Page 50 - HW March 2021

then as now
Quiet achievers: Mitre 10 Westport was named Mitre 10 Store of the Year at the 2018 Mitre 10 Awards and Garden Centre of the Year the following year, while current co-owner Troy was also celebrated as Young Achiever at the 2014 Hardware Awards!
“I take a lot of pride to have worked across three generations of this business: the second generation with my father; the third with my brothers and sister-in-law; and now the fourth with my son and his wife Casey. That’s a real privilege.”
He also reveals what he loves about the job, and why he’s just not ready to retire yet. “You never stop learning,” he says. “In the building game, there’s always new materials, new ways of doing things.
“In a smaller store like ours, you need that broad knowledge. You need to know about tiling, roofing, decking – a jack of all trades, if you like,” says Kevin.
Troy, who’s grown up in the business, feels very fortunate to have instant access to support from family at all times.
“The family is really good about sharing information,” he says.
“There’s always been a lot of support between us, and we’re all grateful for that.”
ENDURING SUCCESS
When asked about what makes the store successful a century
on, the pair humbly agree: “It’s a team effort. We have exceptional team members; amazing customers, trade clients and suppliers; a wonderful local community; and we receive great help from Support Centre.
“All these combined contribute to our success every day.”
Today, Troy and Casey know they have big boots to fill. But they have a passion for customers, the community and entrepreneurship.
They’ve just completed buying a fourth site in Westport, which takes their overall floorspace to more than three times the original building, with 40 team members currently.
Over the years they have had many long-term team members – indeed, one spent his entire working life there!
A celebration to mark the store’s 125th anniversary kicks off on 16 April, which includes an in-store evening function, a trade breakfast, a bonanza three-day sale and more.
Congratulations to the Scanlons – long may they thrive!
Artist’s impression of the store before the original building was removed in 1988.
48 NZHJ | MARCH 2021
MORE AT www.hardwarejournal.co.nz