Ed and Lori Taranovich opened Ed's Hardware in 1977, located in Mount View Plaza on Rubber Avenue in Ed's hometown of Naugatuck, CT. In the early years Ed's had to compete with four other local hardware stores. Lori would run the store, while Ed would be performing on site services, such as painting and wallpapering. With a friendly staff, often, including their five children and several of their
grandchildren, Ed's Hardware prospered. The focus on friendly and knowledgable customer service, along with determination and hard work paid off as Ed’s Hardware outlived all the local competition and survived the arrival of big box stores. They are currently the only hardware store in Naugatuck and have cornered the the market in neighboring towns like Prospect and Middlebury. In 2006 Ed and Lori moved the business out of Mount View Plaza to 560 Rubber Avenue, gaining about 3,000 additional square feet of space. And after 37 years in the business Ed and Lori decided to sell the store and retire. In July 2013 Ed's daughter, Tracey and her husband, Bob purchased the store keeping the business in the family. Both Tracey and Bob were working as mail carriers for the United States Postal Service when they decided to purchase the store. Bob interest and skill in craftsmanship developed from watching his father work on various projects as a child. It gives me the opportunity to do that. I’m not the kind of person to sit behind a desk. So it fits who I am.” - Bob Dillistin
Some changes have been implemented under the new ownership. There is some new inventory as well as a small engine repair service, a trade that Bob Dillistin is certified in.
“All the local people know this place so we want to leave it as close to the same as possible." - Bob Dillistin
Bob and Tracey have continued Ed and Lori's dedication to serving the borough of Naugatuck. They have kept the same knowledgable staff (several of which a family members) and continue to maintain the same focus on customer service that Ed's Hardware has long been known for.
“We pride ourselves on customer service. That’s always the way Ed has been. That’s the way this place will always continue to be.” - Bob Dillistin
