Breed & Co.

Breed & Co.

By Mark Collins Friday, 12 June 2009

Walk into Breed & Co. and it won’t be long before an employee greets you with a friendly smile and a can-do attitude. On any given visit no fewer than four different employees typically offer to assist customers, and chances are good one or all of them is a member of the Breed family.

“We talk to folks on a daily basis, and we really listen to their needs,” Greg Breed said. “I’ve had people tell me every time they come here we solve one of their problems.”

Nearly 40 years ago Greg’s parents, Truman and Ann, purchased the small hardware store known as Everett Hardware near the University of Texas campus. Truman had been a loan officer at Austin National Bank and wanted to get into business for himself. One day on the way home from work, he stopped by the hardware store and walked out as the proud owner.

“He reacts to things pretty quick,” Greg said. “He went home and talked it out with my mom, but he probably always knew he was going to buy it.”

Ann, who may have been skeptical at first, soon warmed to the idea of a housewares store and little by little started bringing in items she thought would sell. Truman would ask her why she was trying to sell things like doormats and picture frames at a hardware store, but soon saw the possibilities.

Today, Breed & Co. has all the necessary hardware and expertise to help with a home improvement project, as well as an expansive house, home and gift section complete with a bridal registry.

“It’s almost two separate businesses,” Greg said of the multi-faceted department store. “My mom is the brains behind the gift end. She saw a real good market and has a keen eye for products that will sell.”

Breed & Co. opened its second location off Bee Cave Road in 1995 and has experienced similar success in Westlake. Truman and Ann still stay busy working at the store alongside Greg and his brother, Jeff.

“It’s a fun business. We enjoy people, and we enjoy working as a family,” said Greg, who was six years old when his father purchased the store. “I practically grew up working here.”

Book signing

On June 20 photographer Wyatt McSpadden will be autographing copies of his new book, “Texas BBQ,” at both Breed & Co. locations.

Iconic barbecue joint Kreuz Market in Lockhart will be cooking sausage on-site in the stores for those waiting in line for signatures.

29th Street — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Westlake — 2-4 p.m.

Breed & Co., 718 W. 29th St., 474-6679, 3663 Bee Cave Rd., 328-3960, www.breedandco.com