Welna II Hardware has been operating in the Seward area since 1998. Located at 22nd and Franklin, this building was the original home of the Seward Co-op. When the Co-op decided to expand and move locations, they asked local residents in a survey what type of business should replace the Co-op. An overwhelming number of responses were returned asking for a local hardware store. With the responses in hand, the Seward Co-op board members approached Jim and his brother at their first Welna Hardware store in the Philips neighborhood about opening a second store in Seward. Jim agreed and bought the building from the Co-op, and thus Welna II Hardware came into existence.

Welna II Hardware features over 15,000 items in-store with additional access to over 50,000 items on-line that can be delivered to the store twice a week. They are able to offer low pricing on those items thru the Ace Cooperative, a hardware-buying group. Jim loves unique, special orders and enjoys helping people complete both their small and large improvement projects.

His stores have been able to withstand the challenges of the struggling economy better than the “big-box” stores because of the business model they run and the target audience they cater to. Stores like Home Depot and Menard’s are geared for large-scale new construction, while Welna Hardware and Welna II Hardware are specialized for home improvement and maintenance. Jim wants to provide a store where home and business owners can come in with problem and leave with a solution. He is focused on helping people be good stewards for their existing home or business. He believes people place a great investment on their home and business, and he wants to help ensure the value and significance of those places remains high.