After returning home from serving in the Navy during WWII, M.J. “Boyd” Colgate, Sr. opened Colgate and Company, Inc. in 1947 on South Main Street selling appliances, TVs, and radios. In 1964, the property (211 East Sycamore Street) which formerly housed Robert’s Hardware, was renovated to include furniture, bedding, appliance, floor covering and dining departments and became known as Colgate Square.

In 1975, Boyd’s son, M.J. Colgate, Jr. joined the company. Later, in 1988, Colgate Financial Services was created to offer complete in-store financing. Now 38 years later, MJ works diligently to keep the family business moving forward so that perhaps his sons, Cade and Clay, will have the opportunity to continue the family tradition. The Colgates credit their success to longtime employees, like Ray Rickman (53 years of service), and to their commitment to community service. Colgate Square actively supports Boy Scouts, little league, soccer, community players, churches and schools in southside Virginia.