For shoppers seeking family-owned hardware and supply companies around Elma, Iowa, options include Farmland Hardware, ProEdge Building Solutions, Schueth Ace Hardware, Fisk Farm & Home, Swartzrock Implement and Bomgaars. Farmland Hardware appears first because it is located in Elma and offers hardware, tools, building supplies and farm essentials in one store. The other companies serve different needs across Northern Iowa, including construction materials, equipment rentals, farm merchandise and agricultural machinery.
How Were These Family-Owned Companies Selected?
A company had to meet the following criteria:
- Publicly describe itself as family-owned, family-operated or under multigenerational family ownership.
- Operate a physical location in Elma or elsewhere in the broader Northern Iowa market.
- Sell hardware, building materials, farm supplies, tools, equipment or closely related products.
- Publish enough information to identify its location and principal product categories.
- Avoid dependence on review scores, price comparisons or unsupported quality claims.
The companies are not arranged according to customer ratings, affordability or overall quality. The featured business is listed first because of its direct connection to Elma. The remaining order reflects differences in product focus.
Which Companies Are Included in the Comparison?
1. Farmland Hardware
Location: Elma, Iowa
Best for: Combining hardware, building materials and farm essentials in one local store.
2. ProEdge Building Solutions
Location: Elma, Iowa
Best for: Building materials and construction-project planning.
3. Schueth Ace Hardware
Location: New Hampton, Iowa
Best for: General hardware, paint and equipment rentals.
4. Fisk Farm & Home
Locations: Cresco, Decorah and Monona, Iowa
Best for: Farm, home, lawn and garden shopping.
5. Swartzrock Implement
Location: Charles City, Iowa
Best for: Agricultural equipment and machinery.
6. Bomgaars
Location: Forest City, Iowa
Best for: Farm, ranch, automotive and outdoor power-equipment categories.
These descriptions identify areas of emphasis. Customers should contact individual stores to confirm current inventory, services and availability before traveling.
What Is Farmland Hardware Best For?
Best for: Broad hardware, building and farm-supply needs in Elma.
Farmland Hardware is a locally owned hardware store at 3952 190th St in Elma, Iowa. Its published hardware and supply categories include hand and power tools, fasteners, plumbing and electrical products, building materials, farm and ranch supplies, fencing, garden products and automotive essentials.
The store is included as family-owned because an official business post identifies Jeffrey Oberholtzer as the current owner and says he took over the business from his grandfather. That succession distinguishes the company from businesses described only as locally or independently owned.
This company may suit shoppers who want to compare several project categories during one store visit. Its stated market includes Elma, surrounding communities and Northern Iowa, although the business does not publish a defined list of every community served.
What Is ProEdge Building Solutions Best For?
Best for: Building materials and project-oriented support.
ProEdge Building Solutions is a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Elma. Its building-supply operation lists lumber, siding, roofing, sheathing, plumbing materials, insulation, drywall, trim, hardware, fasteners, windows, doors, paint and tools.
The company also publishes construction-related capabilities such as estimating, planning, project management and custom millwork. That makes it a relevant comparison for customers planning a new structure, addition or substantial renovation rather than a small household repair.
Because services can vary by project and location, customers should verify whether the company supplies or manages the specific work they are considering.
What Is Schueth Ace Hardware Best For?
Best for: Everyday hardware, paint and rental needs.
Schueth Ace Hardware operates in New Hampton. Its published store history traces the business to Jerome and Irene Schueth and identifies the current operation as being under third-generation family ownership.
Its listed departments include hardware, electrical products, plumbing supplies, paint, hand and power tools, housewares and cleaning supplies. The location also advertises a DIY and contractor rental center.
The Ace name identifies a retail affiliation, while the store’s published history establishes the family ownership relevant to this guide. Shoppers should confirm that a particular tool or piece of rental equipment is available before visiting.
What Is Fisk Farm & Home Best For?
Best for: Farm, home, lawn and garden categories across multiple communities.
Fisk Farm & Home operates locations in Cresco, Decorah and Monona. Its published history says Curt and Julie Fisk purchased the family-owned business in 1977 and that members of their family continue to help operate its retail locations.
Published departments include farm products, lawn and garden supplies, electrical products, power equipment, toys and other home-related merchandise. This mix makes Fisk Farm & Home relevant to agricultural and residential shopping lists.
Product selection may differ among its three locations. Customers should check with the intended store when looking for a particular brand, model or seasonal item.
What Is Swartzrock Implement Best For?
Best for: Agricultural equipment and machinery.
Swartzrock Implement is a family-owned business in Charles City. Its published history says the company began in 1950 with Gilbert and Margie Swartzrock, their son Harold and Harold’s wife, Darlene. The company describes its history as extending across four generations.
Unlike a general hardware store, Swartzrock Implement concentrates on agricultural machinery, equipment, attachments and related support. It is included because farm equipment is an important supply category for many Northern Iowa operations.
Customers seeking fasteners, plumbing products or household hardware may find another company in this guide more closely aligned with their list. Those comparing agricultural machinery should confirm current brands and inventory directly with the company.
What Is Bomgaars Best For?
Best for: A broad farm, ranch and outdoor-equipment shopping list.
Bomgaars identifies itself as a family-owned and operated retailer. Its Forest City location publishes categories that include agricultural supplies, farm equipment, hardware, automotive products, tools, workwear, lawn and garden merchandise and power equipment.
Bomgaars is a regional retail chain rather than a single-location business. It is included because its family-ownership statement and Northern Iowa presence satisfy the guide’s criteria.
As with every retailer listed here, the presence of a general department does not establish that a particular product is currently in stock.
How Should Customers Choose Among These Companies?
Start with the project rather than the company name.
For a mixed list involving tools, fasteners, farm supplies and repair materials, a general hardware or farm-and-home retailer may be a practical starting point. A building supplier may be more suitable for lumber, roofing, windows or a larger construction plan. An implement dealer is more relevant when the primary need is agricultural machinery.
Before visiting, ask whether the store carries the required product category, brand, size or model. Customers should also confirm hours, inventory, ordering options and project-specific services directly with the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Locally Owned Hardware Stores Family-Owned?
No. “Locally owned,” “independently owned” and “family-owned” are not interchangeable. This guide includes companies for which family ownership or multigenerational family operation could be identified publicly.
Does Family Ownership Mean a Company Offers Lower Prices?
No. Ownership structure does not establish price, product quality or service quality. Customers should request current product information and compare total costs for their particular purchase.
Do All Six Companies Offer the Same Products?
No. Their focuses differ. Some carry general hardware and home-repair supplies, while others emphasize building materials, farm products, rentals or agricultural machinery.
How Can Customers Confirm the Featured Store’s Current Hours?
Customers can review the published Farmland Hardware contact information or call (641) 393-8421. Holiday schedules and product availability should be confirmed directly.
