Fitzgeralds are new owners of Philip Hardware

Once known as Ingram Hardware, the business on E. Pine Street in Philip is now Philip Hardware, owned and operated by Colt and Erin Fitzgerald.
“Something I always wanted to do. I thought it would be neat to have a hardware store,” said Colt. For now, business will go on around all the resetting of shelves and other display expansion plans. A grand opening will be sometime later this fall.
  The Fitzgeralds said they haven’t changed a thing, at least in the way of keeping the same employees, the same customer oriented satisfaction and the same business phone number of 859-2521. The hours, though, have changed. The official hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the owners trying to get out of the store by 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. “But I’m here at 6:15-6:30 a.m. I’ve had people come when I’m here at 5:30 a.m. and have sold things as late as 8:00 at night,” said Colt.
“I’ve been bugging him to find a job so I can be around him more,” said Erin. She likes the family being in the hardware business, “I love it, the people, always wanted something new. I love to clean and organize, and harass my husband.”
Still staying under the Hardware Hank – United Hardware distribution system, the store will experience some changes, mostly in the floor layout to allow for more merchandise. The Fitzgeralds plan to increase the sporting goods selection, and expand the farm and ranch merchandise area a bit more, as well as the pet side, and plumbing and electrical.
“Also, he sells guns and ammo,” added Erin. “He’s had his federal firearms license for years. We’ll sell those, and hunting and camping gear.”
The couple’s three kids are also involved in the business. Erin said that the oldest, Gracie, 10, likes it. “She loves cleaning and organizing.” Colt joked, “She has undiagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder, we love it.” Erin continued that Mia, 7, “likes having her dad around, but she gets bored. She likes to work in the country with her grandpa on the four-wheeler.” Their youngest is Carter, 4. “He love’s it. He loves the popcorn,” said Erin. Erin will also continue with her day care business, for sure for another year.
“I like it. I enjoy the people. It’s good,” said Colt. “Being able to interact with people; the public is very supportive. I appreciate everyone’s patience.”
“We’ve had a lot of people who have offered to help. People are being patient and supporting,” said Erin.
“Jerry’s (Ingram) been here about every day the first two weeks,” said Colt. “I think he’s having some separation anxiety, which I’m glad because he’s probably forgotten more about plumbing than I’ll know for a while.” Colt does feel completely confident in the electrical end of things.
“It’s been a dream in the making for over a year,” said Colt. “I’m happy with that, but more proud of the community support.” Erin added, “A lot to do. Our list is long and we won’t get bored.”
“The best thing is being with my husband,” said Erin. “A lot of people might laugh at that, but he’s my best friend and I love him.”

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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