The 66 Main St. building is being purchased by Howland Pump & Supply Co, Inc., an Ogdensburg-based plumbing and heating supplies wholesaler. The new business will be known as Hulbert Supply-Tupper Lake. The building will no longer serve as a hardware store. Under new ownership, the building will serve as a plumbing and heating supply wholesaler. They will also offer some electrical, water treatment and air conditioning supplies.

Maurice Fortune, the third-generation owner, was both sad to close the chapter on serving his community through Fortune’s Hardware and relieved to no longer have all of the responsibilities and demands that come with owning and operating a business.

“I’ll have 100 people per day come through telling me they’re going to miss this place,” he said. “That means a lot. Part of me will miss it, too, and part of me is looking forward to doing something with less worries and less responsibilities.”

For Fortune, the store has been his life up to this point.

The main entrance to Fortune’s Hardware. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“I joined the business in 1987. This is the only job I’ve ever had. After 35 years, it finally started to get old. It was just time,” he said. “The store provided for three generations and it’s done its job. We’ve done well, it’s been hard work for sure but we all have something to show for our efforts.”

For Fortune, it finally came down to an offer too good to pass up from a company he trusts will support and make a positive difference in the Tupper Lake community.

“We had the real estate agent put signs out during the Eclipse event that brought crowds to Tupper. Shortly after Steve (LaRose) reached out … when we had the good offer and opportunity to sell the building, we couldn’t not take it,” he said.

Stephen C. LaRose, the president and CEO of Howland, is thrilled to be expanding into Tupper Lake. When asked about the transition process, LaRose estimated they would be able to open within 10 days of the transaction closing, which is currently scheduled to take place in early September, according to Fortune.

“We don’t have a lot of work to do with the building,” said LaRose. “The Fortunes did a lot of work keeping the property up and that just made it a very desirable location for us,” he said.

Aisles empty out as inventory sells at 50% off as part of a close of business sale at Fortune’s Hardware in Tupper Lake on Tuesday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

While LaRose admitted that following in the Fortunes’ footsteps will be a massive undertaking, he says his company is ready.

“We’re involved in all of the communities we do business in. We love to give back as much as possible. We’re here to help out and try to be part of it.”

Howland currently operates 14 locations in central and northern New York and Vermont. The company was founded in 1855. LaRose credits Howland’s longevity and continued growth to, above all else, the employees.

“It all starts with the people who work for us. They do a great job every single day with all our customers across the vast territory we do business. We’re fortunate to have them,” he said.

Gerard Ellers of Tupper Lake has been coming to Fortune’s for decades.

A sale pending sign, left, and Fortune’s sign along Main St. in Tupper Lake on Tuesday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“It’s a landmark. It’s sad to see it go because you know they’ve been a part of the community for so long and have done a lot over the years,” he said. Although Ellers will miss Fortune’s, he said he was happy to see the type of business taking over.

“That’s a good business to have in town. Everyone in the construction and maintenance industry around here knows Hulberts,” he said. Ellers noted the increased efficiency for people in those industries no longer having to make trips to distant locations to pick up heating and plumbing supplies.

Looking back on the years, Fortune said one of the things he was most proud of was completing the store’s front addition in 1996.

“Prior to that, we were packed floor to ceiling with stuff,” he said. “The addition was a major project but one that really allowed the business to grow and improved service.”

Fortune looks forward to trying something new and exciting after selling the building.

“I want to profoundly thank everyone who’s supported us over the years. We’ve always tried our best to provide good products and a good service, to go above and beyond the regular store,” he said. “As a testament to that, we’ve had multi-generation customers.”

Between now and Aug. 31, all remaining inventory is selling at 50% off. The store is open Monday through Saturday, opening at 8 a.m. each of those days. They close at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, are open until 8 p.m. on Fridays, and close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Customers can always call the store at 518-359-9471 during business hours if they have any questions.