2012 PTAP Success Client: RTD Hardware of Las Cruces
There was a time when you could walk into your local hardware store and you would be greeted by the owner who knew you and your family by name. As you perused the store the owner would show you new items they had received and give you advice on how to get the best use of the things you had. You could even just stop in to talk about the weather.
Richard Trujillo opened the doors to RTD Hardware in 1986 with these ideas in mind. With the help of his wife, Rita, and three children – Renee, Theresa, and Deanna, whom RTD Hardware is named after - Mr. Trujillo has steadily built up his business.
Even though the times have changed and things are more complicated than a handshake, RTD Hardware has strived to provide a store that is convenient, has knowledgeable, friendly staff and provides quality products at reasonable prices. Richard and his staff pride themselves in taking the time to get to know their customers and customers’ families. They continually try to demonstrate that RTD is not just a store trying to make a quick buck. Richard and his staff are members of the community providing a service to customers and a good living for employees. They support local schools and non-profit entities.
RTD Hardware has enjoyed both commercial success and success with government clients. The company was certified as an 8(a) business in 2009. PTAP Advisors assisted Mr. Trujillo with the process to get a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contract, which he did in July 2011. The GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to millions of commercials products and services at volume discount pricing. RTD Hardware has received approximately 200 orders against their GSA Schedule Contract.
Richard Trujillo’s efforts, dedication to sound business practices, to his community, and to his family have not gone unnoticed. RTD Hardware was awarded the 2012 New Mexico Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year and the Region VI 2012 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award (Region VI consists of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico). The award was presented to RTD Hardware during ceremonies of the 2012 Small Business Week Awards Luncheon held in Albuquerque, NM on June 13.
