Libertyville Ace Hardware celebrates manager’s 50 years
On January 14, 1972, 17-year-old Paul LaRoche put on his Ace Hardware red vest and walked through the doors of the Ace store in Libertyville, Illinois, for the first time.
Fast forward today and LaRoche, who still proudly wears the signature attire, is being celebrated for his upcoming milestone 50th anniversary at Ace.
The Laskowski family, owners of the Libertyville Ace, plan to celebrate LaRoche’s half-century mark by presenting him with a commemorative golden hammer.
LaRoche received his award for 50 years at Libertyville Ace Hardware on Jan. 14, 2022. The award is provided by Estwing, said Ace.
A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH PAUL LaROCHE
Can you share a few personal favorite memories from over five decades?
LaRoche: “Working at the annual Memorial Day Tent Sale was a highlight because it grew over the years and the community looked forward to it every year.
“Ace conventions were phenomenal. I have a lot of great memories meeting people in the industry who were mentors, and I learned a lot from them. I went to every convention since 1976.
“Watching how the company has grown all these years. It’s a people business and I’ve grown from being able to help people. I’ve enjoyed learning from Ace Corporate and salespeople.”
Tell us some of the most interesting or fun things that happened during your service at Ace?
LaRoche: “Back in the day, we made a TV commercial at the Libertyville Ace store. I had the opportunity to work with Ace celebrity spokespeople including Lou Fant and Suzanne Somers.
“It was fun when my two kids worked at the store when they were younger.”
What’s the biggest change in hardware you’ve seen over the years?
LaRoche: “Technology has changed the way stores operate tremendously. We can’t operate a store without it today. Back in the 70s you would have to walk down the aisle, check the hooks, order products for that hook, go through books for the items and put price tags on each product.
“Now, you don’t have to price the items, and the technology behind inventory control is more efficient because it’s all computer generated.”
“I am so proud to say I work for Ace,” said LaRoche. “I love helping people, and there is no better place to do that for me than at Ace Hardware. I was lucky to start out working for the Hesse’s – the family who founded Ace Hardware in 1924 – and they took me in like a son. They showed me the ropes, believed in me, and encouraged me every step of the way.”
Today, LaRoche is the manager of the Ace in Libertyville, Ill., one of nine stores owned by the Laskowski family.
“When Paul gets involved in something, he dives in and takes it to the next level,” said Debbie Laskowski, co-owner. “We feel so fortunate that he is a part of our extended Ace family and are thrilled to be able to honor him for his achievements.”
For 36 years, LaRoche has worked side by side with his Assistant Manager Brenda Warning. “Paul has been a fixture in the community for 50 years. He is truly the face of our Ace Hardware, and I couldn’t be prouder to work with him,” she said.
“There isn’t a day that goes by where a customer isn’t asking about Paul or looking for him to ask him a question.”
“He has made an impact in my life, and in the lives of so many people who have walked through our doors,” said Warning.
One of LaRoche’s proudest accomplishments over the past 50 years was working on the Children’s Miracle Network fundraising events, which included a fundraising motorcycle ride from Libertyville to Saint Louis.
Other achievements include winning the Presidents Cup with his assistant manager Warning in 1999; and running the Memorial Day tent sale for the last 30 years – making it one of Libertyville’s historical events.
Additionally, LaRoche played a huge part in supporting the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce for Ace with many golf outings and sponsorships.
LaRoche has been married for 45 years to his wife Mary and has two children – son Nick and daughter Teri – plus four grandchildren, Austin, Blair, Tyler and Harper.
He enjoys golf, traveling, motorcycling, boating and spending time with his grandchildren.
LaRoche still enjoys working and said he plans to stay on as manager of the Libertyville Ace Hardware.