Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER PROFILE

“We doubled business in our first year. We changed our assortment and offered a few different things in the front, making it a place for everybody.”

“We doubled business in our first year,” Bowman says. “We changed our assortment and offered a few different products in the front, making it a place for everybody.” Her work in Kinsley also earned statewide recognition. In 2024, Bowman earned several recognitions from Kansas Commerce, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Under 30 Entrepreneur of the Year honors. Those achievements, and the store’s success, caught the attention of the owners of Elkhart Lumber. A New Opportunity After the death of longtime owner Kent Fowler, Elkhart Lumber’s future was uncertain. The business struggled through years of declining sales, stopped carrying lumber and drywall and was facing inventory and distribution challenges. Family members were exploring options when their local economic development director suggested they contact Bowman.

—Ellie Bowman, Prickly Pear Farm & Home

Elkhart Lumber went through a rebrand to join the Prickly Pear umbrella after current manager Ellie Bowman came onboard.

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