“I pledge to be Most Helpful. Helping you (our customer) is the most important thing I have to do today.”
Revised: 2025 Version 25-3
Welcome to the Baell Mercantile, LLC and Thomas Supply family! We are delighted to have you join our team. This handbook is designed to introduce you to our company’s culture, practices, policies, and benefits. It provides a summary of the information you need to succeed in your role while delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Please note that this handbook is not a contract of employment. Your employment is “at will,” which means you or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The policies and benefits described herein are subject to change without prior notice. It is your responsibility to stay informed about the latest updates by reviewing the handbook periodically.
For many years, Baell Mercantile and Thomas Supply have been pillars in southwest Georgia, proudly offering an extensive range of products—from hardware and tools to sporting goods and more. Their reputation for carrying hard-to-find items and providing exceptional service has made them a preferred destination for customers throughout the region. According to Jenkins (2009), the company’s roots date back to January 2, 1923, when James Jesse Baell purchased a general merchandise store in Attapulgus, Georgia, and renamed it Baell Mercantile Company. The small store thrived in the sawmill town, largely because residents had few transportation options and shopped close to home. However, the Great Depression deeply affected South Georgia’s economy, prompting the Baell family to relocate the business in 1935 to Moultrie, seeking a more diversified agricultural base and a more vibrant economy. James “Sugar” Baell and his wife Tabitha initially rented a building at 119 East Central Avenue, across from Holman Mule Company. Their business continued to grow, and in 1954, Sugar Baell built a new store at 550 1st Street NE. On May 1, 2020, Bob and Theresa Thomas purchased the store from James R. Baell, the grandson of Sugar and Tabitha Baell. Today, the store still thrives at that location, continuing Baell Mercantile and Thomas Supply’s legacy of serving southwest Georgia with quality products and exceptional service.
Our mission is to honor our storied history while serving the needs of our community and generating profitable growth. We strive to keep our overhead low while delivering legendary customer service, guided by integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
We value open communication at every level. Associates are encouraged to share ideas, suggestions, or concerns with supervisors or management. Regular store meetings, informal discussions, and bulletin board updates ensure that everyone is well informed and can contribute to improving our workplace.
We recruit talented individuals who align with our core values. Employment classifications (full-time, part-time, temporary) are defined at the time of hiring, and all background checks and drug testing are conducted as part of our standard process.
New hires are subject to a probationary period during which performance and fit within our team are assessed. Background checks and, where applicable, drug tests are mandatory to ensure a safe work environment.
We understand that circumstances change. If you decide to resign, please provide a two-week notice. If issues arise due to misunderstandings or policy concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with your supervisor before making a final decision.
Every associate is expected to uphold our commitment to customer service and ethical behavior. Our conduct reflects on both our personal integrity and the company’s reputation. Always treat your colleagues and customers with respect and courtesy.
A professional appearance is essential to our brand image. While on duty, you must wear the appropriate Ace apparel—specifically, an Ace shirt or Ace vest or your Ace name-badge. You will receive a name badge when you are hired, and after your 90-day probationary period, we will order Ace shirts for you if needed. T-shirts with images are not permitted. Acceptable attire includes neat jeans or khakis (with no holes) and footwear that fully covers the foot. Additionally, please ensure you wear your name badge, company radio, and headset always on the sales floor. Visible tattoos and body piercings beyond earrings should be kept discreet.
Your work schedule is based on business needs. Please clock in no more than 10 minutes before your shift and clock out no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled end time. If you are required to work additional hours, you will be notified in advance. Punctuality and regular attendance are critical. Chronic tardiness and absenteeism will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.
We use a progressive discipline process that ranges from informal coaching to termination for severe offenses. Misconduct such as theft, insubordination, or unsafe behavior may lead to immediate disciplinary action.
Our compensation plan is competitive and is reviewed regularly. Pay increases are merit-based, reflecting both individual performance and overall store success. Our pay period runs from Monday morning to Saturday evening, with payday every Tuesday.
Non-exempt associates are eligible for overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a week. Accurate timekeeping is mandatory, and only hours worked (excluding paid time off) are considered for overtime.
A typical eight-hour shift includes a 10-minute morning break, a 10-minute afternoon break, and a one-hour lunch break. Schedule adjustments require prior approval from management to ensure adequate floor coverage.
Cash handling is a critical responsibility. Associates trained as cashiers must adhere strictly to the established procedures. Any mishandling of cash or store property may result in immediate dismissal.
Full-time associates (32+ hours per week) earn vacation time equal to their regular work hours. Vacation scheduling requires at least two weeks’ notice. We also observe paid holidays such as New Year’s, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. To qualify for holiday pay, you must work on your last scheduled day before and your first day after the holiday.
Personal days are available for matters unrelated to illness (e.g., doctor appointments, family emergencies) and must be scheduled in advance. Full-time associates are also allotted sick leave based on their typical work week; a doctor’s note is required for extended absences.
We offer generous employee discounts on merchandise. After 60 days of employment, associates may purchase items at specially calculated prices designed to ensure the store maintains an 18% margin. Charge accounts are available for credit-worthy employees under specific terms.
If you receive a jury duty summons, notify your supervisor immediately. Paid time off will be granted, and you are expected to return to work as soon as your service is completed, or your shift permits.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. We adhere strictly to state and federal safety regulations. All associates must follow safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
Proper training is required before operating any equipment, including forklifts. Never operate machinery without certification and always ask for assistance if you are unsure how to use a tool safely.
Familiarize yourself with our emergency protocols for fire, natural disasters, or active threats. Report any hazards immediately to your supervisor.
Special care must be taken when handling hazardous materials. Forklift operators must be at least 18 years old and fully trained. Exercise extreme caution around operating forklifts.
Our customers are the reason we do business. We abide by the “Ace Helpful Pledge” to ensure every customer receives exceptional service.
Always greet customers warmly and be proactive in assisting them. Your helpful attitude and competence in addressing customer needs are essential.
Follow proper procedures when handling transactions. Maintain vigilance to prevent shoplifting and loss and report any suspicious activity to management immediately.
The use of company computers, fax machines, and internet access is strictly for business purposes. Limited personal use is allowed only during breaks and must not incur additional costs with the company. Unauthorized software installations or access to inappropriate websites are prohibited.
Personal cell phone use should be minimal during work hours to avoid distractions. Phones must be kept silent and stored away on the sales floor. In emergencies, please notify your supervisor so the store phone can be used.
Two-way radios are issued for effective internal communication. Always keep your headset on and follow proper radio etiquette: speak clearly, wait for your turn, and keep communications brief. Treat the equipment with care and ensure it is charged and stored properly at the end of the day.
Company property is to be used solely for work purposes. We reserve the right to inspect personal items brought into the workplace to maintain a secure environment. Cooperation with such inspections is mandatory.
We believe well-trained associates are key to our success. Training covers customer service, product knowledge, system usage, safety protocols, and more. Ongoing development opportunities are provided to help you excel.
Regular informal and formal performance evaluations help you track progress and set future goals. We recognize outstanding performance through merit-based pay increases and special recognition programs.
Our commitment to your development includes opportunities for advancement. Open communication with your supervisor about career goals is encouraged.
Our company maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. The use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances on or off the job is strictly prohibited. Pre-employment and random drug tests are required, and any violation may result in disciplinary action up to termination.
We are committed to a work environment free from harassment. Any form of sexual or unlawful harassment—including offensive jokes, unwanted physical contact, or discriminatory remarks—is unacceptable. Complaints will be investigated confidentially, and retaliation against those who report harassment is strictly forbidden.
Protecting company and customer information is a shared responsibility. Follow all guidelines regarding data security and refrain from sharing sensitive information without proper authorization.
All associates must comply with applicable laws and regulations. Any conflicts of interest or illegal activities must be reported immediately to management.
Jenkins, M. S. (2009). Images of America: Colquitt County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-6756-3.