In this time of physical distancing, Brent Goodwin at True Value keeps hardware humming
Deemed an essential business, Blake’s True Value Hardware continues to serve its customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. While people are encouraged to keep their distance and stay at home, having a hardware store with a knowledgeable staff can be a lifesaver for keeping one’s sanity during this trying time.
“One of the biggest things that I hear from my customers is that most of them are very appreciative that we are still open,” owner Brent Goodwin said. “We’ve always prided ourselves that we have employees who can help our customers, get them in and out, and back to working on their project.”
Blake’s True Value Hardware has served Paso Robles since the 1950s. While a member of the True Value franchise, Blakes is still independently owned and operated.
Brent started working at Blakes in 1998 and worked his way through the ranks until he became the general manager in 2007. Six years later, in 2013, Brent and his wife Beckie purchased the business and have been running it ever since. Brent said that the couple divides the responsibilities between Brent shouldering the day to day managerial duties and Beckie handling the bookkeeping and office duties.
The small shop employs 10 people, but Brent said two of his employees chose to take a temporary leave of absence, because they are considered at-risk for contracting COVID-19.
“It wouldn’t make sense to possibly expose themselves to the virus,” Brent said.
As with all businesses, Blakes has taken a financial hit in the past month. Brent said a large portion of their revenue comes from the hospitality industry, which came to a standstill when the coronavirus landed on American shores. Brent said that people are finally getting around to those home projects and honey-do lists they may be procrastinating on doing.
“If you’re sheltering at home, there are probably more things you realize that you need to fix that’s been put off for a while,” Brent said.
Brent said the Blakes team continues to be mindful of the risk the virus brings to the community. The employees work to keep surfaces disinfected and make sure that customers are abiding by the six-feet-apart guidelines put forth by the State of California and San Luis Obispo County.
“We’re doing everything that we can to keep the environment in the store safe,” Brent said.
Brent said that being part of the True Value family, customers can order items in advance and have them shipped to the store for pickup. Shopping online not only saves the customer time but allows them to get the things they need without exposing themselves to the virus.
For more information on products and services provided by Blake’s True Value Hardware, visit https://stores.truevalue.com/ca/paso-robles/8518/
