[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING SWENSON'S DO IT BEST HARDWARE

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Swenson's Do it Best Hardware of Britt, IA, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 1977, 21-year-old Jon Swenson purchased the then-named Kreitinger 
Hardware in downtown Britt. The store was renamed Swenson's Do it Best 
Hardware and has been family-owned and operated ever since. They offer 
both home and outdoor tools and supplies, including rental power tool 
equipment. They can also provide pipe cutting, key cutting, and window 
or screen repair services in the shop. Swenson's Do it Best Hardware 
has an ``online warehouse'' of over 67,000 items and is a one-stop shop 
for all home improvement needs. In 2022, Swenson's Do it Best Hardware 
celebrated their 45th anniversary.
  The team at Swenson's Do it Best Hardware is active in the Britt 
community. Jon Swenson has been a volunteer firefighter in the Britt 
Fire Department since 1978 and was named the fire chief in 2015. 
Additionally, and since 1974, Jon has filmed the football games at the 
West Hancock High School. Swenson's Do it Best Hardware has also been a 
sponsor of the high school's events and activities. In 2022, when 
RAGBRAI had a stop in Britt and Swenson's Do it Best Hardware's 
downtown storefront was used for photo opportunities for riders and 
tourists. They also provided a device charging station for the 2022 
racers. They have also participated in Britt Chamber of Commerce events 
to support the local small business community.
  Swenson's Do it Best Hardware's commitment to providing quality 
tools, equipment rentals, and repair services in northern Iowa is 
clear. I want to congratulate Jon Swenson and the entire team at 
Swenson's Do it Best Hardware for their continued dedication to 
providing home improvement supplies to Iowans. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________