Meet the Louth company manager who is ‘boss, brother and uncle’ in the family business

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Timber is the family trade at Hoey’s D.I.Y in County Louth where three generations have helped build a thriving local business that serves customers across the north east.

"It’s hard to believe, but we will celebrate our 50th birthday next year,” says Stephen Hoey, MD.

Established in 1976, Hoey’s DIY has remained a family-owned and operated business that has become a cornerstone of the local community. Known for supplying high-quality products and offering expert advice to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, Hoey’s are also a vital employer in the area.

"My father and mother started the business with my uncle initially,” Stephen told The Argus. “Like many businesses it started small with a couple of staff, but now we have 35 people employed, the majority who live within a ten to fifteen commute.”

Located at Station Road, Castlebellingham, Stephen says the business had it’s origins “in the flat roof extensions that were popular in the late 1970s and early 80s”

Four out of six Hoey siblings now work in the business. Stephen, his sister Karen, along with brothers John and Ray. The family links have extended to Karen’s husband, John Matthews, who is set to come on board as a director, and their sons Jack and Jamie.

Working side-by-side with family could be a challenge, but the Hoey’s make delegation a priority, says Stephen, which sees each manage their own area of operations.

"You know, I had someone say to me the other day that there can only be one boss, but I wouldn’t agree with that. We all look after our own areas, and then we collectively come together. I leave them to their own devices, they are all good at what they do, which is a big part of the reason the business is still going strong,” said Stephen.

"We’ve moved on to the third generation now, which is a sign we are doing something right I suppose!” says Stephen.

He adds: “I think my brothers and sister would agree, we all got used to the business being part of the family growing up, we all did our bit.”

“My dad passed away two years ago now, but at one stage I was living beside him, so he was my neighbour, my dad, my friend, but he was also my boss. When he got older he stepped back from the business, but I always went to him for advice..he had seen it all really.”

Stephen added that the company have managed to stake their own claim in the D.I.Y suppliers industry by being “close to the communities we serve, and offering the personal touch to our customers.”

"We have lots of customers who are friends now, people who kept coming back to us over the years. We are very different from the big suppliers as we can give customers a much more individual service, and are here to offer help where we can.”

With mum Marie originally from Wexford, Stephen adds they are proud to have been able to honour the legacy, by maintaining links with many customers there.

"I always said I’d retire to Wexford, so we’ll see what happens,” he laughs.

Hoey’s D.I.Y are in the spotlight this month as they are the first to feature in a new Louth County Council initiative, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seán Kelly’s ‘Business of the Month’ awards.

The programme, supported by the Louth Local Enterprise Office, aims to highlight the outstanding contributions and achievements of local businesses across County Louth.

Speaking about the award, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seán Kelly said: “What truly sets the Hoey family and the entire team at Hoey's DIY apart is its commitment to community.

“Whether it's supporting local events or simply offering a warm welcome in store, they’ve built more than just a business; they have built a legacy, and this award and recognition are well deserved.”