Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Featuring Barry & Lawrence Counties SMTO

Monett Coast to Coast

By Amy Howe

I f you’ve ever been into Coast to Coast in Monett, you might agree it can easily relate to a hardware-store version of Cheers , where everyone knows your name. That’s exactly how owner Leonard Witt runs the store, along with his team of employees. “I enjoy talking to people when they come in and being able to help them fill their needs,” said Leonard. “Some need an opinion, some need a product, some need maintenance and some just need confirmation that the trusty old chainsaw is done for good.” Coast to Coast sells and delivers appliances, mowers, chainsaws and assorted other items. They service mowers, chainsaws and other small engines, as well as sharpen chains for chainsaws. It’s safe to say they have just about everything you need in these categories.

Bob and Merilyn Hemphill bought OTASCO, which is short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co., in 1969. They ran the store as a friendly, local hardware store, and Leonard continues this tradition today. Leonard started working for Bob and Merilyn Hemphill when he was 16 years old in 1974. “We were located on Broadway in Monett, Missouri, at that time, and I was hired to assemble bicycles for sale,” said Leonard. “My sister worked across the street for our competitor, Coast to Coast. This made for animated discussions at home.” Coast to Coast is truly a family business. All five of Leonard and Tina’s boys have worked in the store, along with other family members. Bob built the current store at 500 South Kyler Street in 1982. The name was changed to Coast to Coast in 1985. “This amused my sister as she thinks she won the battle,” said Leonard. “I worked for Bob until he retired in 1988. That same year, Tina Holden became my wife and together, we bought the store.” Coast to Coast is truly a family business. All five of Leonard and Tina’s boys have worked in the store, along with other family members. “No one has helped me longer than my nephew, Jason, who started handing me screwdrivers when he was about 2 years old,” said Leonard. As the big box stores moved into the community, Coast to Coast has changed their inventory to meet the customers’ specialty needs, in addition to their increased service and repair work. Along with family members, Leonard has also been blessed to have exceptional workers through the years. Doug Winzer has been the assistant manager for over 34 years, with many others hitting the decade mark in years of service.

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