasant and rewarding.
Our most important goal in serving customers, either new or returning, is to ensure that we actually solve their problem.
In contrast to larger corporations, we do not try to merely sell customers a product. We try to help them.
Bonus question: What are the most important three tools that everyone should have in their home?
Hammer, screwdrivers and pliers.
— Rimsie McConiga
