Small Business Spotlight: Chappaqua Paint and Hardware

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Chappaqua Paint & Hardware
• Owner: Lou Bastone
• Website: www.chappaquapandh.com
• Address: 59 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua NY 10514

How did you come up with the name?

Our name Chappaqua Paint & Hardware tells people who we are and what we do. I choose it by thinking about what our store does… it is a store in Chappaqua that sells Paint and Hardware. Pretty easy choice. I picked this name to be simple and straightforward.

Why start a business in this town?

Chappaqua has a great sense of community, which makes it a wonderful place to be a small business like our hardware store. The community of Chappaqua supports us, and in turn we do our best to support our community. It’s rewarding to be a member of this community and to be located right in the heart of downtown Chappaqua.

What business are you in?

As the name says, we are a paint and hardware store, but we have also become a key resource to our community. We are opened seven days a week, during snow storms, hurricanes and power outages. Customers come to us at all hours for help with issues ranging from replacing a broken light bulb, selecting paint colors, delivering a BBQ grill, picking up or special ordering a generator, to assistance with handyman projects.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most difficult challenge we have faced is learning how to best address all the different needs of a variety of consumers within Chappaqua. To be specific, Chappaqua Paint & Hardware is here for homeowners, town workers, contractors, schools, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Each of these groups of consumers have unique needs, so trying to be all things to all people at times can be a challenge.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

My proudest achievement happens everyday when a customer says “Thank You” as they leave with a smile and a sense of relief that we’ve helped them in some way. This happens each day and it constantly makes me proud. I enjoy being of resource and providing services needed in our community. Additionally, Chappaqua Paint & Hardware received the 2015 Hardware All-Star for the state of New York. We were extremely proud and honored to be recognized as the Top Hardware store in the state of New York.

How does your business give back to the community?

Chappaqua Paint & Hardware is always looking for ways to help our town. We donate goods, services and gift certificates to many local organizations and events. For example, we have donated products to the Chappaqua Garden Club, the Chappaqua School Foundation, the Oaklane Child Care Center, Sophie Mendelson’s mural next to Hall of Scoops; gift certificates to the New Castle Historical Society, the Great Chappaqua Bake Sale, the Chappaqua School Scholarship Fund; sponsorships of Chappaqua Little League teams; and monetary donations to local events and organizations. We enjoy giving back to the generous people who support our business everyday.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.