Worley L.Sewell Sr., a native of Carrolton, Georgia founded Sewell Hardware in 1924. The first store was opened in West Palm Beach in the old Rhodes Building directly west of the Florida East Coast Railroad tracks on Clematis Street. After the Rhodes Building was destroyed in the 1928 hurricane, the store moved to 528 Clematis Street.

In the early years Sewell Hardware operated out of the one store and sold all types of hardware and housewares. Worley Sewell Sr. would bring in all types of supplies that were needed in the local community. At one time, the Winchester Arms Company shipped Riffles and ammunition that were in demand in the early years.

As the area developed, Mr. Sewell decided to specialize in hardware and the product mix started to streamline into more builders hardware. Mr. Sewell established direct contacts with some of the leading manufactures and bought directly to meet the demand of his customers. Tools, fasteners, and builders hardware replaced the houseware lines and soon after Mr. Sewell started expanding to other locations. His business strategy was to build new stores north and south along US Hwy #1 and soon there were stores in Lake Worth, Riviera, and Fort Pierce.

Before long, he needed some help to grow the business and his son Worley L. Sewell Jr. joined him after serving in the Army during World War II. Several years later, Harold Brown, a native of Americus Georgia married Frances Sewell and joined the company. From the late 50’s through the 70’s, Worley Sewell Jr. and Harold Brown worked hard and expanded to other locations. The company expanded to other markets and opened stores in Boca Raton, Stuart, Vero, and Melbourne. Worley Sewell and Harold Brown streamlined the business to cater to the contractors and homebuilders. Sewell Hardware flourished under their leadership and became recognized as a leader in the markets they served.

In the late 70’s, their children joined the company and became the 3rd generation to continue the founder’s mission, which was to “ sell quality merchandise at competitive pricing”. Times were changing fast as the big retail conglomerates stated emerging and taking market share away from the independent businesses. Sewell Hardware changed its business model to focus and specialize in today’s commercial and residential markets. We have recently completed building our new 60,000 sq ft facility on Mercer Avenue in West Palm Beach and specialize in contract hardware, both commercial and residential, offer counter sales and contractor fleet service to our customers in Palm Beach, Martin, and Indian River counties. We are going on 84 years of service and sales in the hardware industry and look forward to many more to come. As the third generation navigates through a new era, Sewell Hardware Company recognizes the previous generations of leadership and the very loyal employees that have contributed so much to make Sewell Hardware a prosperous company with a bright future going forward.