“Jobs of the Future” is a series focusing on career paths, local job opportunities, programs, and tales of success that highlight North Bay's diverse job market.
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For over six decades, Gateway Home Hardware has been a cornerstone of North Bay’s commerce scene. It’s doors first opened in 1959 and it has stood the test of time. Founded by Henry Ahola and now operated by his son James, the family-owned business has become more than just a place to buy tools and hardware, it is a community within itself which proudly displays the ideology of how customer service, and a commitment to it’s employees can shape the success of a local business.
James Ahola, who took over the business from his father, continues to build on the legacy established over 60 years ago. He spoke about this focus on creating a positive environment for both employees and customers on a recent episode of “To North Bay with Love.”
"We do so much that’s not financially motivated," Ahola says. "For most corporations, it’s all about profit, but for us, it’s about helping people. The reality is, if you take care of the people, the people will take care of you."
Ahola says this philosophy at Gateway Home Hardware means profits will naturally flow. According to Ahola, this is a mindset he inherited from his father, who instilled in him the value of building long-lasting relationships with both employees and customers. "It’s a positive feedback loop," Ahola explains. "If I take care of my staff, my staff takes care of my customers, and it just keeps going."
The story of Gateway Home Hardware traces back to Ahola’s father, Henry, building the store from the ground up. Henry Ahola purchased the original store in 1958, relocating his family to North Bay after working in a lumber mill. Over the years, Henry expanded the business by hand, brick by brick, creating the iconic store that has served generations of North Bay residents.
"My dad tore down the old Sunoco gas station that stood here before and built this place with his own hands," James recalls. "Every night and every day, he’d remove a little bit more, load it into his van, and take it out to the farm. He did it all himself."
That work ethic and commitment is something James carries on today. While the store has grown and evolved over the years, it has never lost its family-oriented roots. The younger Ahola says he is now trying to involve his own children in the business, hoping to pass the torch when the time comes. "I’m wrestling with them to take over," he laughs. "They’re very smart, and I hope one day they’ll carry on the tradition."
What truly sets Gateway Home Hardware apart is the way employees feel about working there. With long-term staff like Evan Boudreau and Nikki Greer, who have each been with the store for over a decade, it’s clear that this is more than just a job for the team at Gateway.
Boudreau, who returned to Gateway after a brief stint at another company, speaks fondly of his time at the store. "I’ve probably been back here for almost 10 years now," he shares. "It’s family, it’s camaraderie. Everybody gets along really well, and I don’t have that feeling of dread when I wake up to go to work. I’m happy to see everyone."
Greer, another long-term employee, shares a similar sentiment. Having worked at the store for nearly 17 years, she recalls how she joined the team after leaving her previous job. "I came from the restaurant business and was looking for something new. My husband is best friends with James, and when I needed a job, James didn’t hesitate. I’ve been here ever since."
The sense of family and loyalty among staff is one of the reasons Gateway has such a high retention rate. Employees don’t just stay for the paycheck; they stay because they genuinely enjoy being part of a supportive team. "Nobody here ever leaves," Boudreau says with a smile. "We’re like a big family."
While employee satisfaction is a key part of Gateway’s success, it’s the store’s customer service that has made it a favorite among North Bay residents. "It’s all about the experience," says Boudreau. "We don’t just sell products. We ask customers about their projects, and we use our own experiences to help them. It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about making sure they get it right the first time."
This personalized approach is what keeps customers coming back. Gateway Home Hardware takes pride in the fact that it isn’t just another big-box store. "You go to some places, and they don’t even have what’s listed online," Evan explains. "But here, we literally have everything. If you walk in, someone in a red shirt will be there to help you. You won’t even need to ask."
This customer-first mindset extends to pricing as well. Boudreau, who handles the store’s power tools, takes pride in ensuring that customers don’t experience buyer’s remorse. "If you’re going to buy something that’s about to go on sale, I’ll let you know. I don’t want you to feel like you spent more than you needed to. It’s all about making sure people feel good about what they’re buying."
Gateway Home Hardware’s commitment to North Bay extends far beyond its customer base. Ahola is actively involved in supporting local charities and initiatives, often donating prizes or resources to help those in need. "We do a ton of little things," Ahola says. "People come in almost daily asking for support, and we’re happy to help out. It’s the little things that add up."
This focus on community has helped cement Gateway’s reputation as a business that truly cares. "This is a community," Ahola says. "What you do echoes. When you take care of someone’s mom or dad, that kindness ripples through the community."
As Gateway Home Hardware looks to the future, Ahola remains committed to the same principles that have guided the business for over 60 years: family, community, and customer service. "It’s very simple," Ahola says. "If you take care of people, they’ll take care of you."
And as the next generation of the Ahola family considers taking up the mantle, Gateway Home Hardware continues to thrive as a beloved North Bay institution, dedicated to serving the community it has called home for so many years.
To suggest a story for “Jobs of the Future” send Matt an email at [email protected]
