A Community Cornerstone

Built on Knowledge, Service and Trust

B & E Home Hardware | Hines Creek, AB

Kevin Jobson, Owner

The long-standing and dependable B & E Home Hardware in Hines Creek operates on expertise, trust and community connection. Owned by Kevin Jobson, it is a go-to destination for homeowners, farmers and small business owners looking to confidently tackle projects of all sizes.

“This store wasn’t something I planned on owning,” said Jobson. “But it’s a strong, community-based business, and with the staff we have here, it just made sense.”

Jobson took over operations in 2008 and has spend the years since focusing on service, staff knowledge and meeting the real-world needs of rural customers.

While the store may not carry everything under the sun, what it does offer is something increasingly rare—hands-on help from people who know the products inside and out.

One of the store’s standout specialties is its paint department, which has earned a reputation far beyond Hines Creek.

“Our paint department is probably what we’re most known for,” said Jobson. “We’ve invested in professional color-matching equipment, and it allows us to get incredibly accurate results.”

Customers can bring in a small sample—fabric, flooring, countertop material or even a curtain—and staff can scan and match the color with precision.

“We can take a piece as small as a couple of millimeters and match it,” said Jobson. “We work with the customer until it’s right. Seeing the smiles when they come back with photos of their finished projects makes it more than worth it.”

Beyond paint, the store supports a wide range of home and farm projects. While wood building materials are not part of the store’s inventory, they have a wide variety of items to help tackle projects.

“We supply plumbing, electrical, wood stoves and chimney systems, metal roofing and siding, plus all the paint and sundries people need,” said Jobson. “For a lot of homeowners and farmers, it’s a one-stop shop for getting projects done.”

Special ordering is a key part of their operation, so customers can still access items typically not stocked in-store.

“If we don’t have exactly what someone needs, we’ll source it,” said Jobson. “People are patient and supportive. They’ll get what they can here and then come back once the rest of their project has lined up.”

What truly sets the business apart, however, isn’t inventory; it’s the people behind the counter.

“Our competitive advantage is the staff,” said Jobson. “They’re comfortable moving between departments, explaining solutions and helping customers figure out the best way to finish their job.”

In rural communities, access to qualified and available tradespeople can be limited, which makes knowledgeable retail support essential.

“Many of our customers don’t have a plumber or electrician just down the street,” said Jobson. “They need to feel confident that when they leave here, they can complete the work themselves.”

Jobson says some of their confidence comes from the staff physically laying out the parts, assembling components and walking customers through the process step by step.

“We’ll pull things out of the box and lay it all out,” said Jobson. “Once customers can actually see what they’re dealing with, everything clicks.”

This approach has led to many memorable moments.

“We supplied the metal cladding for the Fairview Curling Club when they refurbished the building,” said Jobson. “It turned out bright, clean and looks fantastic. The committee did a great job.”

Sometimes the most meaningful successes are not as flashy.

“When someone is hesitant to take a job on themselves, and they leave here smiling because they know they can do it—that’s huge,” said Jobson. “That sense of accomplishment matters.”

Jobson credits his team for making the business manageable and sustainable, especially after personal loss reshaped his role in the store.

“If it hadn’t been for the staff, I wouldn’t have been able to manage it,” said Jobson. “They are trusted to make decisions, order tools and take care of customers.”

Looking ahead, Jobson says the short-term focus is to continue meeting customer needs while adapting to changing trends.

“We’re always watching what’s changing,” said Jobson. “What people need today isn’t what they needed 10 years ago.”

As for the future, Jobson sees opportunity for growth, particularly in areas like the store’s online presence.

“There’s opportunity here for new ideas and a stronger social media presence,” said Jobson. “This store has a lot to offer.”

Jobson says he is happy with what he has and stays grounded with gratitude.

“I’m thankful for everyone who walks through the door,” said Jobson. “The community support, the staff and the relationships built here are what keep this place going.”

For more information visit homehardware.ca/en/store/55005, email behome@telusplanet.net

or call 780-494-3920.

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By Amanda Hunter | Photography by Bert Reynolds