A family of hardware-heads: three generations keep Dana Point Hardware true to community, customers
Dana Point Hardware. Photo: Courtesy
By the City of Dana Point, Special to the Dana Point Times
What does one get when mixing equal parts knowledge, quality and family?
The answer: Dana Point Hardware—a family-run operation nearing its 40th year of service. Plainly put, the Sandberg family knows simple repairs; they know major renovations too.
Whether customers catch Bill Sr., Susan, Billy or Crystal in their Del Prado Avenue-located shop, this family of experts is sure to have an answer on everything from paint to plumbing and bolts to baseboards. That’s three Sandberg generations who are dedicated to ensuring their clientele of do-it-yourselfers have top home-improvement products accompanied by the very best in service.
Bill Sandberg Sr. began working in the hardware industry in his hometown of Burbank back in the early 1950s. A few years after marrying, Sandberg and his late-wife Carolyn—parents to Bill Jr. and Susan, now Susan Basanda—purchased Frasier Park Lumber and Hardware, but a hip injury and pair of bad knees ultimately led to the company’s sale.
Too young to retire and not ready to fold on the hardware trade, Bill and brother Bernie joined forces and their hunt for a coastal storefront began. They looked at communities from Seal Beach to Oceanside, eventually choosing Dana Point. Even with three competing hardware stores nearby, the beach town with a newly dedicated harbor provided the perfect backdrop and business opportunity. The family opened their doors in 1976 to the blessings and friendly welcomes of neighboring businesses.
“Mr. DeNault (Jim), of Denault’s in San Clemente, came over and said ‘Welcome to the neighborhood, there is room for everyone here,’” Basanda recalled while cutting a key for a customer.
For a year after opening, Bill and Carolyn lived in a camper behind the store before relocating to the harbor. With both children out of the home, the couple jumped at the opportunity to live differently—they chose a harbor-docked sailboat and remained living there for 19 years.
Their kids followed them in 1979 and started decades-long careers by their father’s side. Bill Jr. has since retired while Basanda continues her involvement in the day-to-day operations, joined by her son Billy and niece Crystal, who—like their parents—grew up in their grandfather’s hardware store.
“When you grow up in a family business, it is just second nature to stay in a family business,” Basanda said. “For some people that might be a challenge; for us it is simply a way of life. The only drawback is you don’t get to go on vacation together, ever.”
That is the way it’s been since the beginning—business melding harmoniously with family.
Dana Point Hardware
24422 Del Prado Avenue, #5
949.496.4158