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Exploring The Surprises To Be Found In Big Country Hardware

photo by provided LtoR: Frank, Adam and Sam Broughton.

photo by provided

Tuesday January 16, 2018

One of the blessings of living in a small county is that we know people, understand who they are as individuals and frequent their businesses because of the connection, service and quality of the product. Vermonters like to buy local. One of the surprises of this system happens when we do not go in for a while and assume things are the same as they have always been at a business. Such is the surprise that happens when you walk into Big County Hardware, AKA Broughton’s Farm Supply located on Route 22A in Bridport, Vermont.
    Three generations of Broughtons, Frank, Adam and Sam are involved in their business that once was known for an incredible selection and distribution of farm supplies has evolved now into a Thriving Hardware and full service Outdoor Power Equipment dealership. It’s a one stop shop for hardware, plumbing, electrical and paint.  They also carry Jonsered chainsaws, Cub Cadet Lawn tractors, zero turns and snow throwers all with parts and service. If you are looking for feed, seed, or pet food, Broughton’s is the place.  Boots, shoes, gloves and apparel might take you around a corner or upstairs. but it’s those specialty items tucked in a maze of rooms that keep people coming from miles away. Oh yes, they still have stuff for the cows too.
    Frank Broughton started in 1963 selling farm supplies from the trunk of his car and then he and his wife, Mary Ann, continued with selling the supplies out of the warehouse at their Cornwall home. Frank has been involved with the dairy farm industry for over fifty years. Between Frank and Adam, the pair has been to and worked with countless dairy farms. As the needs of the local farmers changed, so did Broughton’s offerings. At the current location since 1972, the additions and selections of products have represented a continuation of the commitment to the customers that started with Frank and beyond farmers to meet the needs of the entire community.
    Cub Cadet Tractors have been in Bridport for over thirty-five years. First sold at the Bridport Garage for about fifteen years, Frank and Adam brought the dealership down the road to their store when that garage closed. Not only is there a large assortment of Cub Cadet Tractors and equipment to choose from, but Broughton’s picks up the machines for service, has the parts and trained staff to repair them and delivers them back to their owners.
    Different additions to the buildings over time have made room for Lumber, Hand Tools, Stove Pipe, and more Plumbing. Have you noticed the new sign out front?   Big Country Hardware is the destination.o “We are certainly blessed to live in this part of Vermont” says Adam. Anybody will tell you those blessings include our staff members like Monica Bailey and Polly Rheaume, both with over twenty years of experience helping each customer finding just what they need. You’ll also find more of the friendly crew, Joanne and Jessy and Sam,  helpful at the counter as well.  Meanwhile, in the shop,  Kevin keeps the blades turning !
    Come in for a complimentary hot coffee and the warm welcome you could expect from a neighbor, while shopping in a store that has what you need here in your home county. Simply stop in Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The service and knowledge you will find there will not surprise you. What will surprise you is the one stop shop that Big Country Hardware has become for your every need. And even though you do not see the Cub Cadet line out in front have no fear. They are tucked away for the winter and you can check them out inside, while visions of lawn mowing and flowers are still months away. Adam, Frank and Sam are there and ready to welcome you in and show you just how things have changed at Broughton’s Farm Supply and at the same time they have stayed the same with the warmth, quality of service and knowledge that three generations bring to the workplace.

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