Local couple opening new hardware store in Martin
“Martin is my hometown. Another business had closed, and there was graffiti on the building. I couldn’t stand to look at it,” Jay Yohner said.
By News Channel NebraskaMARTIN, S.D. - Martin, South Dakota will soon have a new hardware store. Jay and Janell Yohner plan to open Pioneer Building Supply in a couple of weeks in the former True Value location on Main Street.
“Martin is my hometown,” Jay said. "Another business had closed, and there was graffiti on the building. I couldn’t stand to look at it."
The couple has been renovating the building since they purchased it in October. Jay said they are still working on new signage and exterior projects.
“It’s a little scary opening a store in this online age,” Jay said. "There are a lot of unknowns, and it’s a big investment."
Jay is the third generation of his family to work in the building material and construction industry in Martin. Before returning to his hometown, Jay got a degree in business from Black Hills State and Architectural Design and Drafting from Portland Community College.
“My dad and grandfather built quite a few of the homes in the area,” Jay said. "My grandfather actually owned the property where our store sits in the 70s."
Together with his wife, Jay also owns Liberty Car Wash in Martin and manages the U-Haul location.
“Our goal is to provide a service to the community and to keep businesses open on Main Street,” Jay said. “We want our friends and neighbors to be able to shop local and have an affordable shopping experience.”