Becker Hardware celebrates 100 years By Anita Stratos Correspondent Arthur Becker (center),with sons Dan and Jeff,is proud of Becker Hardware's long history. Longevity is a rare thing in business today, and to find it speaks well of the business's flexibility, expertise, and owners. One shining example of such a business is Becker Hardware in Colts Neck, which is now celebrating its 100th anniversary. Currently owned by Arthur Becker, the story of this local landmark begins back in 1903 when his grandfather, Morris Becker, opened a hardware/housewares store in New York City with a partner. In 1920, he moved to Red Bank and brought the business there, where it remained for 50 years. It was 31 years ago that Becker Hardware moved to its present location on Route 34 in Colts Neck. Joseph and Arthur Becker moved their business to Colts Neck 31 years ago. Throughout the years, the Becker family has kept its product lines current with the changing times. During the World War II era, "victory gardens" blossomed across America's landscape, so Arthur's father, Joseph Becker, stocked his shelves with gardening products. Later, during the home construction boom, the store's focus turned to lawn care. Being a strong business for a century, Becker Hardware has also seen its share of competition from larger corporations and chains, which forced other changes to come about. Arthur Becker recalled that when big appliance discounters like Sears appeared on the horizon, it no longer made sense for many smaller shops to carry these items, and his grandfather discontinued their line of housewares, appliances, and toys. Three generations of Beckers have been at the head of Becker Hardware: Morris Becker, Joseph Becker and Arthur Becker. Arthur's sons Dan and Jeff are also involved in the family business. Below is pictured Becker Hardware in Red Bank,as it appeared in 1956. "Through the years we've become more focused, and the changes in Becker Hardware have come about through evolution, not revolution," he said. "Our store is constantly changing, and even though we've been here in Colts Neck for 31 years, we still think of this store as 'new.' " While the inventory may change as needed, one thing stays the same, and that's a strong focus on customer service and education, something not found in large home center chains. Becker Hardware is known for giving personal service to each individual customer; sales associates take a personal interest in the customer's questions and help the customer understand the best possible solutions for his or her specific needs. There are no one-size-fits-all carbon copy answers here. "The day we mimic the large home centers is the day we go out of business," Becker said. "We are a people-oriented business and give each person a real response to their questions. We help our customers with practical advice and working solutions - we're not here to give sales pitches." Becker is proud to point out that "there's always a Becker in the store," and with his two sons Dan and Jeff following in the family business, that tradition will probably hold true for years to come. With so many people looking for an alternative to chemicals in their gardens, Dan Becker's bachelor's degree in environmental science and master's degree in environmental health give him the ability to help customers understand how to use the natural organic products carried at Becker Hardware. And for those with a need for large equipment like tractors, mowers, and snow throwers, Jeff Becker's equipment knowledge can match the customer to the right piece of equipment for the job. Arthur, Dan and Jeff keep up with the latest by continually attending training seminars on new product lines. Becker Hardware will be celebrating its century of business by hosting "One Hundred Days of Giveaways" starting with an open house on the first Saturday of June and continuing until early October. Details of the celebration aren't being revealed yet, but Becker did mention that one of the giveaways will be a large screen television. It goes without saying that Becker Hardware has everything you could need for inside and outside the home. Some things, like the Becker Blends of grass seed put together by Arthur Becker specifically to work well in local growing areas, are part of what make Becker Hardware a one-of-a-kind place where you won't only get what you need, you'll also leave with an understanding of how to get the best possible results for your project. Becker Hardware is located in the Colts Neck Shopping Plaza on Route 34 in Colts Neck. For more information, call