Buck's Home Building Centre in Bridgewater
Hard work has paid off for a local business owner.
Ryan Buck, owner of Buck’s Home Hardware in Bridgewater and the New Germany Home Hardware Building Centre, has been named North American Retail Hardware Association 2020 Young Retailer of the Year.
“It’s a big deal, so I’m told,” he said.
One of seven honorees across Canada and the United States, Buck meets the criteria of an individual under age 35 who has made an impact in the hardware industry. This year he is the only Canadian recipient and was nominated in the multiple stores category.
Buck learned the ropes of the hardware business from his parents Brian and Janice Buck; his father served as Assistant Manager of Lockhart’s after moving to Bridgewater in 1983. In 1991 the store was bought out by Beaver Lumber and in 1999 it once again changed hands when it was bought out by Home Hardware.
“We made the conversion in 2000, and in 2019 my wife Julie and I bought it from my parents.”
Buck found out he had won in March but due to the pandemic he was asked to keep that information private until an award ceremony could be held. Usually one is held in Las Vegas in May but it has been moved to September. Not wanting to delay the process the association announced the winners June 1.
Buck said his success comes from having a great sales team who prides themselves on good customer service.
“Julie and I run it how my parents ran it. We are honest and straightforward with our customers and as transparent as we can possibly be,” he said.
