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Rural Unrecognized
“Rural, Unrecognized is a podcast in which we showcase the inspiring stories of small business owners from the Flagstaff Region and beyond. We dive deep into the journeys of these entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into a reality, and hear about the struggles, successes, and lessons learned along the way.
Each episode, we will feature a different small business owner and discuss their unique experiences in starting and running their business. From brick-and-mortar shops to online stores, we'll cover a variety of industries and share valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just interested in learning more about the small business community, "Rural, Unrecognized" is the podcast for you. Tune in and get inspired by the amazing stories of these passionate and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
Rural Unrecognized
The Killam Home Hardware Building Centre Story
In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Darek Graff, managing partner of Killam Home Hardware, to talk about small-town business, community values, and playing the long game in entrepreneurship.
Darek shares how Home Hardware’s cooperative model allows his local store to maintain its independence while benefiting from the buying power of a larger organization. This flexibility enables Killam Home Hardware to tailor its inventory and services to the needs of the community while competing with big-box stores. But for Dare - business isn’t just about selling products…it’s about “giving a damn” and building relationships.
A lifelong resident of the Flagstaff region, Darek grew up in the business, starting work at the store at just 12 years old before pursuing carpentry and eventually returning to take over operations. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandparents and parents, particularly around delayed gratification, hard work, and perseverance.
Throughout the conversation, Darek emphasizes the importance of community connection—whether it’s greeting customers by name, coaching youth sports, or volunteering on local boards. He sees small-town businesses as more than just retail spaces; they are hubs of support, mentorship, and trust.
Darek also opens up about the challenges of growth and leadership, including learning to delegate, avoiding burnout, and striking a balance between business ambitions and family life. He explains how optimizing operations, investing in the right people, and trusting his team have allowed him to be home for his kids while still driving business success.
As the episode wraps up, Darek shares his hopes for the future of Flagstaff County, including diversifying the local economy to attract young professionals and families. His philosophy is simple but powerful: do a good job, care about people, and you’ll get recognized.
Tune in to hear Darek’s honest and heartfelt take on running a business in rural Alberta, the power of small-town connections, and why success is all about playing the long game.
To learn more about Killam Home Hardware
Visit Killam Home Hardware: 5029 57 St, Killam, AB T0B 2L0
To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca
To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner
This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
