Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Sauser.
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m the third generation of a hardware store family. My grandfather started Sauser’s Hardware in 1909. I began working in all aspects of the business at an early age, sweeping, cleaning the shop, and taking apart manure spreader aprons! I gradually learned how to order and deal with customers. 1981, I completed my business degree from the University of St. Thomas to enter the banking industry. Unfortunately, that summer, my father had a stroke, and I volunteered to help run the store while he was recovering. That was 43 years ago, and I’m still here!
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Running a retail business requires a considerable time commitment, managing and predicting changes in how people shop and what they want and need—managing employees, keeping up with trends, maintaining a facility, managing inventory, and government mandates. Not to mention balancing modern trends and shoppers with the historic nature of our business! At one time, our business was dominated by farm goods and has had to evolve. We’ve added a considerable giftware component to our inventory to fill the void left by that and other waning consumer trends. As a business over 100 years old, owned by the same family in the same building, we’ve tried to build on the historic nature of our business. That, in itself, can be a challenge.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Sauser’s Hardware?
A considerable amount of time is spent managing inventory. Ordering, pricing, and displaying products. Because we have an extensive giftware inventory, much time and effort is spent determining what we will purchase and how to market it. Our primary goal is to assist customers in finding products and solving issues. Because we’ve been around for a while and have developed quite a bit of knowledge, we’re usually pretty successful! We love our customers, know many by name, and enjoy interacting with them. We’re known as the store that has everything! While that is not always the case, we certainly try it! However, that sometimes puts a lot of pressure on us! Customers will come into the store and say, “If you can’t find it at Sauser’s, you don’t need it!”
What changes do you expect to see in your work and the industry over the next five to ten years?
Although many people purchase online, we cannot recognize the importance of seeing and touching products. People still enjoy the physical experience of shopping. An online experience can’t replace the customer service aspect of a brick-and-mortar store. The physical shopping experience will always be relevant. Information and helping customers identify problems are essential areas of our bus service. The most rewarding part of our daily routine is interacting with our customers.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sausershardware
Image Credits
Mary Ellen Sauser, except the dog in the window that is credited to Mark VanderHorck
