“I worked hard to learn and grow my skills, and in the end, it brought me almost all the way to the top before being 30 years old.”

Employee-owner Kamarin DeVay’s journey at Mountain Hardware and Sports illustrates our dedication to growth, meaningful connections, and empowering personal change. From her first day on the job, to her well-earned role as store manager, Kamarin’s story is the kind that proves just how much can happen with hard work and a workplace that champions your potential.

For Kam, a simple shopping trip for nuts and bolts with her brother led to a new opportunity. Impressed by the friendliness of our team and encouraged by her brother’s praise of the store, she decided to apply – and boy are we glad she did.

Connection That Defined Her First Days

Kamarin started her career at Mountain Hardware & Sports over ten years ago and fondly remembers the kindness that greeted her from day one. “Everyone was so welcoming and genuinely curious about me and my story,” she recalls.

Her manager and trainer, Zoe, played a pivotal role in making her feel part of the family. “Zoe shaped how I grew into my role,” Kamarin shares, highlighting how mentorship and connection defined her early experience.

Growing With Us

Kamarin quickly embraced new responsibilities and opportunities. Within her first year, she transitioned from cashier to front-end supervisor, gaining invaluable management skills such as interviewing, hiring, and scheduling.

“My hard work combined with care and support from my leaders are ultimately why I was able to grow into so many positions. The key is willingness to learn, and freedom to do so from your management team.”

Over the years, she expanded her expertise by working in receiving and eventually managing our Soaring Ranch location. By age 28, Kamarin achieved her proudest milestone: becoming a store manager. 

“Watching myself grow at what I would consider a quick pace, at a fairly young age, has been extremely rewarding for me. I worked hard to learn and grow my skills, and in the end, it brought me almost all the way to the top before being 30 years old.”

Beyond the Job

For Kamarin, working at Mountain Hardware and Sports has made her a more self-sufficient person. She’s learned new trades and sharpened her skills, making her more confident and helpful with DIY projects at home.

In addition, “Mountain Hardware and Sports (and most retail jobs in general) teach you so much about the uniqueness of people in this world. How to handle different personalities, unique character differences, while teaching you to appreciate the strengths in all different walks of life. I have learned to manage the relationships with the people in my life in a whole different and in a more positive way - thanks to what I’ve learned here.” 

Helping Others Grow

Among her many accomplishments, Kamarin takes pride in mastering skills she once found daunting, like re-keying - “It’s something I thought I’d never be good at, but now I’m the go-to expert,” she laughingly says. These small victories reflect her persistence and curiosity.

Today, her motivation lies in helping others grow. “I’ve had my time to shine, and now I want to give my team the same tools,” she says. By nurturing her team, Kamarin ensures that Mountain Hardware’s tradition of excellent customer service continues to thrive.

Kamarin encourages anyone looking to grow their career at Mountain Hardware & Sports to embrace every opportunity to learn. “Patience, a positive attitude, and a willingness to put your best foot forward are key.”

The Power of Community

What keeps Kamarin motivated? It’s the sense of community—both among her team and our customers. From heartfelt reviews praising our friendly staff to daily interactions with regulars, Kamarin is reminded of the impact her work has. “I’m grateful to come in every day and keep that genuine customer connection alive,” she shares.

As an employee-owned company, we’re all about creating a place where you can grow, learn, and truly feel part of something bigger. Kamarin’s journey is a perfect example. Her incredible work ethic and drive show what’s possible here, while inspiring us to keep building a workplace where growth, leadership, and a sense of belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

Go back to our Employment Page to look at our open job positions.