The Welches Mountain Building Supply is known to Mountain residents as their
own hardware store. But now, the business is picking up some hardware of its
own.

The store, owned by Rochelle and Bill Simonds, has been recognized as the
2010 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year by Yakima-based Horizon
Distribution, and WMBS is also a finalist for the national Paul L. Cosgrave
Memorial Award.

The awards are presented annually to PRO Hardware retailers and recognize
superior commitment to the principles and ideals of effective hardware
merchandising. The Cosgrave award is named for PRO Hardware’s founder.
“Owners Rochelle and Bill Simonds are always willing to learn and embrace
new ideas, and yet their business is successful because they live by the
Golden Rule,” said Mike Dawson, Horizon Distribution’s retail sales manager.
“They treat customers how they would want to be treated, and really that is
the key to their success.”

The Simonds are pleased to be recognized, despite the fact they tend to
prefer flying under the radar.

“There would be no recognition without the community,” Rochelle Simonds
said. “It’s what keeps us going through thick and thin. This award is really a
reflection of this amazing and supportive community’s commitment to
shopping locally.”

The store has enjoyed a warm place in the community since Rochelle’s aunt,
Renee Knapp, purchased the family business in 1988. Since then, Mountain
residents have relied on the store for more things than just hardware items.
“From loaning our personal items to suggesting where to hike or mountain
bike, we’re kind of information central,” Rochelle said.

“People ask us almost anything. If they need a phone number, they ask us. If
they need to know what the weather’s like and if the road to their cabin is
snowed in or not, they ask us. If they want to know a local plumber or
electrician, they ask us.”

She is also a part of the volunteer support group for the Hoodland Fire
Department, providing meals for firefighters and many other things. The store
also supports local schools, the local Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Boy
Scouts of America, and the list goes on.

Horizon Distribution will honor the store Sept. 10-11 at its dealer market in
Yakima.