SOLON — Tom Trump first stepped into the Solon Hardware store in February of 1975. He was just 12 years old, tasked with helping his parents, Dean and Carolyn Trump, take inventory of what was left in the store from the previous owners. Dean passed away in 1996 and since then Tom has worked tirelessly to keep the family business running.

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Tom said his parents were drawn to the store’s location in Solon, which sits between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Each year Trump aged, he took on more and more responsibility around the store. He went from helping out in the store to providing service repairs, always mentored by Dean. Little did he know the hardware store would be the center of his career for many years to come.

On February 1st, this year, the store, which has been a Solon staple for decades, celebrated its 50th anniversary under the ownership of the Trump family.

In an era of big-box retailers and online shopping, Tom acknowledges the challenges local stores face in staying relevant. He said his parents understood early on what it took to run a small business, and he continues to follow many of their strategies.

“I think the biggest thing is, for a small-town hardware store to make it, you’ve got to offer some services other than just what you sell out the front door,” Tom said.

Since the early days of the store, the main goal was always to provide for the customer, whether that was through a product or service. In a town like Solon, that meant they would provide as much as possible to prevent a customer from traveling North or South to Cedar Rapids or Iowa City for their hardware needs.

“If you get one or two people coming in looking for something, then it’s time to add it to the inventory,” said Tom, “Over the years, we’ve built it up to where we have a big supply of what people seem to be looking for.”

This supply ranges through a wide variety of products. Of course, the normal hardware store expectations; nails, screws, bolts, tools, etc. But also, features a few appliances, like coffee makers. 50 years ago, providing the amount of product they do now seemed like a dream. It was where they were striving to get. When the store first opened, the Trump family only had about $1000 of operating capital.

“At the time, our hardware distributor was located in Cedar Rapids, so my dad would go every Friday to pick up the hardware order,” Tom said. “If somebody came in and wanted something we didn’t have, we would always offer to pick it up for them on Friday and have it back that afternoon.”

Tom’s customers range from local regulars to those just passing through.

“I see a fair amount of contractors here for a job in town, and rather than making a trip back, they can swing in and grab what they need,” he said. “They’re able to get the job finished, save time, and therefore save money.”

In a time where being a small business owner is harder than ever, Tom has persevered through harsh environmental factors to keep the business not only alive, but thriving.

The hardware store was struck with damage during a tornado March 31, 2023. The built-up part of the roof was torn off by the violent winds, causing damage to one of the more iconic buildings of Solon’s Main Street. After a long process of reconstruction, which saw the front of the building covered in scaffolding and timber bracing for over a year, it was decided they would replace a structural beam near the top of the building and reinforce it with rebar on the interior of the beam.

While insurance covered the damage to the roof, it was up to Tom to pay for the other repairs.

Last May the City Council voted to approve a $55,000 five-year forgivable TIF (Tax Increment Financing) loan for the repair work, the third-highest loan the city has made.

“The $55,000 loan is a generous amount and reflects the City Council’s commitment to a legacy Main Street business, and to the Trump family for their service to the Solon Community,” said City Administrator Cami Rasmussen.

“I was happy that the city was able to partner with the Solon Hardware Store to restore the building following the tornado,” Mayor Dan O’Neil said.

Trump plans on repainting the storefront and getting the store sign back up in place once the weather warms up.

“Well, so obviously, I’m ecstatic that we got all the repairs made to the front of the building,” Tom said. “Now, we’re getting ready for lawnmower season. Typically, in the spring, we start lawnmower repairs and services, which usually last until the hot, dry part of summer.” Editor’s note: see related stories. “The structural stability of the building was never truly compromised,” said Trump. Making for a symbolic representation of how the company has stood against time itself.

“The Solon Hardware Store has been a mainstay on Main Street and a great reminder of the values and work ethic that define our town,” O’Neil said. “It’s a great example of the families that continue to maintain Solon’s small-town charm. “Fifty years is quite the achievement, and it’s an honor to have the Solon Hardware Store as part of our community and Main Street.”

For over 50 years, Solon Hardware has been more than just a store—it’s been part of the community. Through hard work and a commitment to great service, Tom has kept his family’s business going strong, even as times have changed.

Solon Hardware Store

232 E. Main Street

319-624-3461