Woodburn Do It Best Hardware Recognizes Employee with Golden Hammer Award

Woodburn, Ind. — Woodburn and Grabill Hardware are recognizing longtime employee Lisa Smith for her years of service and dedication to the local community with the Golden Hammer Award. This award marks her career that has spanned decades in family retail and hardware work. Woodburn Do It Best works with Estwing Tool Co. who recognizes independent hardware stores with 50 years or more in the Independent Hardware industry. Smith’s career has reflected the values of independent hardware stores and family-run businesses.

Smith has worked at Woodburn Hardware for the past 11 years and previously spent about seven years at Brueggemann Hardware. Her experience also includes two years at a former Fort Wayne paint store, Ream Steckbeck, which is no longer in business.

Her roots in retail run much deeper, however, as she grew up working in her family’s business, Norm’s Family Center. The store, originally established in 1912 by her grandfather Henry, was later operated by her father, Norm Brenneke, beginning in the 1940s. Smith began working there at the age of 14 and remained involved as the business continued through the decades before her father retired in the 1990s. Smith’s grandmother, Carolyn Brenneke, carried on the family business after her husband Henry, passed away, while still raising for four sons until Norm was able to take over when he became an adult. The kids all helped during these times.

Over the years, Smith said one of the most rewarding parts of her work has been building relationships with customers. Having spent her life in small-town retail, she has come to know many people over generations, creating a strong sense of familiarity and community.

Smith continues to live in Woodburn, where she has spent most of her life. Though officially retired, she still works part-time at the hardware store, putting in about 15 hours a week. She said the role has become a natural extension of retirement, allowing her to stay active and connected.

Outside of work, Smith remains involved in the community as a member of the Woodburn Main Street Committee, where she helps organize local events, including activities tied to the town’s car show. She is also a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Woodburn.

Smith and her husband, Gary, have a blended family that includes daughters Lindsay and Samantha, both of Woodburn, along with stepdaughters Melissa, who lives in Fort Wayne, and Stephanie, who resides in Connecticut. She also enjoys time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In her spare time, Smith enjoys gardening, cooking, crocheting, and traveling. She and her husband frequently take short trips and have an Alaskan cruise planned later this year, fulfilling a longtime goal. They also regularly visit South Carolina, where they have a condo.

Throughout her years behind the counter, Smith said one piece of advice has stayed with her: when helping customers, listen—especially to those who know what they’re doing. That mindset, she said, has helped her build trust and serve generations of customers.

As she continues working part-time, Smith said she plans to remain at the store as long as she is able, maintaining the connections and community ties that have defined her lifelong career.