August 10, 2006 Issue                                       

©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

Former part-time employee now the owner of Hill Company
By JEROME O’NEILL

Linda Moran, who walked into the Hill Company in 1997 looking for a part-time job, is now the owner of the 57-year-old fixture at 8615 Germantown Ave. (Photo by Jerome O’Neill).

Since 1949, the Hill Company at 8615 Germantown Ave. has been a fixture among the fine shops of Chestnut Hill. Originally a hardware store founded by Eli Schmidt, the Hill Company shifted to outdoor furniture in the 1970s. Over the years Eli’s wife and son, Lillian and Bruce, continued to serve the Chestnut Hill shopping community in this capacity. However, a noteworthy decision by Bruce Schmidt nine years ago recently led to a new and exciting change for the store and our community.

Linda Moran walked into the Hill Company in 1997 looking for a part-time job. She asked Bruce if he needed someone to help two days a week. Bruce decided to offer Moran a position, and in less than a decade, that position has gone from part-time employee to owner.

“It was just before Thanksgiving when I met Bruce, and the Hill Company was preparing for the busy Christmas season,” recalled Moran. “I always loved retail.”

Moran, who grew up in Blue Bell and currently lives in Fort Washington, always enjoyed shopping in Chestnut Hill. Her diverse background includes raising three children, two girls and a boy, teaching for 11 years, and working as an undercover professional shopper for Strawbridge’s in Plymouth Meeting. However, there was always an entrepreneurial desire in Moran.

“I have three brothers who own businesses, and in the back of my mind, I always wanted my own store.”

Moran, who studied Interior Design at Philadelphia College, immediately made an impact on the Hill Company. She began by redecorating the store, and shortly thereafter, accompanied Bruce Schmidt on buying trips to New York City.

“I looked for quality and quantity. I always treated the store like it was my own,” Moran recalled fondly. “I once told Bruce you can’t pay me by the hour because of all the hours I wanted to spend in the store.”

Moran set out to stock the highest quality furniture she could find, always looking for something new and something for the home. The strategy paid off, and customers took notice. Through the complementary relationship between the Schmidts and Moran, the Hill Company began to offer a tremendous range of products for the outdoor dining area, pool and garden. Many customers asked ‘Is this a new store?’ when seeing the changes.

“I looked for classic design, mostly traditional, handsome pieces for the home, and added some whimsy.” said Moran.

That complementary relationship worked again in May of last year when Moran made up her mind to purchase her own store. Bruce Schmidt suggested she buy the Hill Company instead, and the sale was finalized in January of this year. Lillian Schmidt still owns the building, and their successful relationship continues today.

“No one knew about it. We had a champagne party in the courtyard to tell the employees.” said Moran.

Moran’s schedule is even busier now that she has become the owner. Shopping trips include shows in New York City, Chicago and Atlanta.

“I just spent six days in Atlanta,” stated Moran. “It’s such a big event that I still haven’t seen everything yet.”

Nevertheless, Moran’s determined effort and entrepreneurial flair keeps her meeting the demands of her new role. The enclosed courtyard now displays an impressive array of outdoor furniture sets, garden accessories, fountains and unique gifts for the home. The second floor houses an impressive collection of prints, mirrors, lamps, candlesticks, occasional tables and more high quality furniture sets.

Philadelphia Magazine Home and Design featured the Hill Company in its summer issue, and awarded the store “Best in Philly 2006” for outdoor furniture. To promote home design, Philadelphia Magazine sponsored a project in Villanova where each room in a new home was decorated by a different Philadelphia-based business. The Hill Company was chosen to decorate the entire outdoor space including pool, dining area and garden. The home will be on display from September through October. Also in September, Moran is planning the first annual warehouse sale opening the stores’ warehouse in Wyndmoor to the public.

Moran has three designers on staff, and coordinates a free design service that her customers can request. The outdoor furniture industry has expanded dramatically in the time Moran has been at the Hill Company, and many homeowners now view their outdoor areas as additional rooms. Recognizing the Hill Company’s history and expertise, Home and Design Television interviewed Moran for a feature on the subject.

“It’s a lot of hard work, and you have to love it,” said Moran of her recent successes. “The hardest part is finding time for my five grandchildren with a sixth on the way. However, my husband’s been extremely good, and I have an exceptional family.”

During her time working for the Schmidts, Moran heard many compliments about the products on display at the Hill Company. On numerous occasions, customers would ask if she was the owner. Through dedication, passion, an eye for design, and hard work, Linda Moran can now say “Yes.”

“As the owner, it’s so rewarding to hear compliments from customers,” said Moran. “It’s something I strive for.”