For the first time in more than 50 years Sweet Home’s business district no longer boasts a Coast to Coast hardware store.
Last week, Cliff Wagers sold the store to long-time employee Bruce Hobbs and the operation’s name was changed to Cascade Hardwae.
Wagers, 62, said the actual Coast to Coast brand had disappeared several years ago and the store had operated as an independent, which will continue under the new ownership.
Hobbs, 24, and his wife, Monica Sanders, have three sons and says he saw the purchase as a “good opportunity, a great way to settle down in a business with a good future.”
Hobbs said he plans to “make as few changes as we can get away with” in the store.
Wagers said he plans to “help Bruce” and enjoy working with his rental houses.
Wagers had owned a Coast to Coast store in Washington state for seven years before purchasing the local store in 1984.
“It’s been a real pleasure working here. Sweet Home has been very good to me and my family,” Wagers said.
Wagers said his business philosophy was not complicated. “I just listened to our customers and then tried to stock what they wanted,” he said. “We’re definitely glad to have been here.”
Wagers and his wife, Edris, reared two sons and a daughter here. All grew up working at the store.
“I can see that Bruce will have the same opportunity to raise his kids at the store and that’s very good,” Wagers said.
In addition to their work, the Wagers have reared foster children for many years. Cliff also enjoys sponsoring the local boxing club.