In November 2025, the Granby Board of Selectman recognized Beman Hardware for its 90 years of service in the Granby Community. George Beman started the business in 1935 to support his electrical contractor business. In 1941, Louise Newton Beman, his wife, added hardware and paint products to their growing business inventory. Beman Hardware flourished as a family business for three generations until it was purchased by long-time employee Vinnie Pagano in October 2022. The current store was built in 1973 at the site of the original warehouse.
Sustaining a business into the fourth generation takes dedication and creativity to ensure that the business is meeting the needs of its clientele and community. When asked what Pagano’s vision was for the future of the store and how he will continue to evolve its presence in a high eCommerce environment, he said that he is focusing on these three strategies:
Focus on the store reset
In 2024, the True Value (Hardware) Company merged with Do It Best Hardware. Since Beman Hardware (Beman’s) is part of the True Value Coop, this merger allowed Vinnie to leverage the expertise of the new, larger company to help streamline delivery, offer new product access and inventory display consultations. True Value also assisted with designing the new Beman Hardware sign displayed on the front of the building. The store will continue to be a Benjamin Moore paint supplier and UPS drop off location.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
The differentiating factor for shopping at Beman’s versus a big box store is customer service. At Beman’s, an associate is always available to answer your questions about tools you need for a project or where to find an item. Beman’s also offers referrals if you are looking for a reliable, professional painter or contractor. They only recommend trustworthy individuals with whom they have a relationship.
Increase eCommerce Presence
Since Beman’s is a small store, it is limited in the quantity of products offered at its physical location. To meet the needs of its customers, you can now order inventory online through the Bemanhardware.com website. Just click on the “True Value” link to be connected to a wide-range of product inventory. Orders can be delivered, usually within two days, to the store or to your home. Orders can still be made in-store.
Pagano is optimistic about the future. He said the transition has been very smooth because the former owners, Joan Beman Russell and Diane Beman Myers, were invaluable mentors and continue to provide support when requested. He looks forward to providing services to the Granby community for years to come.