Another year has come and gone, and our company held its annual Christmas celebration and dinner on December 14. Employees and their families gathered to enjoy a great meal and time together.
As I shared a few remarks about the past year, I reflected on the challenges we faced as a company. An uncertain economy, increased competition, personnel changes, and even significant health issues within our ranks tested us. But as a hardware family, as we like to call ourselves, we endured. We overcame. We persevered. And because of those experiences, we are stronger today. We learn from our challenges, and we grow through them. For these reasons, I am confident that 2026 will be a great year.
Now, on to those pesky New Year’s resolutions.
Here are a few of my around-the-house resolutions. Feel free to borrow any of them, I nearly always fall short of completing all of mine.
Declutter. If you have closets, bins, or shelves full of items you never use, it’s time to let them go. Donate them, sell them at a yard sale. Do whatever it takes to clear the space.
Organize the newfound space. Make it easy to find the items you actually use, and remember to put them back in the same place every time. Ensuring that everything has its designated spot is a great way to keep track of things and it prevents you from buying multiples of the same item. Exactly how many mops does one person need?
Shrink your bills. This is where I get to say that your dad was right. By keeping clean filters in your heating and cooling system, adjusting your thermostat a few degrees cooler in winter and a degree or two warmer in summer, and using LED light bulbs, you can actively save money all year round. Oh! Don’t forget to turn off the dang lights when you leave a room.
Ensure your home’s safety. Check that all doors open and close smoothly, and locks are working properly. Test your smoke detectors, replace the batteries, and if they’re more than 10 years old, replace the units entirely.
Finish that DIY project you started last spring. You know the one. That project that stares at you from the corner every time you walk by. You started it with the best of intentions, but you got busy. Or maybe you had to tend to something more urgent. Whatever the reason you stopped, it’s time to finish it before you have the urge to start yet another one.
Start a home maintenance fund. Set aside a little money each month for unexpected repairs. You’ll rest easier knowing you have a small nest egg when the inevitable repair bill arrives.
From the Randy’s Hardware family to yours, we wish you all a very happy New Year! Remember to shop local, and if you have any questions, we don’t mind them. We don’t mind them at all!
