Community Corner
Getting a Hand from George Fields
Helpful and handy are just two ways to describe George Fields of Suffield Hardware.
Most people in town call him Helpful George.
George Fields, of , can find you that random screw, nut or bolt. He will share a story and a smile while he carries a product to your car. He will search for a solution to a drippy faucet.
“I want to be a friend to them and get them what they need so they can go away happy,” he explained.
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“Of course, I want them to come back, too,” he smiled.
Fields was a quality manager at a paper company before joining his parents, Charles and Ruth, at the hardware store in 1998. Previously in the CVS Plaza for ten years, they had bought the old Suffield Post Office building and expanded, making George a co-owner.
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“We work pretty good together, of course it’s easier to disagree with family,” he said with a smile. “But we bounce ideas off each other too… It’s life of a family business.”
As helpful as Fields is, he’s also handy, and works as a licensed contractor handyman. He works the small jobs big companies don’t take, and he’s even been known to install window air conditioners for some older residents in town.
Fields also does woodworking and builds furniture in a portion of his garage.
“Every time I try to take more [space] I get in trouble [with my wife],” he said, grinning.
He and Kristi, his wife of of 25 years, live in Suffield. She is a kindergarten teacher in Windsor Locks. Their daughter Erin and son Dylan attend . Their oldest, Adam, is 22.
Fields graduated from Enfield High School and went into the Air Force, spending four years at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He eventually returned to Connecticut and came back to Suffield.
A family man, Fields spends most of his downtime when he’s not at work with his parents, wife and children.
“We just like being together,” he said of his relationship with Kristi. “The little things people find a pain to do, like grocery shopping, we enjoy doing together.”
Fields is also an outdoorsman. This summer, he will spend more than week in the back country of Maine leading 20 members of down the river on a canoe trip. He’s been involved with the scouts since his own boys were young.
The next time you stop in at Suffield Hardware for a propane refill or gallon of paint, say hello to George. Chances are you’ll also say “Thank You.”
Suffield Hardware is located at 63 Mountain Road. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their phone number is 860-668-0268.
