A passing of the torch at Home Hardware
For the new owners of the Creemore Home Hardware, both the store and the village they now call home are dreams come true.
Rick and Trish Miles come to Creemore from Durham, where Rick spent the past 15 years managing McLean’s Home Hardware. High-school sweethearts who have been married for 28 years, the couple have long planned to someday purchase their own small-town Home Hardware store.
“We really love the company,” said Rick, “and we’ve been saving every penny for a long time.”
When they became aware internally that Brian Doran was looking to sell the Creemore store, the Miles’ paid the village a visit and immediately fell in love.
“The people, the atmosphere, the fact that it’s off the beaten path – it was exactly what we were hoping for,” said Rick.
After buying both the store and a house in town, Rick and Trish officially took over the business on Monday, June 18, and have been working hard ever since to put their own spin on things. Staff member David Dillon has been promoted to store manager, and the store’s other two staffers have been retained. New siding has been erected on the exterior of the 140-year-old building. An expanded line of electronics is gradually being introduced. The service counter and front-of-store is being refurbished, and local contractors are being contacted and signed up for priority service.
“It’s just a few changes,” said Rick, who was quick to credit Doran for his stewardship of the business for more than 20 years. “Brian has been really helpful – the transition could not have been easier.”
The Miles’, who play competitive Frisbee and enter agility competitions with their two Australian Shepherds in their free time (Rick and one of their dogs were the Canadian Frisbee Champions in 2008), plan to continue settling in for the rest of the summer before hosting a grand opening celebration, likely on the Saturday of the Copper Kettle Festival.
In the meantime, their dream come true is every bit as exciting as they had hoped.
“We haven’t regretted it for one minute,” said Rick of the purchase. “Everyone has been very welcoming, the staff has been great, and we’re thrilled to be here.”
