Established in 1982, The Handyman’s Trading Post has been serving the Canberra community for 43 years. And now it has new owners.

“We are excited to continue the legacy,” says The Handyman’s Trading Post new co-owner John Rivers who, with wife Lauren, picked up the keys for the business on March 31.

“We are incredibly lucky to have the current staff’s support and years of expertise to help us.”

Lauren and John bring different skills to their new business – Lauren has experience as an accountant and John as a project manager.

“We are really keen to be putting down roots in the city that we’ve called home,” says John.

“We look forward to settling down into something we’re interested in as we expand our own little family.”

Recently welcoming their daughter, Elizabeth, into the world, John says he is excited about going into a business and industry he is passionate about.

“We aren’t new to the renovating industry,” he says.

“You’ll find everyone here has experience, and it’s all varied, which is great!”

Renovating their entire house, John and Lauren say they are all too aware of the importance of being able to afford quality building materials.

“For more than 42 years, Handyman’s Trading Post has supplied Canberrans with quality and affordable home and commercial building materials,” says John.

“We are excited to continue this legacy and help Canberrans renovate without breaking the bank or being forced to sacrifice quality.”

Walking through the doors is like walking into a time capsule of treasures, with memorabilia, materials and tools for sale.

“It’s a story within itself,” says John.

“It’s a legacy that we hope to continue for another 40 years, and we are honoured to now be part of this story.”

Buying and selling used and factory-second materials, John recommends stopping by to say hello and see what’s on offer.

“We also carry a large range of doors, windows and other materials,” he says. “There’s something for everyone.”

The Rivers bought the business from Chris Perkins and John says he is keen to continue to be a friendly face for the community.

Chris, an ex-rugby player, says the business has always operated as a family.

“I’ve worked here for 30 years,” he says.

“The previous owner liked to help out the rugby community and give us a job.

“The last 10 years I have been the owner and it’s been an amazing experience.

“I absolutely loved the environment and helping people out.”

Chris says the store’s prior owner, Butch, is still remembered by regular customers, something Chris says shows the great family values they continued to uphold.

“Safe to say, I’ll be back in three or so years to check out the great work John has done,” he says.

“I’m really excited about the next steps from here and to see where John and Lauren can take it.”

The Handyman’s Trading Post will move to a new address shortly, which John says will allow more space to grow.

“It is important that we retain the great character of the shop during the move,” says John.

“It’s a bit of a tightrope walk.

“We don’t want to scare anyone away by expanding, but we do want to be able to give back to the community in a bigger way.

“In the lead up to the move, we will have significant discounts storewide and a large range of memorabilia for sale.

“We will continue to serve the community by providing affordable supplies and making sure we are reducing our contribution to landfill.”

The Handyman’s Trading Post. 34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick. Visit Facebook at facebook.com/p/Handymans-Trading-Post or Instagram.com/htpcanberra