Loyal Employee Retires After Half a Century at Longenecker’s Hardware
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median length of time employees stays with a company is 3 to 5 years, depending on the industry. Lloyd Melhorn doesn’t recognize that statistic as he prepares to retire from Longenecker’s Hardware in Manheim after 50 years of employment.
In 1975, Lloyd’s father-in-law worked in the appliance department at Longenecker’s and informed Lloyd of an opening there. Lloyd, then 33 years old, wrote a letter to the company president, Fred Longenecker. They met in person and Fred hired him on the spot. When Fred retired 24 years later, in 1999, he cleaned out his desk and returned that letter to Lloyd who still has it.
Lloyd attended Messiah college and was a former pastor of Brethren in Christ church before being hired by Longenecker’s in the appliance department. He delivered and installed appliances, as well as did plumbing and electrical work. He later worked in the screen and glass departments. He suffers from carpel tunnel syndrome due to a car accident 4 years ago when he was hit head-on by another vehicle. Consequently, he could no longer put pressure on the hand needed to do the work in that department. Recognizing a valued associate, the owners found him a new position. He currently processes inventory from the True Value warehouses as it is received in the store. Lloyd is appreciative, “Longenecker’s has treated me well financially.”
During his long tenure with the store, Lloyd recalls many changes and challenges, “I can tell a lot of stories.” He’s witnessed the store’s expansions, watched big box stores appear in Lancaster County but feels “we are in a good position” as Longenecker’s has an extensive inventory and many departments have evolved in past decades, such as the greenhouse, rental department, gifts/toys, and expanded power tool department.
He feels that customer service plays a large part in the store’s success. He believes it’s due to specialization and the employees. “We sell nuts and bolts by the piece” and someone is always around to help a customer. As an example, he recalls a happy customer who wanted a large piece of glass 32”x 40” but the big box store’s maximum size was 36”, but Lloyd had it in stock.
Asked what he will miss most, Lloyd was quick to reply that “the employees here are like family, and I will miss talking with them.”Lloyd and his wife, Lois, raised a daughter and two sons in Manheim and have 2 grandchildren, all local. The Melhorns have enjoyed traveling many times to the Caribbean, to Africa, and to missions in Nicaragua and Honduras. They have sold their home of 50 years and have downsized. Lloyd works in his church’s food pantry and may look for more volunteer opportunities after he retires on August 8th. Best wishes on your retirement Lloyd!