Family-Run Business Celebrates 100 Years - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi
Member Center:
The owners of a 100 year old family-run store say they've managed to stay in business by changing with the times, but not sacrificing integrity. When W.A. McDonald and Sons opened in 1904, customers went there to buy feed and wooden wagons. Now the Bay St. Louis hardware store sells everything from hammers and nails to kitchen appliances.
Melissa McDonald-Blanchard came to work at her family's business thinking it would be temporary. That was ten years ago.
"It's become not just a job for me but part of my life," she said. "To be able to carry on what was started by my great grandfather I think he would be proud."
In 2004 people have a lot more shopping choices than they did in 1904 so for what W.A. McDonald and Sons lacks in size the family tries to make up for in customer service.
"People like personal attention. They like to go to a place where the people feel like their business is appreciated and they can get somebody to talk to them and wait on them," said Jim McDonald. "If you treat people right. Even small businesses like ours, you'll get your share of business."
The store is a family tradition for more than just members of the McDonald family. Richie Santiago stop by to pick up some supplies on Wednesday.
"As a kid I used to come here with my mother and father and they'd shop here. The place has always been good to them and good to my family. It's always nice to walk in and know the folks working behind the counter and them know you."
After 100 years and four generations of service, the McDonalds have a lot of pride in the business they built. However, they say they didn't do it alone.
"When a business has been in business for 100 years then a lot of people have done a lot of things throughout the years," said Jim McDonald.
Although the store is still called W.A. McDonald & Sons, owner Jim McDonald runs the store with his two of his four daughters.
Following the resignation of Hugh Freeze, former Ole Miss player from Gulfport Matt Luke will lead the Rebels as Interim Head Coach. Jason Krohn grew up with Luke and played football with him at Gulfport High. Also an Ole Miss alum, Krohn believes Luke is the right person to guide the Rebels through difficult times.
More >>Following the resignation of Hugh Freeze, former Ole Miss player from Gulfport Matt Luke will lead the Rebels as Interim Head Coach. Jason Krohn grew up with Luke and played football with him at Gulfport High. Also an Ole Miss alum, Krohn believes Luke is the right person to guide the Rebels through difficult times.
More >>A group of sports enthusiasts who play basketball at 7th Street Park in Bay St. Louis say they want more time and space to play, without upsetting the neighbors.
More >>A group of sports enthusiasts who play basketball at 7th Street Park in Bay St. Louis say they want more time and space to play, without upsetting the neighbors.
More >>The banging may be finished for now on Division Street in Biloxi. But the problems for neighbors are far from over. Some claim the infrastructure work has damaged their homes and they want contractor Oscar Renda to make good on the repairs.
More >>The banging may be finished for now on Division Street in Biloxi. But the problems for neighbors are far from over. Some claim the infrastructure work has damaged their homes and they want contractor Oscar Renda to make good on the repairs.
More >>On the 21st of August this year, the sun will go dark in the middle of the afternoon. This solar eclipse will be visible, weather cooperating, all across the United States of America.
More >>On the 21st of August this year, the sun will go dark in the middle of the afternoon. This solar eclipse will be visible, weather cooperating, all across the United States of America.
More >>Employees who worked for Liberty Tax Services in Gulfport and Biloxi say they are owed money and bonuses. After waiting for months and getting no response from the franchise owners, they contacted WLOX Action Reporter A.J. Giardina.
More >>Employees who worked for Liberty Tax Services in Gulfport and Biloxi say they are owed money and bonuses. After waiting for months and getting no response from the franchise owners, they contacted WLOX Action Reporter A.J. Giardina.
More >>Police say no laws were violated by five teens who made a video of a drowning man and posted it to social media.
More >>Police say no laws were violated by five teens who made a video of a drowning man and posted it to social media.
More >>As the world, the United States, and South Carolina prepared for arguably the coolest celestial event in decades, our old friends at NASA want you to know that pairs of unsafe solar eclipse glasses are being distributed.
More >>As the world, the United States, and South Carolina prepared for arguably the coolest celestial event in decades, our old friends at NASA want you to know that pairs of unsafe solar eclipse glasses are being distributed.
More >>Authorities confirm that 2 people have been arrested in Shreveport after a raid at a Shreveport massage parlor in connection with a multi-state human trafficking investigation.
More >>Authorities confirm that 2 people have been arrested in Shreveport after a raid at a Shreveport massage parlor in connection with a multi-state human trafficking investigation.
More >> |  208 DeBuys Road
Biloxi, MS 39531 (228) 896-1313
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2017 Raycom Media. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service, and Ad Choices.
|
