Our History
1952 Grand Opening
Maschino’s Hardware at 1715 S. Campbell had a Grand Opening October 31, 1952, in the Wedgewood Shopping Center–the second shopping center in Springfield. The country was rebounding after World War II. It was an age of opportunity and optimism. Shopping centers, suburbia, all promised a better life. Springfield was poised to enter an era of well managed growth and community spirit.
Bringing the Dream to Life
E.J. Maschino and his wife, Leola, began this business in 1952 with the tagline, “Maschino’s Hardware … just a step from your car.” However, the origin of the Maschino name in hardware began with the establishment of Schaeffer-Maschino Hardware on Commercial Street in 1903 by George Maschino (E.J. Maschino’s father) and his partner. They expanded to 410 S. Campbell in 1913. After George Maschino’s death in 1931, the store was sold. However, having his own hardware store continued to be the dream of E.J. Maschino. After his marriage and 16 years as a salesperson for Coleman Lamp and Stove Company, his dream was realized. At the age of 45 the Maschino’s invested every penny they had … and what they could borrow … to bring this dream to life.
The Growth of Maschino’s
Management of the business was assumed by daughter Nancy and her husband, Gary Brown, following the death of Mr. Maschino in 1972. In the ensuing years, the product mix and space has responded to a changing marketplace with changing customer needs. The initial hardware store products grew to include fireplace screens and wood stoves. As a counter to the fireplace/wood stove business, Maschino’s added patio furniture. The initial housewares section grew to an upper end housewares and china selection. This product mix allowed Maschino’s to be THE bridal registry store in the region. At one time, Maschino’s Bridal Registry had 157 brides registered with 5 employees dedicated to the Bridal Registry service. Early in 1987 the hardware and basic housewares business was sold to Glen Block True Value Hardware. Maschino’s product mix then expanded to include casual indoor furniture, along with the patio furniture, fireplace accessories, gifts, and bridal registry items already being carried. This resulted in the renaming of the business. Maschino’s Hardware became Maschino’s Home Expressions, later changed to Maschino’s Home Express, and now simply Maschino’s.
Maschino’s Today
Today, Maschino’s is a regional store specializing in outdoor living, fireplace and wood stoves. In 2003, the Maschino family celebrated 100 years of business, and began its second century of service in Springfield. Our current, and most well known location at 1715 S Campbell Ave is celebrating 70 years of business in the Ozarks as of October 2022. For generations Maschino’s has built its reputation on quality products and knowledgeable service. Maschino’s has and will offer quality products that last and knowledge that saves!
Our Future
Maschino’s began as a family business with the goal of making sure our customers feel a sense of family and personalized service. Still family owned by Mr. Maschino’s daughter, Nancy, the sales floor and install teams are also staffed with family. Our General manager, Greg, who has been here for 40+ years, introduced his wife Joan to Maschino’s in 2014 where she quickly took to furniture and grill design. Eventually, she became assistant manager and as of 2020, their daughter Hailey has joined the team full time.
Beyond traditional familial ties, the remainder of the staff could be mistaken for family as well, often seen in group outings for dinner after work or enjoying time on the lake together. The store’s holiday get-togethers are looked forward to each year with stories that are passed along to the newest team members. Even day-to-day, you’re sure to hear us around the store, playfully jesting and laughing with each other so when you visit Maschino’s for your project, you’re sure to feel like part of the family, too!
Current Team
Nancy Dornan
Owner
- Daughter of the original owner who opened the store in 1952 as Maschino’s Hardware
- Has guided the team through nearly 7 decades of operation including hardware, housewares, bridal registry, postal services and even fishing licenses
- Duties at the store have ranged from counting clothespins (to keep her 8-year-old hands busy), sales, staffing, bookkeeping, purchasing, and management.
- Upholds the tradition of quality products and services, knowledgeable staff, and treating both customers and staff as family
- Loves being with family and friends, attending live performances, traveling, and creating new art in her studio
Greg and Joan Nutting
General Manager and Store Manager
Greg:
- Joined the Maschino’s team in the early 1980’s
- Greg is highly sought after for both commercial and residential customers in the Midwest
- Greg’s 40+ years of experience positions him as a unique expert in the fireplace industry
- Loves grilling and cooking; always open to new ways to create culinary delights
Joan:
- Joined the Maschino’s team in 2014
- Responsible for expanding the outdoor grill island division including creating an in house fabrication department for cabinets and firepits
- Background in construction and special education
- Currently enjoys remodeling her home, and watching the Green Bay Packers by their Breeo firepit
Hailey Hasek
Fireplace and Luxury Patio Specialist
- Followed in her parents footsteps by joining the Maschino’s team part time in 2016 and full time in 2020
- Buyer for the store in attendance at America’s Mart and ICFA Casual Furniture Show
- Enjoys reading, baking, golfing, and spending time outside in general
- Experience in the luxury event planning/management industry and hospitality
Breanna Angle
Receptionist
- Joined the Maschino’s team in 2018
- Doubles as support for our sales team – Our ‘Do It All Gal’
- Loves baking, crafting, especially crocheting and knitting
- Enjoys working in her yard
Doug Hunt
Gas and Wood burning Fireplace Assistant
- Joined Maschino’s team in 2022
- Extensive experience in outdoor cooking
- Enjoys trying new recipes on the grills and smokers, growing a variety of peppers, and spending time with his family.
- Stop by Maschino’s and he is sure to give you a tip, trick or new recipe to try on your Primo!
Shana Zahn
Book Keeper
Eric Zahn
Outdoor Kitchen and Firepit Fabricator
Adam Bryan
Lead Direct Vent and Wood Burning Fireplace Installer
- Joined the Maschino’s team in 2021
- Experience in commercial construction, wood working and pest control
- Enjoys creating different items from a variety of woods + materials. So far he has made a custom vase, swing stand and mantel cabinet for customers. We can’t wait to see what he makes next!
C.J.
Direct Vent and Wood Fireplace Installer
- Joined the Maschino’s team in 2022
- Experience in electrical, flooring, power washing
- Loves to spend time building his church community, making Tik Toks to encourage others and date nights with his wife
Corey Gertz
Gas Fireplace Technician and Installer
Ray Hepner
Gas Fireplace Technician and Installer
Dakota Judson
Gas Fireplace Technician and Installer
John Mack
Gas Fireplace Technician and Installer
Tito
Maschino's Greeter
