After a career managing grocery stores, Chad Boulet and his husband Scott Hunter, decided to embark on a new career and purchased their local hardware store! Depot Square Hardware & Variety is located in downtown Mechanic Falls, and throughout the pandemic their business actually grew as people relied on them for goods and services rather than larger area chain stores. Chad was referred to the Maine SBDC by his lender during the purchasing process to help put together some of the required paperwork.
Connecting with Maine SBDC at AVCOG Center Director and Business Advisor Lori Allen helped him understand each step along the way. Lori reviewed his business plan, providing market research and general feedback. Then together they created realistic financial projections based on that market research as well as the previous owners’ P&L statements.
With all of these pieces of the full picture put together, he was able to secure financing for the purchase!
Chad commented on the Maine SBDC “Very helpful organization. [They] Walk you through each step and want you to succeed”
Now almost a year into ownership, Chad loves getting to know his customers and the local community. As time goes by they are looking to keep the aspects that make it great and adjusting a few things to make the store even better. To learn more about this business, the products and services they provide or to see their hours visit their website and Facebook page!