“The vision that I have for this store is to be a great experience for the community,” says Steve Eisel, owner of Ace Hardware in the New Garden Town Square directly off Scarlett Road, just south of downtown Kennett Square, in the former Peebles department store. Steve opened the store a little over a year ago after retiring from DuPont, where he worked on engineering projects all over the country and the world for over 38 years. 

 

Steve was always interested in running a small business after he retired. He did significant research on what small business opportunities were the best and that brought him to the Ace Hardware Corporation, which currently operates a network of 5,000 stores across the US. The company was founded in 1924 in the Chicago area by a small group of hardware store owners. It’s organized as a cooperative, as opposed to a typical franchise, and all store owners are shareholders in the corporation. Ace ranks among the top franchise-type operations and is one of the fastest growing. “I never thought that I would get into retail,” he says. “It is a very different world [from engineering].” His experience with the Ace organization so far has been positive. “Ace is a great organization and offers great support.”

 

The store offers much more than its name implies. Naturally, it carries all the typical home repair supplies (hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies, tools, etc.), but it also offers best-in-class Benjamin Moore paints with custom color mixing as well as a complete line of gasoline and electric lawnmowers and yard equipment, including the premium Stihl top-selling brand of chainsaws and power garden tools. Bicycle supplies, pet accessories, cleaning products, bird seed, fertilizer, grass seed, and more pack the shelves. Steve’s wife also curates a small home décor section in the store. 

 

Recently, Ace has diversified its offerings even more by adding a plethora of outdoor recreational products, including premium coolers like YETI and a stellar grill section. “That’s my baby!” Steve says, pointing to a cluster of the latest in grilling technology. “I want to be known for barbecue grills,” he says. Ace offers a variety of premium smokers and grills, from conventional propane-fueled Webers, charcoal-fired Big Green Eggs, wood pellet Traegers, and even the flattop Blackstone outdoor griddles. They also offer the Ooni outdoor pizza ovens. Most importantly, they offer free assembly, delivery, and setup as well as a complete line of grilling accessories. Even though this particular Ace Hardware is a relatively new store, it has ranked near the top of the Ace scorecard for the number of barbecue grills that they have sold. 

 

One of the most exciting changes to take place at Ace Kennett Square is the recent launch of Ace Handyman Services. Without the proper tools, time, or experience, DIY home repairs are a challenge for the typical homeowner. In addition, many contractors only want to take on big jobs like renovations or additions. Enter Ace Handyman Services, a small yet growing part of the Ace network. The division offers smaller home repairs across a range of applications, such as carpentry, plumbing, drywall repair, painting, and exterior repairs, all with expert craftsmen. All of this is covered by central scheduling and follow-up that ensures reliable timely service at a fair price, and the service comes with a one-year guarantee. Unlike many home services that use independent contractors, all the craftsmen will be employees of Ace who will undergo extensive training to deliver high standards of work to clients in the Brandywine Valley, including the Greenville area. So if you need to fix that toilet that runs, the loose siding on the house, or repair that fencing damaged by the storm, turn to the helpful folks at Ace, and you’ll be glad you did.

 

One of the most valuable features of Ace is the personal service provided by the knowledgeable and helpful staff. To anyone who has walked aimlessly around the big-box stores looking for an item or someone to obtain advice, going to an Ace is a true breath of fresh air. If Ace has what you need, you will immediately be directed to it and have any questions expertly answered. If they don’t have it, they’ll either offer a substitute or likely tell you where best to find it. 

 

Steve concluded by saying that although the startup and running of the store have been challenging and time-consuming, it has been rewarding. Although he has lived in and been active in the Brandywine Valley for 20 years, he says opening Ace Hardware has strengthened his ties to the community. He hopes to build and establish a business that can grow and serve the community well beyond his time running it.

 

Pull quote: “Ace Handyman Services offers smaller home repairs across a range of applications, such as carpentry, plumbing, drywall repair, painting, and exterior repairs, all with expert craftsmen.”