Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story.
You're IT Keough’s Paint and Hardware!
Five questions with Bill Keough, owner of Keough’s Paint and Hardware.
Why did you start your business?
We are a family business started in 1972 by my father Ed Keough. He was working a corporate job when he moved to Wilton. He really liked living in the area and saw a need for a hardware store in Ridgefield. In 1988 I graduated from college and joined the family business. We were looking to grow our business and saw an opportunity to purchase Turn of River Hardware on High Ridge Road in Stamford.
The High Ridge Road store was serving a wonderful local community and had the same reputation as our current store of having great customer service.
In 1990 we purchased the hardware store and converted it to Keough’s Paint and Hardware. For almost 30 years we have continued to be part of the community and serve our neighbors.
Finish this sentence in regard to your business. “I wish I could…”
I wish I could have our long-time customers share their experiences of coming to our store with the rest of the community. Their experiences exemplify best the value we bring to our local community and how we can be a part of making their homeowner experience a happy one.
Best selling product/service?
Being a hardware store we have thousands of items in plumbing, electrical, automotive, tools, fasteners, housewares, paint, lawn and garden, and outdoor living. Plus tool rentals. We like to say it is cumulative and dynamic. If I had to categorize a best seller it would be our lawn and garden and Weber gas grills.
We employ 35 team members from the local community. Teens from the area are an important part of our team along with seniors in the community. Many young men and women from the local high schools work for us from age 16 and up. We have had many who have chosen to stay on with us after graduating from High School. Not only do they learn to be part of a team in a business, but they also learn about being a homeowner and what it takes to keep up a home. Seniors are a vital part of our workforce. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and have flexible schedules to help us serve our customers. We also work with Ability Beyond and The Kennedy Center to help empower people with disabilities to be vital contributors to our team and the community.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
Sandwedge Deli and Catering
Ridgefield Plumbing and Heating
Ridgefield Plumbing
Ridgefield Power Equipment
Precision Brakes
Keough's Paint & Hardware is located at 1 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield. Visit them online here or call 203-544-8379.
Keough's Paint & Hardware tags The Sandwedge Deli & Catering!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!