Tripp Strickland, the new co-owner of two local Ace Hardware stores, has rebranded the Crawford store to Oglethorpe Ace Hardware, signaling a new chapter for the store and its role in the community.
“We want to run a well-stocked hardware store, and we want to meet the needs of people in the community,” he said. “We realize it’s a rural area, so if there are any needs that need to be met, and we’re not meeting them, we need to hear it.”
Strickland co-owns the Crawford and Colbert stores with his father, George Strickland. His cousin, Jeff Strickland, serves as the vice president of operations.
Chuck Gabriel joined the team as the store manager in Crawford, after seven years in the hardware industry with Hammer Head Sales.
Oglethorpe Ace Hardware will focus on expanding its merchandise to meet the needs of the county.
“We’re supposed to get in Echo power equipment this week,” Gabriel said. “That will include things like chainsaws, weedeaters, blowers, and things like that. That’s one thing that lots of people in the community have been coming in and asking about.”
The store has also hired a mechanic, starting in January, to work on lawnmowers and other equipment.
By focusing on the needs of their customers, Strickland and his team hope to build lasting relationships.
“We just want to service the community,” he said. “We love our community, and I hope it shows.”