Nowco Home Hardware continues to be a pillar in Lacombe after three generations and 33 years in the community.
This year, Home hardware has been nominated for the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year, alongside Cilantro and Chive and D&M Construction.
Tyler Nowochin, owner, said the nomination is recognition for what his business strives to be and credits a commitment to community for their success. Nowochin was also excited to be nominated beside the two other businesses
“When you are up against people who are talked about and you see them as huge pillars who giving, giving and giving — it is humbling,” he said.
The store was originally started by Nowochin’s grandparents; before being passed on to his father, his uncle and aunt in the mind 90s and finally to him about a decade ago. Nowochin said he and his family as always tried to stand out in the hardware business by connecting to the people in the community through customer service.
“I like to think you can go shopping in Red Deer and nowhere does anything like we do. You will not have the friendly people in the same way and you won’t be acknowledged by name. You come here a few times and my staff know you. When you see a red shirt — the expectations are there,” he said.
Nowochin also likes to support the community that has supported him and his family.
“Our blanket policy is that if we can give and it is a Lacombe specific event or organization — we will. There is no maybes about it,” he said
Nowochin particularly likes to lend a hand to small businesses.
“I like to do anything I can to help out another small business, whether that is using my ability as being handy or just being able throw my brand behind them — whatever I can,” he said.
That commitment to business has led to the business community continually supporting his business.
I view us as a pillar in Lacombe and that speaks to how the business community has supported us. We couldn’t do it without everyone. Lacombe with that small-town feeling is why we are successful,” he said.
Nowochin hopes that one day one of his four children will carry on the mantle and make Nowco Home Hardware a four generation business in Lacombe.
“Ten to fifteen years from now, I hope one of my kids wants to get involved,” he said.
Nowochin expects the market to get busier by then, but he expects their model will continue to attract business.
“It doesn’t harm the community as whole. Will it harm me? Maybe for a few months but it will help me grow long-term because people can rely on Lacombe more,” he said.
Nowochin was quick to thank the Chamber for taking the time to support the business community.
“I know it is there job but at the same time you have to have a passion for it and obviously the entire Chamber staff loves what they do,” he said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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