Mountain Hardware & Sports: Building Stronger Communities in Tahoe

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tahoe and Truckee, Mountain Hardware & Sports is a small, local chain of hardware stores that's been in the area for more than 45 years. They offer a wide range of hardware and tools, equipment rentals, outdoor apparel and sporting goods, but they are so much more than a hardware store. Mountain Hardware & Sports' five locations stand as a testament to community empowerment and engagement. As an employee-owned enterprise, this business operates with a distinct purpose, driven by values that extend far beyond profit margins.

"Employee ownership is so much more than punching a time clock day in and day out," says Kamarin De Vay, general manager of the Soaring Ranch location. "I come to my store and genuinely care about the work I'm doing. In the end, whether we're selling things, fixing things, buying things, we're all working towards the same goal: bettering our community."

Photo: Smiles are a common sight coming from employees at Mountain Hardware.

Mountain Hardware sells favorite brands in tools, grills, patio furniture, fishing and camping gear, apparel, home decor, paint, fishing licenses and more. 

Investing in People: Empowering Tahoe's Locals

At the core of Mountain Hardware's mission lies a profound commitment to giving back. Through partnerships with local nonprofits like Excellence in Education, Mountain Hardware actively invests in the educational future of Tahoe's youth.

"My favorite example of this would be Mountain Hardware's work with the local nonprofit Excellence in Education," De Vay says. "The foundation gives kids more resources in the classrooms, opportunities to have hands-on experience and a better chance at getting the adult education of their dreams through the use of grants."

The employee-owners of Mountain Hardware are driven by a shared vision of community betterment. "If you choose to live here, you should put in as much effort as possible to keep your surroundings nice," De Vay says. "Time, money and effort in our community will make it a better and more desirable place to live."

Giving back to the community is a beloved aspect of working for Mountain Hardware.

This dedication to community enrichment aligns seamlessly with Mountain Hardware's core values and mission. "Our mission is to provide the community with the best businesses we can be while providing our associates with significant benefits," says Doug Wright, CEO of Mountain Hardware & Sports.

One poignant example of Mountain Hardware's community commitment is the Dane Skutt Memorial Golf Event.

"We started the Dane Skutt Memorial Golf Event to honor him after his sudden and unexpected passing," Wright says. "Dane really created the culture of customer service and treating employees as partners that exists to this day."

Mountain Hardware is a trusted source of quality goods and community support throughout the basin.

Community Stewardship: A Shared Responsibility

The impact of Mountain Hardware's involvement extends far beyond the confines of its store walls. Organizations like the Truckee Roundhouse Community Makerspace attest to the transformative influence of Mountain Hardware's support.

"Mountain Hardware got behind the Truckee Roundhouse Community Makerspace with financial support before we even opened our doors," shares a representative from the Roundhouse. "Their sponsorship has allowed us to serve an ever-growing membership and uplift and transform lives through the power of creativity."

In essence, Mountain Hardware & Sports serves as a beacon of community empowerment in Tahoe. Through its unwavering commitment to giving back and fostering meaningful relationships, Mountain Hardware & Sports is an example of a business that truly serves its community.

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