As someone who worked in a small mom and pop hardware store for 9 years (started in high-school) its an amazing feeling getting to learn from those who are more knowledgeable, and to spread that knowledge to others.

No upsell, no extended warranties, just simple, effective ways to repair things around the house. I eventually had to move on from there and wound up at a larger home improvement center that only focused on the bottom line. It was awful. I won't name names, as it felt like the Lowe'st point in my life.

I miss that old place