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PIERRE, SD – Sam Olson of Buffalo Hardware has been honored as the 2024 South Dakota Retailer of the Year. Presented annually since 1982 by the South Dakota Retailers Association, the award recognizes businesses committed to excellence in their business and community. Buffalo Hardware was already a mainstay in the small community of Buffalo when Olson returned to his hometown and took over the business after graduating from college in 2014. The previous owner, who had planned to retire after running the store for 47 years, continues to work at the business. Since assuming ownership, Olson has continued to grow both the types of services offered and the market area. The business delivers purchases to customers across a wide area. “We show up at their doorstep and give the services that otherwise can’t be provided in rural America,” he noted. The business has a solid reputation for outstanding customer service. Olson attributes that to his employees. “I think the biggest reason people keep coming back is because of the people we employ,” he said. “They do a great job of caring for each individual that walks through the door. They go the extra mile to find what you need to get your project done to the best of your ability.” Olson and his family now operate five businesses in Buffalo including the hardware store, Olson Construction, Buffalo Ranch Supply, Olson Propane, and Olson Fuels. “We didn’t set out to buy five businesses,” Olson laughed. “Ultimately, we got into business to give more opportunities to people here and to grow our community.” Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says Olson and his team exemplify what is best about the businesses that line Main Street South Dakota. “Buffalo Hardware demonstrates a clear commitment to their customers and are a vital part of their community and surrounding area.” To learn more about Olson and the Retailers Association’s additional award recipients, visit sdra.org/awards. ### The South Dakota Retailers Association is one of the nation’s oldest and largest state retail organizations, operating as the South Dakota Restaurant, Grocers, and Hospitality associations. We believe in South Dakota businesses, offering information, advocacy, and services to over 4,000 members. Learn more online at sdra.org. Available for download at sdra.org/mediaresources: Award Photos, Audio Quotes
PIERRE, SD – Sam Olson of Buffalo Hardware has been honored as the 2024 South Dakota Retailer of the Year. Presented annually since 1982 by the South Dakota Retailers Association, the award recognizes businesses committed to excellence in their business and community.
Buffalo Hardware was already a mainstay in the small community of Buffalo when Olson returned to his hometown and took over the business after graduating from college in 2014. The previous owner, who had planned to retire after running the store for 47 years, continues to work at the business.
Since assuming ownership, Olson has continued to grow both the types of services offered and the market area. The business delivers purchases to customers across a wide area.
“We show up at their doorstep and give the services that otherwise can’t be provided in rural America,” he noted.
The business has a solid reputation for outstanding customer service. Olson attributes that to his employees.
“I think the biggest reason people keep coming back is because of the people we employ,” he said. “They do a great job of caring for each individual that walks through the door. They go the extra mile to find what you need to get your project done to the best of your ability.”
Olson and his family now operate five businesses in Buffalo including the hardware store, Olson Construction, Buffalo Ranch Supply, Olson Propane, and Olson Fuels.
“We didn’t set out to buy five businesses,” Olson laughed. “Ultimately, we got into business to give more opportunities to people here and to grow our community.”
Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says Olson and his team exemplify what is best about the businesses that line Main Street South Dakota.
“Buffalo Hardware demonstrates a clear commitment to their customers and are a vital part of their community and surrounding area.”
To learn more about Olson and the Retailers Association’s additional award recipients, visit sdra.org/awards.
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The South Dakota Retailers Association is one of the nation’s oldest and largest state retail organizations, operating as the South Dakota Restaurant, Grocers, and Hospitality associations. We believe in South Dakota businesses, offering information, advocacy, and services to over 4,000 members. Learn more online at sdra.org.
Available for download at sdra.org/mediaresources: Award Photos, Audio Quotes