Family thrives at Clarks Ace Hardware
Margaret is in charge of her family business – a hardware store that has been around since before the Civil War.
Carrying forward the family name is a combination of proud moments and big responsibilities.
“When I bought the business from my father in 2017, I was excited and nervous,” she said.
Established in 1845, Clarks Ace Hardware is currently owned by Margaret Clark, the seventh-generation owner, third veteran owner, and first female owner and operator of the company.
“There is a lot of pressure taking on a multi-generational business, but also a lot of pride. I’m proud of our team here – to have grown it to what it is in just a few years,” said Clark.
Their mission, she said, is to serve their community by providing quality hardware and specialty products with exceptional service and convenience. They serve the Howard County, Maryland, community, which is south of Baltimore, but pull from surrounding counties as well.
Along the way to hardware store ownership, she has experienced many positives.
“I love the memories of growing up in the business. Sleeping under the desks at night with a sleeping bag when my parents had to work late; running around after closing; and helping to work store events,” said Clark.
“It also showed me the sacrifice and work that it took to run a business when I reflect on those moments now that I’m older,” she said.
Her parents used to talk about how proud they were to see some of the young adults work with them for a few years and then leave and grow into having amazing careers.
“The last two years I’ve really started to see that. It is such a wonderful feeling to see others excel from experiences you help to create,” said the owner.
She also appreciates the management team they have.
They are amazing and loyal, said Clark, “and they are the reason I enjoy coming into work each day. I strive to try and ensure they grow in their development and career with us as well. I consider them family.”
Survive and thrive
There were hurdles for the hardware store to manage through history, and today the business faces a bold new world of supply, staffing and technology challenges.
The hardware store has survived the civil war, floods, sudden death of owners, a depression, recessions and pandemics, she said.
“The last six years have been a rollercoaster for the business, but it was likely no different from my predecessors in their time,” said the owner.
“In the last half dozen years, we did a complete 40,000-square-foot store remodel,” she said, “then shifted immediately into a pandemic, then a second store opening, and now leading into a looming recession with our county’s minimum wage doubling in just a few years.”
It’s been an interesting few years to say the least, said Clark.
“I think the way to tackle it,” she said, “is constantly being willing to try new things, brainstorming with others on how to tackle new issues, take action, follow trends, and most importantly do your best in taking care of your team.”
And sometimes a customer will add something humorous or factual to the day.
Every couple of months, she said, “customers come in to talk to me or drop something off when they find old historic receipts, newspapers, or pictures,” of the family hardware store.
“It is such an enjoyable break every time this happens because you really get to appreciate the impact the hardware store and our family had on so many people,” she said.
About longevity in the family-owned hardware business she said this: “Make sure the family members are willing, capable and prepared to take over the business.”
Also, the owner commented on the future for her business and maybe a next generation coming along.
“We grew to a second location last year,” she said about the new store in Columbia, Maryland. “We will see what the future holds. For now, I’m just looking to get us through the next year with all the potential unforeseen economic instability ahead and grow foot traffic in our new location.”
Many of her nieces and nephews are around, and she said, “if they show a desire, maybe they will be the next ones to take over.”
