HRM Enterprises buys Lehman’s in Kidron

ARCHIVE PHOTO PROVIDED BY GLENDA LEHMAN ERVIN

Lehman’s founder Jay Lehman, left, and daughter, Glenda Lehman Ervin, and son, Galen. Lehman’s has been sold to HRM Enterprises. Prior to his passing in July 2020, these plans were discussed with Jay Lehman, according to a news release. He was supportive of the partnership and expressed a long-standing admiration for the Hartville collection of businesses. Howard Miller Sr. and Jay Lehman traveled internationally together and shared the same values of integrity and customer service.

 

HRM Enterprises, Inc. has purchased the iconic hardware store on the square in Kidron.

In its 65 years, Lehman’s has brought in hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ohio, has employed hundreds, and has provided income for local Amish vendors.

Lehman’s joins HRM Enterprises family of businesses, which include: Hartville Hardware, Hartville Kitchen, Hartville Marketplace, and Top Advantage Surfaces.

The Miller Family, owners of HRM Enterprises, recently reached an agreement to purchase Lehman’s from Galen Lehman and they look forward to working with Lehman and the entire Lehman’s team to keep the great, family owned, culture and commitment to benefit customers, team members, and the surrounding community, according to a news release.

Gary Sommers, CEO of HRM and grandson of Howard Miller Sr., company founder, said in the news release, “We are ecstatic to add the Lehman’s team and brand to our family. Our company’s values of putting God first, treating customers, suppliers, and each other as we would like to be treated and giving back to our community match well with Lehman’s approach. We hope to build on the success and tradition that Galen and his family have established over the years.”

Zach Coblentz, COO of HRM and grandson of Howard Miller Sr. also stated in the release, “Lehman’s strong brand recognition across the country and online can be seen in the team members’ dedication to serving its customers. We are excited to be working with those dedicated team members to continue the strong legacy of Lehman’s.”

HRM Enterprises has a long history of close relationships within the communities they operate. The Millers intend to continue the close relationship that the Lehman family has with northeast Ohio by supporting charitable and service-oriented organizations and encouraging team members to live the organization’s commitment to serve others both inside and outside the business.

“We are thrilled to become part of the HRM family of companies,” Galen Lehman said in the release. “The partnership between both family-owned businesses is a win for this community. The relationship between the two companies dates back generations and joining forces is a natural progression. I remember back in the 1980s, when Howard Miller Sr. would stop in and talk business with my father Jay. His son Howard Miller Jr. and I shared meals and often discussed business and our shared faith. His son-in-law, Vernon Sommers, was the first non-family member on Lehman’s board of directors, serving for over a decade. More recently, Vernon’s son and current CEO Gary Sommers and I trade ideas to improve our businesses.”

Prior to his passing in July 2020, these plans were discussed with company founder Jay Lehman, the release states. He was supportive of the partnership and expressed a long-standing admiration for the Hartville collection of businesses. Howard Miller Sr. and Jay Lehman traveled internationally together and shared the same values of integrity and customer service.

Lehman’s will remain a standalone business in HRM’s family of companies with Galen Lehman and Zach Coblentz partnering in the day-to-day leadership. Lehman’s will operate using the Lehman’s brand and ongoing commitment to a simpler life. Lehman’s will continue to be a major attraction in Ohio’s Amish Country and will work closely with partners in the hospitality industry.

The team at HRM looks forward to learning more about the Kidron area, customers, and community, as well as the current Lehman’s team members who are all being offered the opportunity to stay, according to the news release.