Setting the new benchmark by Donald Teuma-Castelletti

One business in the Pontiac has taken tragedy and found triumph – rebuilding their hardware and renovation store beyond much more than its original capacity, and earning an award for their efforts, too.
From heated floors to electronic price labels, a drive-thru warehouse and, one of the owners’ personal favourites, a sizable, attractive parking lot, the hardware store is much different than what it once was. However, it wasn’t until a fire ripped through the building that the opportunity for substantial change came along.
Now leading the region with it’s sleek, modern design, while still embracing their industry, BMR – JLS Mansfield were the proud recipients of a Business Beautification Award from the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce in February. Even if they were just a bit too busy to make it out to actual awards gala.
“We weren’t there, which is highly irregular for us because we really believe in community activism,” said Connie Gutoskie-LaSalle, who owns both the Mansfield and Bryson locations with her husband, Jean-Guy LaSalle. “But we were away at a buying show with a new supplier. We couldn’t miss that particular opportunity.”