Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Madison’s Ace Hardware is definitely the place with the helpful hardware folks. For the sixth time in their seven-year history, the store has been recognized as a Pinnacle Performance Retailer, one of the highest awards given within the company. Regional Manager for North Eastern Florida, Tom Parmon, stopped by the store to make the presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Winning this award is a major accomplishment, with only five percent of the 4,800 Ace Hardware locations in the U.S. receiving this honor. Of this five percent, less than one percent ever repeat receiving this award, much less doing so for five consecutive years, as the Madison store has done.
There are three areas a store must excel in, beginning with customer service. There are always several friendly faces greeting customers as they enter Ace Hardware, and they are ready to help in any way they can. “Our red-vested heroes strive to meet you at the door and guide you all the way through your experience with us,” said owner, Tim McDonald.
Next, a Pinnacle store must maintain 93 percent of their inventory, ensuring that customers can always find what they need. Keeping their store well-stocked through the many problems created during the pandemic was not an easy task, but the devoted staff of Ace Hardware made it happen.
Finally, convenience is a major factor in winning Pinnacle recognition. “We aren’t a ‘big box’ store, where you have to wander through a warehouse looking for help,” said Store Manager Roland Herndon. “We take care of you and your needs immediately so that you can be in and out easily.” In fact, McDonald has occasionally timed customers as they enter the store, just to be certain their needs are met in an efficient and timely manner. “It’s really the customers and our service to them that matters,” said Herndon. “We love this community and plan on remaining actively involved in serving others any way we can.”
Stop by and congratulate the red-vested heroes of Madison’s Ace Hardware. They also are the only local retailer of Black Rifle Coffee, and they have numerous varieties to choose from.