Take one look at the inside of the Nemnich True Value hardware store in downtown Ellsworth and you will find the definition of progress.

“We’ve done a massive remodel last year,” said Shawn Nemnich, who owns the store with his wife, Jennifer.“It was quite the ordeal of store planning, looking at layouts, different product assortments and things that we might be missing in our community.”

During the remodel, Nemnich added about 12,000 new items to the 5,900-square-foot store, while clearing out some of the obsolete items.

Nemnich beefed up his pressure washer equipment, as well as the automotive, lawn and garden, outdoor power, electrical, plumbing, electronics and hardware offerings.

“Pretty much every department got bigger,” he said.“Which means we had to figure out how to set the store up.”

Housewares was reduced slightly.

In addition to replacing the store’s old fluorescent light bulbs with new LED lighting, Nemnich added new shelving to add product space to the store.

“I went back and forth with True Value store planning for months,” he said.“Ultimately I had the decision on everything, but they are a good resource. I think what we did was great. We made a huge improvement in the store — product selection and layout and signage throughout the store. We’re here to help.”

Along with the remodel, Nemnich added services to the store, including comprehensive water testing for pools and spas and mini-blinds.

“We listen,” he said. “And if I hear enough, I will address the needs.”

If Nemnich True Value doesn’t carry an item a customer is looking for, they can order it.

“We’ve added to that service where they can go online,” he said.“True Value is an online service as well. If it is not in our store, it can be ordered and shipped for free to the store.”

Nemnich said the store’s bread and butter name brands depend upon the season.

“Right now we’re talking about HDH pool chemicals and Green Thumb garden products, he said.

Nemnich True Value also stocks a wide variety of name brand barbecue grills and smokers.

Nemnich’s selection of paint is the store’s prime seller, as well as lawn and garden and outdoor power equipment.

Nemnich also services what he sells.

“We keep a good variety of blades, belts, spark plugs, oil filters, soils,” he added.

The Nemnichs purchased the store a little over two years ago from Ted and Cynthia Edgerle who retired from the business.

“I have a heavy background in retail, in management and just in sales in general,” Nemnich said. “Plus product knowledge from being a contractor. I knew the store well because when I was a contractor I was here almost every day. It seemed like a great fit to keep the store going. This has been the original hardware store since 1870.”

Nemnich said he likes being in downtown Ellsworth as part of the central retail district.

“It’s nice seeing all of the store fronts full,” he said.

Nemnich said the most frequently asked questions from customers walking into the store are where is this or do you have this?

“It’s nice to be able to say, yes, we do have that,” he said.

Nemnich said True Value is his main supplier.

“I have 30 different suppliers,” he added. “We’re not a corporation — you can buy from one True Value and return at the next. People kind of get that confused. Ace and True Value are two different companies. True Values are independently owned. In most cases, they are a one store operation.”

The Nemnichs also live here.

“I pay property taxes,” he said.“You don’t have that with corporations. You have a manager you may know, but you’re not talking to the owner. I have a vested interest in this store and how we perform.”

In the coming year, Nemnich said he is looking at adding to the six part- and full-time employees he has now.

“Customers depend upon us to help them right when they walk into the door,” he said. “In fact a lot of them won’t walk very far into the store, and expect to be assisted. We like that.”