I thought that growing old would take longer, however, that does not seem to be the case. Some folks say that age is only a number and while that may be true, as that number grows, you begin to feel a little different. Your steps start to slow, your memory isn’t quite as sharp, but it isn’t all bad. With age comes wisdom, patience, compassion, and the ability to process decisions in a way that often leads to better outcomes.
My granddad often said, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself.” I find myself fortunate that at the age of 71, I am in good health and enjoy what I do. With that, the time has come to start a new chapter in this book of life. After more than 20 years at the helm of the business, I transitioned the ownership of Randy’s Do it Best Hardware to my son-in-law, Christian Herrick, effective January 2025.
My new role in the business will be to teach, council, advise, complement, criticize, and become a royal pain. (Just kidding.) I look forward to this new adventure. No doubt, some may be concerned about what the future holds for Randy’s Hardware. I can assure you that with Christian’s dream for the business, his management team, and his contacts with business leaders across the country, he will take Randy’s Hardware to a new, greater level. I am confident that this new and exciting change will result in many good things to come.
I am looking forward to spending time in the woods, along streams, and going to car shows. You will still see me around the stores, as I know I would miss seeing my regulars, catching up on what’s happening in town, and being surrounded by excellent people.
It has been a privilege to own a business that has consistently been supported by the surrounding community. I have been fortunate to have met so many amazing people both as customers and employees, while creating a business that has, and will continue to support my family. I want to thank you for helping me realize my dream of opening a small, independent hardware store. In a time when everything seems to change overnight, Randy’s Hardware is going to continue to offer the experience of walking into a store and being greeted by name. We’re going to continue to offer friendly service and advice. One thing that will never change is this: at Randy’s Hardware, we don’t mind your questions. We don’t mind them at all!
