About Us
Overview
Great Lakes Ace is a chain of hardware stores bringing more than 70 years of experience to the neighborhoods that we serve. Ace Hardware provides national chain buying power, access to hundreds of thousands of products, and premium merchandise brands like EGO®, Milwaukee®, Scotts®, Toro®, Weber®, Stihl®, Benjamin Moore®, Yeti® and others. At the same time, we provide our customers with a localized product mix and services while operating a friendly, helpful neighborhood hardware store.
Vision
Our team is inspired by our Vision to: Improve Lives & Communities
Mission
Great Lakes Ace’s Mission is to: Go above & Beyond to Serve
We are inspired to build a culture of service throughout the organization that is the bedrock of our daily operations.
Community
Our vision for the company is rooted in a belief that while we operate neighborhood hardware stores we are here to Improve Lives & Communities that we touch. It starts with our support of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) in our local communities to ensure those children and families who are most in need are able to access the services and support provided by the local children’s hospital and CMN. Then our associates identify community based non-profit groups and schools that they support by raising awareness and funds.
History
Our History in hardware is a classic American tale of hard work and reinvention. We were originally founded in 1946 as The Hardware Depot by the Traskos brothers of Dearborn, MI. The company has navigated the winds of change as market pressures and consumer demands have evolved. Today the company focuses on growth of brick and mortar locations through new store development and acquisition of existing hardware stores that serve thriving neighborhoods. Recognizing the consumer desire to shop when and where they find most convenient, the company has pursued e-commerce and delivery systems to remain relevant and convenient.
Great Lakes Ace Hardware Core Values
Go Above and Beyond- Make tomorrow better than today
- Be open to possibilities
- Do it better than anyone else
- Customers are your neighbors, get to know them
- Discover a connection by using a name, project, location, or friends
- Get involved beyond the four walls
- Recognize when things aren’t working
- Be open to hearing things aren’t working
- Roll up your sleeves and contribute to a solution
- Take pride in helpful service
- Build loyalty through excellence
- Create a fun environment
News Releases
Ace Retail Holdings announced it has agreed to acquire Bishop Ace Hardware.
The newly expanded and remodeled Rochester Hills, Mich., store will hold a celebration April 11-14, 2024.
Grand opening events November 3-5 are planned to celebrate the opening of the new store.
Great Lakes Ace has acquired Bellerive True Value Hardware in Nicholasville. The store is currently being remodeled and is scheduled to open on October 12, 2023.
Great Lakes Ace Indianapolis is celebrating the recent opening of the store located at 6248 Allisonville Road with a special sale / fundraiser that benefits the Riley Children’s Hospital and Riley Children’s Foundation.
Great Lakes Ace Greenfield is celebrating the recent opening of the store located at 1240 N. State Street with a special sale / fundraiser that benefits the Meals on Wheels of Hancock County. The 3- day celebration is planned for Friday March 31 – Sunday April 2, 2023.
Great Lakes Ace Plainfield has undergone a facelift and expanded some key product areas that are now better than ever. They are holding a Grand Opening Celebration to thank customers and neighbors for their support during the renovation and transition to Great Lakes Ace.
Jeff and Jay Halterman, owners of Celina Ace Hardware, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to sell the store to Great Lakes Ace Hardware. The sale will be finalized July 24, 2022. For more information, please see our news release below.
Rochester Hills, MI April 13, 2022 – The second location for Great Lakes Ace is gearing up for spring with a Grand Opening Celebration to welcome new neighbors into the location. For more information, please see our news release below.
Clawson, MI April 12, 2022 – The corner of Main Street and 14 Mile Road in Clawson has a new look and Great Lakes Ace Clawson is ready to celebrate with their neighbors. For more information, please see our news release below.
Florence, KY July 26, 2021 – The United States Post Office Branch located inside Great Lakes Ace Florence will be permanently closing effective July 31, 2021. There are two United States Post Office branches located within a short distance from the store. Directions to each will be available through the end of the month.
Brad Baker, Manager of Great Lakes Ace Newport announced today that Great Lakes Ace in Newport will hold a Chain Cutting Ceremony for the new location this Friday June 25, 2021. Mayor Tommy Guidugli Jr. and other city leaders will gather at 10:00 am at the new location 82 Carothers Rd, Newport to make the move to the new location official. Less than one –half – a- mile from the previous location the new store is larger and features a number of expanded departments.
Newport, KY June 11, 2021 – Brad Baker, Manager of Great Lakes Ace Newport announced today that Great Lakes Ace in Newport officially opened their doors in a new location. For more information, please see our news release below.
Great Lakes Ace Hardware would like to formally announce the acquisition of Fishers Ace in Fishers, Indiana. We are excited about this expansion, and look forward to a strong relationship with the great people of Indiana. For more information, please see our news release below.
Great Lakes Ace Hardware would like to formally announce the acquisition of Mitch’s Incredible Ace Hardware in Plainfield, Indiana. We are excited about this expansion, and look forward to a strong relationship with the great people of Indiana. For more information, please see our news release below.
The team at Great Lakes Ace Hardware in Clyde, OH is thrilled to announce the opening of a new lumber shed. The local team is focused on being helpful to their neighbors and this expansion is just one more way to accomplish that goal.
Brad Baker, Manager of Great Lakes Ace Newport announced today that the store will be relocating in June. This move is a great opportunity to better serve customers and the neighborhood.