Ace Hardware Executive and Leadership Team

Mathias Brown, the Chief Operating Officer & Partner at Ace Hardware, directs the daily logistics and supply chain efficiency for the cooperative. Brown manages the complex distribution network that connects regional warehouses to independent retail locations. By optimizing inventory management systems, Brown ensures that hardware stores maintain consistent stock levels to meet consumer demand. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional partners to streamline procurement processes and reduce operational overhead. Mathias Brown also evaluates performance metrics to identify opportunities for scaling infrastructure across the United States. Through the integration of automated fulfillment technologies, Brown enhances the speed and reliability of product delivery. Ultimately, Brown drives the operational excellence required to maintain the competitive edge of the cooperative model, ensuring that every retail partner receives the necessary support to thrive in the hardware industry.

Kane Calamari, the Senior VP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ace Hardware Corporation & President, Ace Hardware Foundation at Ace Hardware, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Calamari manages the cultural integration of the cooperative model, ensuring that human capital strategies align with the needs of locally owned stores. By overseeing the Ace Hardware Foundation, Calamari drives philanthropic efforts that strengthen community ties across North American markets. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that enhance retail service standards. Kane Calamari also collaborates with the Board to refine executive compensation structures and succession planning. Through the implementation of advanced workforce analytics, Calamari optimizes employee engagement levels. Ultimately, Calamari secures the long-term stability of the cooperative by fostering a high-performance culture that supports the unique operational requirements of independent hardware retailers throughout the country.

Dennis Lasota, the Owner, President at Ace Hardware, directs the strategic vision and local market execution for the retail enterprise. Lasota manages the customer experience standards that define the brand within the local community. By overseeing store-level profitability and merchandising strategies, Lasota ensures alignment with the broader cooperative mission. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with local contractors and homeowners to drive consistent revenue growth. Dennis Lasota also monitors regional market trends to adjust product offerings and service capabilities accordingly. Through the implementation of localized marketing campaigns, Lasota expands the customer base and strengthens brand loyalty. Ultimately, Lasota secures the financial health of the retail location by balancing operational efficiency with a commitment to providing expert advice and high-quality hardware products to the surrounding neighborhood.

Deborah Meyer, the President, Finance at Ace Hardware, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the cooperative. Meyer manages the financial reporting processes that support the transparency required by the retailer-owned model. By overseeing budgeting and investment planning, Meyer ensures that the organization maintains the liquidity necessary for infrastructure expansion. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to mitigate financial risks and optimize revenue streams across the national network. Deborah Meyer also collaborates with other executives to evaluate the economic impact of new retail initiatives. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, Meyer drives cost-efficiency and long-term value creation for all cooperative members. Ultimately, Meyer secures the fiscal foundation of the company, providing the resources needed to sustain the competitive advantage of independent hardware stores in a dynamic retail environment.

James Wennersten, the President & Owner at Ace Hardware, directs the overarching business strategy and retail operations for the local store. Wennersten manages the daily administrative functions and staff development to ensure high service quality. By overseeing inventory procurement and store layout optimization, Wennersten aligns the business with the cooperative's national standards. This leadership role involves engaging with the local community to identify specific hardware needs and service gaps. James Wennersten also monitors competitive pricing and market shifts to maintain a strong local presence. Through the application of data-driven sales strategies, Wennersten drives revenue growth and operational sustainability. Ultimately, Wennersten secures the success of the retail location by combining the strength of the national brand with a personalized approach to customer service and community-focused hardware solutions.

Alison Dowell, the Emery Jensen Distribution President & General Manager at Ace Hardware, directs the wholesale distribution strategy for the specialty retail segment. Dowell manages the supply chain operations that provide essential products to independent retailers across the country. By overseeing vendor relationships and inventory turnover, Dowell ensures that the distribution network remains responsive to market fluctuations. This leadership role involves coordinating with logistics teams to improve delivery timelines and service reliability. Alison Dowell also evaluates distribution performance to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Through the implementation of advanced supply chain software, Dowell enhances the efficiency of the entire distribution lifecycle. Ultimately, Dowell secures the operational success of the wholesale division by providing the necessary inventory support to help independent retailers compete effectively in the hardware market.

Brett Stephenson, the President at Ace Hardware, directs the strategic growth and market positioning for the retail cooperative. Stephenson manages the expansion of the store network by identifying new opportunities for independent ownership. By overseeing the development of retail support programs, Stephenson ensures that store owners have the tools required for success. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to set long-term objectives that align with the cooperative's mission. Brett Stephenson also monitors industry trends to adapt the business model to changing consumer preferences. Through the implementation of innovative retail technologies, Stephenson drives operational efficiency across the national footprint. Ultimately, Stephenson secures the market relevance of the brand by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and service excellence that distinguishes the cooperative from larger, corporate-owned competitors.

Chad Spinkf, the President at Ace Hardware, directs the regional retail operations and store performance initiatives. Spinkf manages the implementation of national merchandising standards at the local level to ensure brand consistency. By overseeing store manager training and development, Spinkf drives improvements in customer service and sales productivity. This leadership role involves analyzing regional sales data to optimize product assortments and promotional activities. Chad Spinkf also facilitates communication between store owners and the corporate office to resolve operational challenges. Through the application of performance-based management techniques, Spinkf enhances the profitability of the retail locations under the regional purview. Ultimately, Spinkf secures the operational health of the stores by providing the guidance and resources necessary to maintain high standards of service and product availability for local customers.

Edgar Schramma, the President at Ace Hardware, directs the strategic planning for retail technology and digital transformation. Schramma manages the integration of e-commerce platforms with physical store inventory to create a seamless omnichannel experience. By overseeing the deployment of point-of-sale systems, Schramma ensures that retailers have the data needed to manage operations effectively. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to improve the customer journey and increase store traffic. Edgar Schramma also collaborates with IT teams to secure the digital infrastructure against potential threats. Through the implementation of data analytics tools, Schramma drives insights that help store owners make informed business decisions. Ultimately, Schramma secures the future of the cooperative by modernizing the retail experience and ensuring that independent stores remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Paul Burdette, the President at Ace Hardware, directs the business development and partnership strategies for the cooperative. Burdette manages the recruitment of new independent retailers to expand the national footprint. By overseeing the onboarding process, Burdette ensures that new owners understand the cooperative model and the benefits of the brand. This leadership role involves negotiating strategic partnerships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing for the entire network. Paul Burdette also monitors the competitive landscape to identify new market segments for potential growth. Through the implementation of effective outreach programs, Burdette strengthens the cooperative's presence in underserved regions. Ultimately, Burdette secures the long-term growth of the organization by attracting high-quality retail partners who share the commitment to providing expert advice and quality hardware products to their local communities.