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CUSTOMER PROFILE
A New Venture
Growing Family Enters Retail Hardware World
It’s been an on-the-job learning
experience for the growing Melby
family ever since.
Brent and Megan bought the business
about two years ago. In that time, they’ve
hit a few hurdles as first-time retailers, but
with the assistance of other independent
hardware stores and Blish-Mize, the
couple has modernized their operation
and product offerings to produce a unique
store in north-central Kansas.
The couple also credits their success
to family who have helped counting
inventory, putting up new displays and,
in the case of Brent’s father, helped at the
store on weekends.
On top of being a focal point for area
builders and a reliable hardware resource
for homeowners, Melby’s Home Center
boasts a home design center that provide
services residents would otherwise have
to drive hours to find.
Featuring dedicated design professional
Amy Rickard and the kind of showroom
T
he draw of
small-business
ownership can be
very strong.
A craving for
the independence offered
with being their own
bosses as well as a sense
of duty to their community
were factors in Brent and
Megan Melby’s decision
to purchase an existing
building supply store in
Scandia, Kansas, when
the former owners retired.
Megan and Brent Melby bought their town’s home improvement store and lumberyard two years
ago. They say the flexibility in their work helps in caring for their growing family.
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Fall 2017 •
Hardlines
Strategies