Working in the shadow of the Capitol Building, Paul “Captain Apollo” Broom can testify that even big-shot lawmakers occasionally need light bulbs and toilet plungers. Broom is the building department manager at Frager’s Hardware, which has served the Capitol Hill community consistently since 1920.
What is it like to work here?
It’s fantastic. We’re such a vibrant part of the community. It feels like we’re really taking care of the neighborhood, and people really appreciate the kind of help we’re trying to give them. I’m sort of like a rock star here; every time I walk home, I meet lots of people who know me.
Has Capitol Hill changed much since you’ve been here?
Yes, drastically. It’s much more gentrified. There are more homeowners, more younger couples and families, and a lot more money floating around.
Have you had any particularly interesting customers in the time that you have worked here? Well, the president, of course. President Bush. He needed a photo-op with a small business to show how small businesses inthe country were doing so well.
Speaking of small business, how do you feel that Frager’s competes with superstores like Wal-Mart and Lowe’s?
Well, our location is pretty important. And, working on the older houses in this area, as well as many other areas in D.C., requires parts that are hard to find in the big stores since they tend to carry more modern equipment. When Home Depot opened on Rhode Island Avenue, our business decreased for about four months. Then all of our customers trickled back again, since it was so far away and because of our service.
Anything else to add?
Well, I grew up running around the fields of Zimbabwe. Now I’m here shaking hands with people like the president. I’ve come a long way.
