Ace Hardware

Specialties

We are your hometown hardware store specializing in Hardware, Lawn and Garden, Plumbing, Electrical, Paint, Fasteners, House-​wares, and much more. We also have a large seasonal area that transforms from a winter wonderland of Christmas decorations, trees, and supplies to a patio and outdoor-​living center every spring. Whatever your home needs, odds are we’ve got you covered. Stop in and let us assist you. Helping you is the most important thing we have to do today.

History

Established in 2007.

In 1951, Robert Bishop purchased Hill Hardware, changed the name to Bishop Hardware, and joined the Ace Hardware Co-​op. In 1955, George T. Preckwinkle bought half-​interest before purchasing Mr. Bishop’s interest in 1961.

The company expanded with the building of stores in Jacksonville in ’65, Taylorville in ’72 and our Wabash store in ’73. Further Illinois expansion has since included Normal in ’89, Havana in ’01, Carlinville in ’02, Lincoln in ’03, Chatham in ’05, Hillsboro in ’07, and our latest expansion to Pontiac in March of 2011. Our Chatham store marked the first time in 32 years we built a store from the ground up.

After working with George T. and Rosalie Preckwinkle for several years, their children, George W. Preckwinkle and Lucy E. Bagot took the reins of the company in the 1980’s and have been running the successful operations ever since. By keeping our focus on staying local, we’ve managed to weave ourselves into the fabric of our communities.

Meet the Manager

Kristel W.

Manager

Our Hillsboro manager, Kristel White, is originally from Nokomis and has lived in Hillsboro now since 1984. She began work at Ace in the Paint Department in 2006, was assistant manager for two years, and then moved up to the manager in January of 2010. Her favorite part of working at Ace is helping all of the customers.

When Kristel isn’t at work she loves to spend time with her husband Jim and daughter Jordan. She and Jim have been active volunteer soccer coaches for over 10 years now with the Girls U18 Soccer League.