In The Spotlight: Taylor Hardware

You can’t drive through downtown Belmar, New Jersey, without noticing the iconic Taylor Hardware store on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. For 125 years, generations of area families have shopped at Taylor Hardware for its vast selection of home and garden goods, seasonal merchandise such as beach chairs and gas grills, and home-improvement services such as lamp and screen repairs. Without a doubt, residents and visitors alike appreciate the friendly, small-town customer service that Joe Connor, owner of Taylor Hardware, and his staff are best known for.

Tell us a little bit about your business.
Taylor Hardware has been serving the Jersey Shore since 1894. The store has had various locations in Belmar, and we have been located on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue since 1962. We sell everything for the homeowner, small contractor, and do-it-yourself crowd. Our business is known for great service, a large selection of products, and a very knowledgeable staff that is always willing to help the customer.

What was the inspiration for your business?
Our store fills a need for the Shore towns. Trends and technology changes over the years, but people still need a good hardware store. We have a strong and loyal customer base and work hard to keep them happy on a daily basis.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the local business community?
I feel that we are a strong part of the local business community. Its enjoyable to see how the businesses support each other. I interact with almost everyone in town in at some point. People come in to get a key cut and end up hanging around sharing stories and town news. What makes Belmar great is our people and their loyalty to our town!

What is something most people don't know about your business?
People are often surprised that I am not Joe Taylor! My dad, Bill Connor, bought the store from John Taylor in 1978. We are entering our 40th year in business.

If I was asked to describe my background in a few sentences, I would tell you that….
I was raised in Belmar, graduated from St. Rose High School in 1982, and went onto Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont, graduating in 1986. I met my wife, Donna, at St. Rose, and we have been married for 29 years. We have two children: Our son, Jake, is currently involved in the business, and our daughter, Gabriella, works for a marketing firm in Red Bank.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned being in business for yourself?

The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is patience. Some years are better than others, but over the course of time, it evens out. Another lesson that we practice every day is trying to treat everyone with respect. Take care of your customers and they will always come back!

Taylor Hardware
914 Main Street
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
732-681-0511
www.taylorhardwarebelmar.com

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Story and photos by Patch Mayor Christine Cardellino. Reprinted with permission from the Belmar Beachcomber Blog.