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There is something unique and mystic
about tradition. Tradition is the passing on of customs and beliefs from
generation to generation.
Hardin's Furniture Company has been
a family tradition for over 50 years and is based on the same customs and beliefs
that Joe T. Hardin and his wife, Virginia C. Hardin founded the business
on.
"Joe came in the kitchen and
said that he was going into business for himself and wanted to know if
I would help him," said Virginia. "Of course I said yes and
we've been here ever since." She started doing book work and sales
for the family business. Virginia explains, "I helped get the books
set up. It absolutely wasn't fun."
Keeping the books up was a difficult
job, especially since Joe would do business in a way that helped people
out. "I remember one time that Joe traded a cow for a piece of furniture.
I thought, how in the world can I put that in the books," said Virginia.
"He was just that way, he helped folks".
Originally, The business was called
Hardin's Furniture House and the store was located at 305 W. Kivett Street
in Asheboro. Its Grand Opening was on Nov. 6, 1949. Hardin's moved to
its present location in 1956 and became incorporated in 1970.
Their son, Tal, joined the family
business in 1970 and is the corporation's president. "Tal and June
were practically raised in the store. Their playpen was there and it was
full of coloring books," said Virginia.
Tal's wife, Gay, took over the book keeping duties in 1974 and continues
in that position today. Their son, Brian, is the third generation to join
the family business and is the company's vice-president.
Tal explains his father's business
approach. "Daddy wanted to offer quality furniture at a fair price.
He wanted a small mom and pop image that offered a personal touch."
Over fifty years later, that goal still hasn't changed.
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