Shurdut, a Scituate resident, said his door-to-door sales plan is a way to test the market for his products before he invests in shop space. His ultimate goal is to own a chain of retail shops throughout New England.

“I didn’t want to put together a program where I create a store and there’s a potential for that store not to be successful,” Shurdut said. “I’d rather test the market for these products through a door-to-door, grassroots-type approach and learn how much longevity this product might have.”

Shurdut also plans to use his door-to-door sales as a way to give back to the community — $8 of every case sold during his 90-day test period will be set aside to donate to a cause recommended by Pembroke customers. The goal is to raise at least $2,500 to give away.

“If we fell short and in 90 days sold five cases, I would give $40 to somebody. It’s not contingent on getting a magic number,” Shurdut said. “That to me just seemed like something more of substance to a person than $100 or $500. $2,500 would be enough to get yourself out of trouble or to do something of value.”

Paper Chain Inc.’s products include a 96-roll case of bath tissue for $48 and a 30-roll case of paper towels for $32, along with other items such as facial tissue, napkins, glass cleaners, trash bags and paper plates, cups and bowls.

Shurdut said he works with more than 20 manufacturers that sell products used mainly in schools, hospitals and businesses. But Shurdut’s hope is that homeowners will see a value in buying quality materials in bulk for less than they might find at a retail store.

“I thought the size of the town and the demographics were perfect for what we were trying to accomplish,” Shurdut said of why he chose to start marketing in Pembroke. “The door-to-door concept is something that I’m very familiar with, having done it through college, and I realized it was a good method for people to begin to learn about our product and our company before we start setting up shops.”

Shurdut said he sold steak and shrimp door-to-door during college and became known as “the neighborhood meat man” around towns like Randolph, Canton and Gloucester.

Shurdut said he started going door-to-door in Pembroke recently but was stopped by police and told he needed a permit. On Monday, selectmen voted unanimously to grant Shurdut a 90-day solicitation permit, with limited hours from 9 a.m. to dusk Monday through Saturday and not before 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Shurdut said he is now working with Pembroke Police Chief Michael Ohrenberger to establish a schedule and get a photo ID. Another Paper Chain Inc. representative, James O’Neil of Needham, also will be marketing the products.

Selectman Bill Boulter said he usually is against door-to-door solicitations but that Shurdut’s plan to give back to local causes changed his feelings on the issue.

“I’ve always been the one saying no [to door-to-door selling] … but it seems like a pretty good idea as long as you go by all the guidelines,” he said.

Selectman Don Anderson also supported Shurdut’s business plan, saying it was not up to selectmen to determine whether the $2,500 actually would be donated locally — but that Shurdut’s promise would be taken into account if he returned for an extended solicitation permit.

“I think it’s a good marketing approach for what you’re trying to accomplish,” Anderson said. “I’m in favor of any businesses trying to survive in this economy.”

Shurdut said he simply wanted to bring a good bargain to people and build a good business, quipping, “In the toilet paper business, you have to reach new bottoms every day.”

In other Board of Selectmen business Monday:
• Selectmen appointed Gary Fine and Michael Virta to the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee.
• Selectmen approved a request from Kelly Miller Circus to set up a show in Pembroke on Friday, June 25. The Recreation Commission already voted in favor of the request.
• Selectmen acknowledged the town administrator’s approval of use of the Town Green on Saturday, May 22 for Pammy’s Day on the Green, dedicated to late Recreation Director Pam Rowell. All proceeds will go to the skate park.
• Selectmen approved a two-year lease with Pembroke Youth Baseball for use and maintenance of the baseball fields on Mattakeesett Street.
• The board met in executive session to discuss collective bargaining and strategies for litigation.