A Beautiful Legacy
For nearly half a century, this Belmont store has grown and thrived.
The Home Beautiful CEO Kimberly Young, left, and President Jackie Lemire.
The Home Beautiful began in 1977 as a simple store selling flooring. However, one man’s vision would transform this Belmont business into a major retail de-sign center for central New Hampshire. In 1986, Bruce Hamel returned to his home state, leaving behind his corporate career. He purchased the flooring store and gradually transformed it into a provider of not only flooring but also wallpaper, window treatments, carpets, tile and countertops. The new enterprise began serving architects, interior designers, contractors and homeowners for both commercial and residential services. In addition, the store offered expert installation and free design consultations.
“The store largely grew by word of mouth,” says Kimberly Young, CEO and general manager. “Word spread that, at The Home Beautiful, you not only got quality products but also expertise. Another key factor in the store’s success was the fact that the employees were locals — your friends and neighbors. That carried weight.”
“What set us apart from the beginning, and still does today, is our level of customer service,” explains Jackie Lemire, president. “Customers frequently tell us that our customer service is outstanding. We go the extra mile, whether it’s helping solve a problem, making a special delivery or accommodating a product need. The people here take pride in what they do, and that shows. They know that when they serve the customer, they are representing the company.”
Sales team member Kelly Patz, left, discusses selections with interior designer Lauren Milligan of Backdrop Interior Design.
Representing the company well is especially important to the staff at The Home Beautiful, as the business has the distinction of being employee owned. When Hamel sought to retire from day-to-day operations, he was concerned about what would happen to his business and to his hard-working staff. He did not want to sell out to a big box store. By 2018, he knew who the new operating team should be: his loyal employees. Working with the Cooperative Development Institute, a regional nonprofit which promotes the development of cooperative enterprises, Hamel and his team set up an employee-owned business cooperative with the employees assuming ownership in April 2021. Young oversees a staff of 21 full- and part-time employees, including three department heads. Eleven team members are employee owners. The employee owners comprise The Home Beautiful’s board of directors, which includes Hamel.
“Taking this step ensures that The Home Beautiful will remain locally owned for years to come,” says Young. “People love that we are employee owned. Customers often ask about it and are glad we are remaining part of the community.”
The Home Beautiful has continued to thrive despite economic downturns, the pandemic and competition from national brands and big box stores. Innovation is part of their success. Next to the main store is The Home Beautiful Bargain Outlet, where homeowners can find a wide range of high-quality products at 70% off. The store also continues to add new services including custom upholstery and custom-designed pillows.
The Home Beautiful Team: Front row, Heather Hoskison, Jackie Lemire, Ashlie Dombrowski, Kimberly Young, Kelly Patz. Back row, Paul Auger, Michael Bolduc, Sebastian Manteau. All are employee owners.
Both Lemire and Young note that The Home Beautiful’s many repeat customers are the foundation of their business. “People return in part because our vendors have the same high standards that we do,” says Lemire. “They are committed to the same level of excellence that we are.”
The Home Beautiful serves clients from homeowners to schools, hospitals, corporate offices, banks, ski resorts and large-scale developments such as retirement communities. They also frequently work with interior designers from far away who have clients building homes in
the Lakes Region. Both Young and Lemire are confident about The Home Beautiful’s future but do express concerns about attracting the talent needed to provide specialized services. “Our installers are brilliant at their jobs, but they are getting older. We are hopeful that the employee ownership will attract new talent eager to learn the trades,” says Lemire.
In the meantime, they are proud to carry on Hamel’s vision, providing trusted service and exceptional products to the Lakes Region. “We love seeing the final project come together and having happy, satisfied customers,” says Young. “Being able to support other businesses and give back to our community through charitable donations is very rewarding. It’s absolutely why we do what we do.” NHH
