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I always thought Fells Hardware, Winchester’s funky and old-fashioned hardware store, is a three-generation Ryan family business. Wrong! It’s FOUR generations!
After purchasing the building and land, Pierce Ryan renovated the interior and opened the doors in 1927. His son, John, took over and ran the business for 63 years before he passed in 2012. When I shopped at Fells, John always greeted me with the famous Ryan smile.
At the age of 15, his son Kevin was drawn into the business. It was supposed to be for two weekends. Decades later, he’s still there.
Kevin’s brother Bruce joined “Team Fells” in 1970 after returning from military service. He worked there until he retired in 2009. So many long-term customers still ask for him.
“Fells Hardware would not be what it is today without him,” Kevin says.
Andrew, Kevin’s son, started working weekends at Fells when he was 10 years old. That’s Pierce, John, Kevin + Bruce, Andrew = four generations.
It is pretty obvious employees love their job. Carmen Fuccillo started working at Fells when he was 14 years old. After graduating from college, he joined the Bank of America but enjoys his job at Fells so much you’ll still find him there on Saturdays.
Artie Larose has worked at Fells for 11 years. Artie has quite a fan club. The most exciting adventure for the local dogs is to join their owner for a trip to Fells to visit Artie. Yes, they love Artie, but they love Pup-Peroni even more!
There are good reasons Fells has been successful for 98 years. Apart from offering a wide range of products that are selected based on customer needs and seasonally changed, it’s all about customer service. It doesn’t matter if you’re spending $100 or simply need a few nails, you’re treated like the most important customer to come through the door.
Fells is a big supporter of local charities, youth groups, Scouts and sports teams. Fells annual campaign for the Mission of Deeds “Buy a Bed” raised as much as $40,000 in one year alone.
When it’s time for the annual En Ka Fair, the “Closed” sign goes on the door, Fells places lawn chairs on the sidewalk in front of the store, and people cheer the parade as it passes by.
Kevin isn’t one to boast, or even mention, the entire Ryan family has been recognized as Citizen of the Year.
