Arlan Sorter said he has worn several hats at Community Hardware, where he has worked for his in-laws since 1985. After they retired in 2012, Sorter was handed the keys and became the owner of the longstanding hardware store.

What they offer

Opened in 1972, Community Hardware has become a staple where locals can find home improvement supplies, including garden, electrical and plumbing supplies, as well as hardware items like nails, screws and hinges. General manager Mike Britton said their typical customers include homeowners, business owners and contractors.
Community Hardware has over 3,000 pipe sizes. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Community Hardware has over 3,000 pipe sizes. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“We try to have the items that people need,” Sorter said. “For instance, during the freeze, everybody's pipes break. Well, having 200 fittings is not going to get you very far. So we've upped our order points on a lot of fittings.”

Services and features the hardware store is known for include:
  • Key cutting
  • Pipe cutting and threading
  • Window and screen repair
  • A color/paint bar
What else?

One of the more unique features at Community Hardware is a knife case, which remains stocked with 500 knives at a time, Sorter said. In addition, for years, Community Hardware has carried hundreds of flavored sodas sourced from California.
At Community Hardware locals can find hundreds of flavors of sodas. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
At Community Hardware, locals can find hundreds of flavors of sodas. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Sorter said customers are also often surprised to find that the hardware store carries high-end wind chimes that range anywhere from $30-$600.


As a lifelong area resident and local hardware store owner, Sorter said he has come to know many of his customers personally.

“We're so close to our customers that we will go to their funeral,” Sorter said. “Everyone's got a special story and a special place in our heart.”