Construction vehicles, front end loaders and big blue tarps all signal something is going on near Thompson Square.
Construction vehicles, front end loaders and big blue tarps all signal something is going on near Thompson Square.
For months, the town has been buzzing about the transformation of old Crandall Ford building and its surrounding property.
But for Hemly Tool Supply President Chris Hyatt, these sights and sounds signify more than just a new location for his company — they signify a “homecoming.”
The Thompson Township resident and former Ledgemont Schools graduate had parents who once worked at the Crandall Ford dealership. So when Hyatt was looking for ways to expand his business, currently located in Montville Township, the auction of the Crandall building felt fortuitous.
“We wanted to initiate a growth plan to expand with everything on one property,” he said. “This move is huge for us and allows for a better customer experience.”
Thompson Township residents have slowly seen progress on the building renovation, which will be transformed from a car dealer showroom to Hemly Tool Supply, a distribution center and hub for cutting tools for industry, aerospace, medical and auto manufacturers. It is slated to open Jan. 1.
Following a big cleanup, the building’s roofline has been changed to give it a new and more modern look. Two weeks ago, the wooded area next door was completely cleared.
The soon-to-be-built 24,000 square-foot brick and steel building will become a retail center and hardware store, housing new and used tools, Carhart clothing, an expanded garden center, and much more than Hemly Tool Supply’s current location can hold, Hyatt said.
Across the street, the old Crandall Body Shop will become home to the two trucking fleets. One fleet is used for area deliveries of tooling, mulch and stone for contract work from the retail center, and the other for “off-the-truck” sales of tooling in a business route each day, Hyatt said.
The purchase of the property allows Hyatt to keep all his operations under one umbrella in one location, and puts Hemly Tool Supply — which is entering its 40th year in business — closer to the I-90 interchange, closer to Madison, Perry and Ashtabula customers, and allows area campers easy access.
Hyatt said his goal is to grow his business while becoming a good neighbor.
“There has been a big void since the school has been gone and light bulbs started going off (in my head) saying, ‘This could be good,’” Hyatt said, adding he sees a lot of future involvement in the surrounding community and finds it exciting to think about all that is happening in Thompson Township now.
Perhaps influenced by his family’s history in the car business, Hyatt, a car buff, plans to sponsor a “Show ‘n Shine” event during his July 4 grand opening of the retail center.
He said he and his family have always been big fans of the Thompson Township July 4 parade and celebration, and he is excited to now be in the center of it.
The building of the new Geauga County Public Library branch, improvements to the square and community center, upgrades to the apartment complex and a newfound community spirit all create a healthy township, which Hyatt said he is happy to contribute to.
He envisions a cooperative relationship between his business, his customers and employees eating at Stockers on the Park, shopping at Robison Equipment company, camping at the improved Grand River Valley KOA and more.
Hyatt said his dedication to the community is emphasized in the local contractors he is choosing, whether for construction work, concrete purchases and an entire workforce of about 30 people that will be moving along with the company.
Hyatt said additional hiring will be done locally as much as possible.
He said the woods removed for the project allowed for chipping and logs to be used locally and responsibly, and all materials were re-purposed.
Hyatt also complimented Thompson Township’s government, indicating the zoning officials and Thompson Township Trustees have been cooperative and helpful.
Sewer and gas lines contributed to his decision to come to Thompson Township, Hyatt said, adding updating to fiber optic telecommunication and improved technology puts Hemly Tool Supply on the leading edge.
“The work that has been done on the former Crandall property is outstanding and sets a standard for future development and existing properties in Thompson Township,” said Trustee Erwin “Koko” Leffel. “I welcome Chris as he moves forward and will continue to support his project.”
