The Grit Blueprint Podcast
Reviving a Small-Town Hardware Store: 3 Sons Hardware, Sponsored by Do it Best Group
August 28, 2025 Length: 17 min Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
On The Grit Blueprint Podcast, sponsored by Do it Best Group, Lori Ables tells Stefanie Couch how she revived a small-town hardware store in Minnesota, turning a nearly empty space into award-winning 3 Sons Hardware. Listening to customers shapes her product mix, including an expanded fishing department with live bait and tackle.
About This Episode.
This episode is sponsored by Do it Best Group.
Lori Ables shares the story of how she transformed a nearly empty store into an award-winning True Value hardware destination at 3 Sons Hardware in Minnesota. Her journey from reluctant retailer to passionate hardware store owner showcases the power of listening to customers and creating a family legacy business.
- • Initially reluctant to enter retail when husband bought first hardware store in Ohio
- • Purchased Minnesota store in 2022 and completed extensive remodeling with True Value's help
- • Named business "3 Sons Hardware" with all three sons working in family businesses
- • Expanded fishing department with live bait and tackle to serve local lakes community
- • Focuses on listening to customers to adjust product mix for local needs
- • Leads by example by working alongside employees on all tasks
- • Balances having experienced retirees and younger employees for knowledge and energy
- • Successfully navigating the True Value transition to Do it Best ownership
- • Exploring AI technology for creating store signage and other applications
- • Working in tandem with family lumberyard business for economies of scale
Key Takeaways.
- Lori bought the Minnesota store in 2022 and completed an extensive remodel with True Value's help.
- An expanded fishing department with live bait and tackle serves the local lakes community.
- Listening to customers guides changes to the product mix for local needs.
- Lori leads by example, working alongside employees, and balances experienced retirees with younger staff.
- The store works in tandem with the family lumberyard business for economies of scale and is exploring AI for signage.
Questions and Answers.
How do you revive a small-town hardware store?
Lori Ables of 3 Sons Hardware in Minnesota turned a nearly empty store into an award-winning True Value hardware destination after buying it in 2022 and remodeling with True Value's help. She focuses on listening to customers and adjusting the product mix for local needs.
Why is the store called 3 Sons Hardware?
The name reflects Lori's three sons, who all work in the family businesses.
How are hardware stores using AI?
Lori is exploring AI technology for creating store signage and other applications.
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