About Martens Reedsburg True Value:

The True Value Company honored 13 True Value hardware stores as winners of its eighth annual Best Hardware Store in Town recognition program. Owners of Martens Reedsburg True Value in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, were winning retailers presented with the 2014 award at True Value’s 2015 Spring & Rental Reunion, held March 7-9 in Dallas.

“We’re about customer service,” said Dan Martens, a second-generation True Value retailer. “That’s what the award means to us, that we take care of the customer and have the products they need in stock. We told our staff of 35 that we won because of them, because they are out there day-in and day-out taking care of the customer.”

With over 65,000 square feet of retail space, Martens Reedsburg True Value is the largest True Value store in the country. In 2014, the store had a grand reopening, after its conversion to the company’s signature Destination True Value (DTV) format, which has a modern look, wide-open layout and diverse product offering that appeals to a variety of customers.

“With DTV, the lighting was upgraded and the layout was changed. It’s been a 180-degree difference from what it was,” Dan said. “The interior of the store is more open, and you can see how big it really is. Now, the aisles are wider, there is better signage and more inventory space. Customers have said ‘Wow, we can’t believe it, it’s like a brand new store!’”

Dan said the store truly is a destination because customers at Martens can complete shopping that normally requires visits to three or four stores. “We have expanded lines in every hardware category, we have lawn mowers, sporting goods, a pet department with live fish, rabbits and cats, farm products, chicken and horse feed and firearms. The size of the store allows us to keep seasonal items on display year-round. We’re a lot different than your corner True Value store,” Dan said.

One similarity to those corner stores is that Martens Reedsburg is family-owned. Family patriarch Ervin Martens opened his first hardware store in Milwaukee in 1968, and he still owns and works at a store there. The Martens family owns two other True Value stores in the state, in Sheboygan and Waupun.

The Reedsburg location opened in 1999, and was acquired by the Martens family in 2001. Dan and Chris Martens moved to town shortly thereafter and quickly began making their mark in the community.

“Locals know we’re a family-owned company, that we live in Reedsburg and support people in the town,” Dan said. “We donate to Habitat for Humanity and local food pantries. We try to help out wherever there is a need.”

Sponsored by True Value Company, the Best Hardware Store in Town program recognizes True Value members who exemplify successful retailing.

The selection process included assessments by regional managers and mystery shoppers, who visited the store. The co-op evaluated each finalist based on physical appearance, product selection, competitive pricing, promotional sales and customer assistance.

“Martens Reedsburg True Value represents the best of what it means to be part of the True Value co-op,” said John Hartmann, president and chief executive officer of True Value Company.

“Dan and Chris Martens are dedicated to serving not only their customers, but also their community. They meet customers’ needs and expectations, creating a profitable and sustainable business.”