Industry News: Sawgrass Hardware Makes Headlines

Sawgrass Hardware's Erika and Frank Brown and Laura and David Ward.

Industry News: Sawgrass Hardware Makes Headlines

Laura Ward and Erika Brown at the checkout counter of Sawgrass Hardware

Laura and Erika at the checkout counter of Sawgrass Hardware. From Hardware Connection

Sisters create a hometown hardware success

When they were renovating their circa-1800s home in tiny Woodbine, Georgia, Erika Brown and her husband Frank discovered their new hometown didn’t have hardware store where they could buy remodeling supplies. They were constantly making road trips to pick up even the most basic hardware items. That was the inspiration for Sawgrass Hardware.

After enlisting Erika’s sister and her husband, Laura and David Ward, convincing them to move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, the family business was born. The May/June edition of Hardware Connection highlights the woman-owned and family-run business.

Sawgrass Hardware has been part of the Paladin family since 2023 when it opened for business. Thank you to Hardware Connection for featuring such a deserving family and store. Read the story

Mitchell Stadtlander chosen as one of NHPA’s Young Retailer of 2025

Mitchell Stadtlander

Mitchell Stadtlander, general manager of Cedar Mountain Country Store True Value, was recently named one of the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) 2025 Young Retailers of the Year. Cedar Mountain Country Store is a family-run business located is southern Utah near Bryce and Zion National Parks.

Located in the scenic heart of southern Utah near Bryce and Zion National Parks, Cedar Mountain Country Store is a family-run business that has been serving its community for years. More than just a hardware store, it’s a true country store—offering groceries, housewares, outdoor gear, clothing, and more. Since 2023, the store has also been a valued Paladin client.

Mitch’s journey with the store began in middle school, working after school and on weekends. Over the years, he’s become a driving force behind the store’s evolution. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the business from a traditional hardware store into a full-service country store—and in implementing the Paladin Point of Sale system.

According to the NHPA press release:

“When the company switched to a new point of sale system, Mitch conducted the research, negotiated the purchase and managed the implementation. This required extensive coordination with the POS team to incorporate many of the store’s unique UPC codes for items such as produce, meats and animal feed. Additionally, he provided staff training for the new system.

“By utilizing tools within the new POS system, Mitch automated workflows resulting in the elimination of approximately 24 hours of manual work per week while improving accuracy and quality of work.”

Thanks to Mitch’s efforts, the store has seen major improvements in efficiency. By leveraging automation tools within the new POS system, he eliminated roughly 24 hours of manual work each week—boosting both accuracy and productivity. Read the full NHPA press release

Jerry’s Paint and Hardware Selected as Stihl All-Star

Jerry’s Paint and Hardware, a Paladin client since 2019, was selected as a Stihl All-Star store and was recognized in HBS Dealer magazine.

The All-Star program recognizes 50 high-performing hardware stores, lumberyards or home centers, one from each state of the union. The criteria for selection include the following:

Innovation in operations, marketing or merchandising;
High performance, exhibited through expansion or sales growth;
Customer-centricity, community involvement and a commitment to the traditions of the hardware and building supply industry.

Bob Ferraro’s store serves a devoted clientele in Narragansett, Rhode Island, a community of roughly 15,000 nestled between the Pettaquamscutt River and Narragansett Bay on Rhode Island Sound.

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