Sometimes my life feels like a challenge to see just how many tools I can accumulate. If only I could remember where I put that hand-held sander.
I often spend longer trying to find the tool I need than the entire repair job takes. I guess that’s a side effect to having tools strewn all over the house with no defined filing system.
My tool situation could get much more cluttered in a few days because I’m about to make the following announcement. Harbor Freight is scheduled to open its store in McMinnville this Tuesday at 8 a.m. Let the shopping begin.
Harbor Freight is located at the longtime Fred’s Pharmacy building at Northgate Center. When I stopped by Friday, I found the store to be overflowing with merchandise and workers scurrying to put the finishing touches in place. They spoke with confidence they would be ready to go Tuesday morning.
This will be Harbor Freight's 29th store in Tennessee. The local store will be a 15,000-square-foot facility that will stock a full selection of over 7,000 tools and accessories in categories including automotive, power tools, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools and more.
It should be noted Harbor Freight’s hand tools come with a lifetime warranty.
If you’re more in the market for a job instead of a new tool, Harbor Freight is currently hiring. To apply, visit harborfreightjobs.com.
For more than 40 years, Harbor Freight has been a source for affordable tools. As legend has it, the company got its start in Southern California in 1977 when 17-year-old Eric Smidt began transforming his father’s small phone sales business into a successful mail-order company.
In his first year, Eric bypassed the bothersome middle man everyone wants to avoid and cut deals directly with factories. He realized if he could buy tools directly for less, he could convey savings to his customers.
1810 Title like
Home sweet home
Buying a home can be complicated, perhaps even intimidating. There can be paperwork and legal hurdles to clear that may seem daunting to folks who don’t deal with these matters every day.
That’s where a new company called 1810 Title & Escrow, LLC can help. The business officially opened its McMinnville office Tuesday on N. Spring Street under the ownership of attorneys Ryan J. Moore, Hilton Conger, and Christopher Cantrell. A Manchester office has been opened for almost four months.
Staff members have extensive experience in banking and in law and they are ready to tackle your loan from start to finish.
“We do extensive title exams that go back at least 30 years, more if needed,” said escrow officer Macy Edwards. “We clear up any and all title issues before closing.”
Macy noted their expertise can lead to a quick loan turnaround, but speed will never trump accuracy and doing the job right. “Pending no issues, we can close in 24 to 48 hours,” she said.
The convenience of one do-it-all stop is one reason to utilize the services of 1810. The confidence of having your real estate transaction done correctly is another.
“We’re a resource which didn’t exist in this area before,” said Jared Foster, the business development manager for 1810. “Buying a home can be stressful and we want to help ease some of that stress and do it with professionalism and efficiency.”
Ryan J. Moore noted that all work is verified and backed by an attorney before it’s finalized to provide peace of mind to clients.
“The world of title has changed over the last decade,” said Ryan. “Clients want to close at their convenience and not work around an attorney’s court schedule. Another change is title insurance is required on every secondary market loan and is becoming more common on in-house loans, commercial transactions and cash closings. Our team works hard from contract to close to ensure a good and marketable title. Jared, Rachel and Macy are all experienced closers, which means we can have three deals closing at the same time.”
One handy aspect of 1810 is its mobility. Employees can handle closings in their N. Spring Street office, which connects to Ryan’s law office, their Manchester office, at local banks, realtor offices and even out of town. They have already handled closings in Columbia and Smyrna.
Realtors who want to use the N. Spring Street office can do so in luxury. There’s a spacious conference room and a realtor hospitality room equipped with coffee, drinks and snacks.
“Realtors who work remotely are more than welcome to utilize our amenities and work here,” said Ryan.
Added Jared, “We want it to feel like home when you’re closing on a home.”
Whether it’s an owner-financing deal, commercial loan, or a standard 30-year mortgage, 1810 can handle your transaction and offers title insurance. The business gets its name from the year McMinnville was founded.
For more information, call the friendly folks at 1810 Title & Escrow at 507-1810.
Montgomery’s digs in At new location
For several years, Joe Montgomery and his son, Cam, operated separate businesses. They’ve decided to merge the two businesses into one as they’ve opened Montgomery’s at 204 Sparta Street.
The business specializes in septic tank installation and repair among its many services. It also pumps septic tanks, does all types of plumbing, offers excavation work, and can perform work installing underground utilities.
“When we pull up, we have everything we need and can do all the work ourselves,” said Cam. “We don’t have to rely on anyone else.”
One of the big changes in the industry is the switch to plastic septic tanks. Cam says the plastic tanks are considerably lighter and they will outlast concrete.
“The septic work is all governed by the state and the state would not approve it if it was not a proven piece of material,” said Cam of the plastic tanks.
Montgomery’s can handle everything plumbing, which includes repairing a commode or leaky faucet. If you have a substantial line clog well under your house, they have a 100-foot rooter that can reach the clog and open it up.
Buying and remodeling the building at 204 and 206 Sparta Street is the big upgrade. They purchased the property from Stan Hankal, who is the brother of Jenny Montgomery.
“We’re so thankful to Stan for selling us this building and letting us keep his phone number,” said Joe. “We’ve already gotten a lot of business from people calling him who have used us. We do a lot of the same things, but we don’t do appliance repair.”
The building looks much nicer with the upgrades the Montgomery family has made. There is also one side of the building that’s not being used and is ready for a tenant.
“It’s not ready just yet but it’s 3,200 square feet that we’re remodeling to make it available,” said Joe. “We could remodel it to suit or we could divide it.”
Jenny says the business has done well because there is always attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
“I’m so proud of my son and my husband because they both do such quality work and they take pride in it,” she said.
Montgomery’s can be reached at 474-1222. Cam and Joe are available after hours in emergency situations if needed.
Golden says
Goodbye to IDB
Jeff Golden isn’t exactly sure of the time he’s spent on the Industrial Development Board, but it’s been at least 30 years.
On Thursday, he said goodbye to his fellow board members for what was expected to be his last meeting. His term expires this month and the county enacted a two-term limit for IDB members.
“The longer I live, the more I appreciate the value of experience,” said IDB president Mike Millard. “Jeff, I hate to see you go.”
For me, I’m torn on the idea of county term limits. On one hand, I think it’s great to get new people involved in the process so they can feel like they’re contributing to the community. On the other, I think Jeff has done a fine job on the IDB and losing his experience is not a good thing.
County officials seem somewhat conflicted themselves. There’s been talk about rescinded the IDB's two-term limit but that talk has yet to materialize into action.
We’ll find out soon enough as the full Warren County Commission meeting is scheduled for this Monday night. County Executive Jimmy Haley has reportedly been doing his homework to find out who to nominate to the two IDB seats coming open this month. Jenny Nafrada occupies the other seat and she could be reappointed.
That’s all folks
The time has come to give your Halloween costume full attention. If a business tip arises, send me an email at editor@southernstandard.com.
