Strategies_Spring_2025

CUSTOMER PROFILE

“Starting our business in our garage was a blessing, but also stressful,” Manny says. “You have to love what you’re doing because if you don’t, it’ll swallow you up and spit you right back out.” At multiple points in Manny’s journey, he could’ve quit. From a lack of space in his home to a storefront flooding, he faced many challenges, but never gave up. “I’m a huge believer in not rushing anything,” Manny says. “Most of the time, if you rush into something, it’s not going to turn out right.” The first few years brought a whirlwind of growth and hard lessons. Initially selling small items like rags and WD-40, the Morales’ quickly outgrew their garage. Moving into a small storefront seemed like the next logical step, but disaster struck when record rainfall in 2013 flooded the space, destroying thousands of dollars of merchandise. “I learned my lesson,” he says. “That was the day I told my wife we’re going to pray about everything we do from now on, and I’m going to make sure I listen.” Despite setbacks, Manny persisted. A family friend soon provided a rent-free space for them to work in, giving the business room to grow. Along with the growth, and in line with Manny’s mission to never say no, his customers began asking for traditional hardware store products, which led him to find Blish-Mize. “Starting our business in our garage was a blessing, but also stressful. You have to love what you’re doing because if you don’t, it’ll swallow you up and spit you right back out.”

—Manny Morales, Iron Horse Supply

When employees reach employment milestones, Iron Horse Supply owner Manny Morales gifts them a customized belt buckle, a common fashion accessory in West Texas.

Hardlines Strategies • Spring 2025 19