Honoring 40 Years of Service and a Valued Partnership: Handy Andy’s and MR Williams
Andy Gates has proudly owned Handy Andy’s, a convenience and hardware store located in Rougemont, North Carolina since 1984. Celebrating four decades of exceptional service, Handy Andy’s has been more than just a convenience and hardware store—it’s a place where customers are greeted by name and a place that can be relied on for everything from fuel and hardware to groceries and snacks. Andy Gates and the Handy Andy’s team celebrate family, faith, and friendship, providing genuine care and service to everyone that walks through the door. These same values are upheld by MR Williams, which explains why Andy has maintained this partnership for the entire 40 years in business, with many more to come.

Handy Andy Roots: A Legacy of Service and Adaptation
In 1984, Andy Gates acquired what would become Handy Andy’s convenience and hardware store from a WWII veteran, whom Andy describes as “one of the greatest men I have ever known.” The store’s roots are grounded in a simple yet profound mission: to serve the community. This mission was established by Andy’s predecessor, who founded the store in 1961 and set a high bar with his dedication to the local area. When Andy took over, he embraced this mission wholeheartedly, evolving the store’s offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of his customers.
From its modest beginnings, Handy Andy’s has grown from a garage to a comprehensive hardware store, expanding its inventory to include snacks, beverages, and essential items that customers seek. This evolution reflects Andy’s commitment to staying current with customer needs and being a reliable resource for the community. This mindset is evident in Andy’s strong work ethic, demonstrated in other facets of his life as a dedicated family man, a firefighter for 46 years, and even running a small cattle operation while managing Handy Andy’s. His dedication to service is a true testament to his character.

A Foundation of Faith: Values That Shape Success
Central to Andy Gates’ life and leadership are his deeply held values. As a successful store owner, a good leader, and a devoted family man, Andy operates with faith at the forefront. “There is one thing that has always got to be put first. If you don’t put God first, then the rest of it doesn’t work,” Andy shared. This guiding principle, along with his commitment to family, hard work, and personal relationships, has been pivotal in the sustained success of Handy Andy’s. These values not only influence how Andy leads his store, but also how he engages with his employees, customers, and partners, creating an environment of mutual respect and trust.

A Member of the Family: Impact on the Community
Handy Andy’s impact is visibly celebrated in the store itself. A lengthy mural proudly displays portraits of about 268 local customers. This collage includes generations of families – grandfathers, grandchildren, and everyone in between – demonstrating the store’s deep-rooted connection with the community and the mutual support and appreciation between Andy and his customers.
His customers return not only for the convenience but for the personalized service that Andy and his team provide. Whether it’s a quick fix for a project or a stop in for a snack, Handy Andy’s is a trusted name in the surrounding community. This transforms a simple transaction into a meaningful interaction. Customers are never just numbers; they’re valued members of a community and treated like family.

MR Williams & Handy Andy’s Partnership
Andy’s commitment to exceptional service and personal relationships is also evident in his long-standing partnership with MR Williams. For 40 years, Handy Andy’s has relied on MR Williams as its singular convenience store distributor. While Andy has navigated relationships with various vendors for his hardware service, experiencing numerous changes, the partnership with MR Williams for convenience store distribution has stood the test of time. This enduring relationship is thanks to the outstanding service and hands-on approach provided by MR Williams. In Andy’s words, “People don’t do business with companies; they do business with people.” This statement encapsulates the essence of both MR Williams and Handy Andy’s—emphasizing the importance of personal connections and values in creating a welcoming environment. Andy’s strong family ties and morals permeate his store, exemplifying the service and adaptability that continue to thrive through genuine relationships and unwavering commitment to customers.