"I'm here for the people," says new owner of Altona Home Hardware

It's been about six months since the Suderman family took over ownership of Home Hardware in Altona, and it's been going well. 

"It's looking good this far," said family patriarch, Henry. "The response has been awesome. Local ownership seems to be what people want to see."

The opportunity to purchase the location presented itself to Henry and he took it, noting he was looking to work together with his family. That includes his wife Nettie, daughter Emily and son Jason who is the store's manager.

Henry says the goal is to be receptive to what customers want and grow the business. 

"At this point, we're listening to what the customers want, and we bring it in. There are some things that have surprised us. Lawn mowers. We brought mowers in, and they're gone."

Business in the paint department is also picking up, he added. 

New to the store is a reverse osmosis water fill station, also brought in because customers asked for it. The plan, said Henry, is to take it one step further.

"We will set up a milk run, per se, and try, at least once a week, to deliver water to whoever wants it."

The local customer service won't stop there, added Henry. If a customer orders an appliance through the company, his staff will deliver it. 

"I'm here for people," he said. "I have no problem coming down, unlocking a door and writing a skew (number) down and you take your sump pump home. We'll deal with it. And that's what happens when you know people locally."

For Henry, the biggest thing is service.

"If you come in here and you don't get service, I sure hope I hear about it."

Looking ahead, the plan is using that customer feedback to grow the business, located in the Altona Mall.