Serving the Area since 1963
Finding certain products can be difficult when living in a small town, but one little store in Maysville has much to offer it's community.
Baker's True Value Hardware has been serving customers now for nearly 49 years.
It is not your usual hardware store with basic items. BTVH has about anything imaginable at very reasonable prices. Considering most people would have to drive 20 miles or better to find what they are looking for, BTVH is certainly a convenience.
The Baker family came to Maysville in 1955 and started business in the DeKalb County area when Willis Baker opened an International Harvester franchise, Baker Truck and Tractor Company, with his sons John Baker and Marvin Baker.
Willis handled all the sales while Marvin managed the parts counter and John took care of all the financial dealings.
During the Berlin Crisis in 1961 John was called to serve in the Army; he spent a year in Seattle, Washington at Fort Lewis.
Maysville with his family and shortly thereafter his father decided to sell BTTC. John ended up working for Sears in St. Joseph. John explained how his father called him one day and told him they were selling the hardware store in Maysville and asked him what he thought about taking it over. John told his father he would consider it if they could raise enough money. The Baker family is customer service oriented and was determined to take over the business. John shared how much his family loved the Maysville community and couldn't think of a better way to give something back.
On August 8, 1963 they raised enough money to buy and start business independently as Baker's Hardware Store.
When they first started out it was just simple and basic hardware like bolts, nuts, nails and rope sort of products. They steadily added more and more products to the store over the years, and in 1972 they went into the True Value franchise and became Baker's True Value Hardware which offered more value for the money, giving their customers a larger variety of products to choose from.
In 1983 they added the variety section and became a combo kind of store that offers gift items and all kinds of kitchenware products. The list goes on and the chance is if you are looking for it you will find it at BTVH. Not only can you find what you need without having to drive for miles, you can also always expect customer friendly service.
Rick Baker is John's nephew and works at BTVH; Rick is always pleased to help people. “When someone comes in needing something and we have it to offer them with advice how to use it, I like the satisfaction I see on their faces,” Rick said. “Just to see someone smile after I have helped them truly makes my day.”
Sometimes people need something to solve problems, but are not always sure what they need or what to do about it. That is where Wayne Lewis comes in. Lewis is like family to the Baker's and has worked for them for nearly 15 years. He is a handyman and knows a lot about different home remedies and construction details. Lewis is a walking instruction manual for BTVH and loves to help.
“The biggest satisfaction I get working at BTVH is helping people solve their problems. Whether it is a plumbing issue or a lawn mower problem, these are things I have had to work on myself and that makes it easier for me to help diagnose and solve the customers problem,” Lewis said.
BTVH had nine employees at one time, but now it is just Rick and John Baker and Wayne Lewis running it all. You can visit BTVH personally at108 West Main Street in Maysville or visit their website at www.bakerstruevalue.com.
Store hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.