Millers Hardware 25 Years

    Millers Hardware in Toluca just celebrated their 25th year in business. Ken and Mary Miller purchases Litchfield Bros. Hardware from Ken and Leila Litchfield and opened on July 1, 1985. With that purchase the Miller’s purchased the buildings at 105, 107 and 109 North Main Street. They opened at 107 N. Main for business and at night started extensive remodeling. The building had the original wooden floors, the ceiling had leaks and the front of the building needed a face lift. With much help from family and friends the work was completed by Labor Day of 1985. They lowered the ceilings, new flooring, new shelves, counters and offered a full line of hardware, plumbing, electrical equipment and paint. After a year Ken remodeled the building located at 105 N. Main and Gene’s Electric took up residence. In 1990-91 Ken remodeled the building at 109 N. Main Street and made 4 office’s for rent. When Millers opened they offered Western Union and through the years many other services have been added to Millers Hardware in 1986-87 they offered hunting and fishing licenses, In 1997 they offered IVC Cellular services and in 1999 dry cleaning services. They also offer screen and window repair. 

     In the beginning when the business was for sale, Mary had some reservation about about owning their own business. She knew the building needed work, that Ken would have to quit his job, many items would need to be purchased and she worried about money. Mary stated that 25 years later she is glad they purchased the business and that Ken is happy being self employed. It definitely was a good decision. Ken stated from the beginning and still today they offer the best free coffee in town. Ken has been happy with his decision in owning his own business and enjoys being self employed. He enjoys his customer’s and visiting with them and can assist them with all of their needs. 

     Ken has been very fortunate when hiring employees and his first employee was Sharon Dollinger who he hired in 1986 and she worked until 1998. Other employees were; Gail Clodfelter who was hired in 1990 and she worked until 2006, Amy Miller his niece, Judy Sidebottom, Dave Pollack and his son Brian who officially started working for him in 2005. Brian has been part of the store since the beginning being only 5 years old. He can remember after school riding his bike to the store and spending time in the store with his Dad until closing. He would help by sweeping or doing odds and ends jobs.

     While unemployed in 2005 and Ken’s employee Dave had to take off work, Brian filled in part time which worked into full time. Now when you enter Millers Hardware you are greeted by a Father and Son team. When asked how does it work working as father and son, they both said they have the same personality, they both work independently,  they are both their own boss and scheduling is no problem as they are flexible. Stop in and congratulate them on 25 years of business and continuing success for the coming years.