UPDATE: In a significant development for the Waterbury community, the iconic Schmidt’s & Serafine’s hardware store, a family-owned establishment for 100 years, has officially changed hands. New owner Dennis Crispino, president of Superior Products Distributors Inc., aims to continue the legacy of this beloved local business for another century.
The sale was finalized on Friday, marking a bittersweet moment for former owner Jeff Schmidt and his family, who have been integral to the store’s identity. “It’s been in the business for 100 years this year. There is a lot of family history and it’s a little bittersweet,” Schmidt stated. With no family member willing to take over, the decision to sell was filled with concern for the store’s future.
Crispino, who has a rich background in the hardware industry, expressed his excitement about the acquisition. “Once I walked in there, I think my true love of hardware all came rushing back,” he said. This purchase connects him to his roots, having started in his father’s hardware store at just 13 years old.
As the new owner, Crispino plans to enhance the store’s offerings and maintain its reputation. “Our goal is to take it to the next 100 years,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the store’s unique character. The store has a strong local presence, primarily serving contractors, with over 20 employees remaining on staff, including members of the Schmidt family.
The transition began three months ago when Crispino first visited the store. “I wanted it to continue with us because I think we could treat it the way it needed to be treated,” he remarked, highlighting the store’s rich history and the need for continuity in family-owned business values.
Crispino’s vision includes modernizing the store while honoring its past. He plans to implement renovations to create a contemporary shopping experience, with a fresh look expected by February. “We are still going to carry everything; we are just going to add more,” he assured customers.
Jeff Schmidt expressed relief and satisfaction with the transition, stating, “It’s more than I could have hoped for,” and echoed Crispino’s commitment to maintaining the store’s legacy. He will serve as a liaison during the transition to ensure a smooth handover.
The community can expect a combination of traditional values and new innovations as Schmidt’s & Serafine’s embarks on its next chapter. The store’s commitment to customer service and quality products remains a priority, ensuring that both contractors and homeowners feel welcomed.
Crispino’s family business, Superior Products Distributors, boasts a strong presence across southern New England, with plans to strengthen delivery services and expand product lines. This strategic approach aims to serve the local community better, especially its blue-collar contractors.
Schmidt’s & Serafine’s will continue to operate under its established name, ensuring the century-old legacy remains intact. “To pass the torch, it’s very emotional,” Crispino said, acknowledging the significance of this transition for the Schmidt family and the community.
The store operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, inviting customers to visit and share in this historic moment. As Waterbury embraces this new chapter, the community is rallying around a tradition that has been a cornerstone of local life for a century.
