Jim Gerig Receives Gold Hammer Award!

Estwing Manufacturing Company awards retailers who have worked in the hardware and home improvement industry for 50 years of service with an Estwing Golden Hammer Award. On Tuesday, April 15th, James E. Gerig of Grabill and Woodburn Hardware Do It Best was presented the Estwing’s Gold Hammer Award by Rick Kramer, Territory Sales Manager of Do it Best Corp.

Grabill Hardware Inc. (Grabill and Woodburn Hardware Do it Best) has now had three employees receive the Estwing’s Golden Hammer Award. The Founder of Grabill Hardware Inc., the late Abner F. Gerig received this award in 1980; Claude E. Schrock received his award in 2022; and now Jim has received this prestigious honor as well.

Abner’s and Claude’s gold hammer awards are featured at the Church Museum in Grabill.  Jim’s award will also be joining them in the future.        

Abner Gerig and his father Dan Gerig started Grabill Hardware with the desire to serve the community with hardware products and services. The business later joined Hardware Wholesalers Inc. (HWI) – which is now Do it Best Corp. – in 1950. Claude Schrock joined Abner Gerig and Grabill Hardware in 1972. In the summer of 1974, Jim Gerig started at Grabill Hardware. He stated, “I was getting tired of being mowed down at football scrimmage. I’d rather make some money.” In November of 1976, a fire tragically destroyed the old hardware building, but with the support of the community it was rebuilt and reopened in 1977. Seeing an opportunity to spread its products and services to a wider community, the company opened Woodburn Hardware Do It Best in 2010.

Since Woodburn Hardware Do it Best’s opening, Jim has dedicated much of his time to providing products and services to the Woodburn. Despite this, he has remained deeply connected to the Grabill community. In 1980, he became president of Grabill Promotions which later merged with the Grabill Chamber of Commerce. He has continued to serve on the Grabill Chamber of Commerce as its president for over 20 years. The Chamber’s mission is to bring activity to Grabill with family friendly events. The Road Apple Cruise-In, The Old Huskers Tractor Show, and Pets on Main, all provide fun and strengthens connections within the community.

Jim says, “I’ve learned from those who have lead before me and through the relationships of the great customers and friends both now and then. It’s been great serving with others that make our community so healthy. Grabill and Woodburn Hardware has taught me so much.”

Jim has attended Grabill Missionary Church all of his life.  He plays bass for the worship band on Sunday mornings.  He is thankful for being brought up in a Christian home and friends at GMC.  Jim has been married for forty years to his wonderful wife, Jill.  They have 2 daughters and four grandchildren.