Strasser True Value Hardware

About

Serving Kansas City since 1917

Story

1917

A.L. Strasser and his cousin, Alfred, open "Rosedale Plumbing and Electrical". The business was a contracting firm with several plumbers and electricians. Harold Strasser, age 10, assisted his father in the business. The duo purchased kegs of nails and screws to mount electrical insulators. However, they found that they were selling a lot of those products to other contractors as well.


1921

A.L. buys out Alfred, his cousin, discontinues contracting work and converts all shop and office space to a sales floor to pursue hardware sales.


1926

Name changes to A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. Harold graduates from high school and becomes a partner with his father. Together, they move the store to 910 Southwest Boulevard, where it resides today.

1940

A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. adds a sheet metal warehouse of 6,500 sq. ft. and 4,500 sq. ft. of sales floor space.


1943

Louis "Lou" Strasser, 9-year-old son of Harold Strasser, starts helping out around the store by sweeping floors.


1954

A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. expands an additional 11,000 sq. ft.

1956

A.L. Strasser (Founder) passes away.
Harold Strasser (2nd Generation) becomes President.
Lou Strasser (3rd generation) becomes Vice President.


1964

Strasser Hardware becomes a member of the "True Value" Cooperative and becomes known as "Strasser True Value Hardware."


1967

A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. expands again, this time by 12,400 sq. ft.


1972

Leroy Andrews becomes A.L. Strasser Hardware Co.'s Purchasing Manager.


1987

Lou Strasser takes over the daily operation of A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. and becomes the company President. Harold takes a step back by becoming the Vice President. A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. again expands sales space by adding 12,400 sq. ft.

1992

A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. celebrates 75 years of service.


1994

Leroy Andrews, employee of 27 years, becomes General Manager of A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. John Van Hengel (4th Generation) fulfills the role of Floor Manager.


1997

A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. celebrates 80 years of service and Harold Strasser celebrates his 90th birthday. A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. now has the inventory of over 100,000 items and a customer reach of more than 100 miles.


2008

Harold Strasser passes away at the age of 100 years young. Leroy Andrews becomes Vice President and A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. expands adding another 10,000 sq. ft.

2012

Lou Strasser retires and Leroy Andrews becomes President. John Van Hengel becomes Vice President. A.L. Strasser Hardware Co. is recognized by True Value Cooperative as "The Best Hardware Store In Town."



As we approach our 100th anniversary, we reflect on where we started and what we have become. Have we been true to the goals of our founder and those who have followed in his footsteps? The goal was never to be the biggest, it will always be to have the best service and the most knowledgeable staff possible. It's not about just having a lot of stuff, but about providing solutions to your needs.


Sometimes the best goals are the ones you have to keep shooting for...


"Striving For the Best!"