Latest news with #AceHardware
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Ace Hardware employee files million-dollar suit after alleging manager hung a noose in warehouse on Juneteenth
An Ace Hardware store employee has filed a million-dollar lawsuit in Texas after alleging that his manager hung a noose inside a warehouse on Juneteenth. Devondrick Hartsfield, who is Black, revealed he lost his job as a delivery driver after complaining that his white manager tied a black backpack from a noose in 2023, which Hartsfield said was an act of racial discrimination, according to a lawsuit seen by the newspaper Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Hartsfield said his supervisor, a white man, claimed it was 'a prank' because another staff member left it behind. Despite receiving an apology, Hartsfield has now taken matters further. Juneteenth signifies the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. Hartsfield told CBS News at the time that he had worked at the store for four years and believed he was the only Black employee. The lawsuit documents, filed Tuesday in Dallas County, Texas, just two days before this year's Juneteenth, named the store as Van Marcke's Ace Hardware in Arlington, Texas. In the suit, Hartsfield's manager, whom the Star-Telegram has not named, is alleged to have shown Hartsfield the noose as they walked through the warehouse. Hartsfield returned to the warehouse later that day with a cashier as his witness to take pictures of the offensive display, which he later included in a report to the store's human resources department. The noose was still hanging in the warehouse the following day, according to the suit. Hartsfield told CBS Fort Worth that he was afraid of his workplace. "Before we walked to the door, he told me to look up, and I looked up, and when I looked back at him, he was like, 'It's a joke, Juan left his backpack,'" Hartsfield said. "And when I looked back up, I saw the noose with the rope, and I was like, 'What the hell?'" Hartsfield stated that after filing a discrimination complaint, he was suspended and replaced by an employee who was not Black, according to the suit. His lawyer is now pushing for a compensation payout. 'Mr. Hartsfield raised legitimate concerns about a racially hostile work environment,' Hartsfield's lawyer Jason Smith said. 'Instead of addressing them responsibly, Ace Hardware's management effectively ended his employment.' At the time of the alleged display, the store posted a statement that read: "Van Marcke's Ace Hardware would like to assure you and the entire community that any allegations of racism or any discrimination are being thoroughly investigated and addressed with the utmost urgency. We take such incidents seriously and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for both our employees and customers."
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
I got fed up wasting time using a weed whacker to remove weeds, so I tried an electric pressure washer instead — here's what happened
I've been a first-time homeowner for two and a half years now and one thing I've learned in that time is that weeds are annoying. Like really, they're relentless and take up a lot of my time during the weekends — especially with the pavers on my driveway that can easily be inundated by them. For the past two summers, I've been using my Greenworks weed whacker to whittle away at those stubborn weeds around my pavers. All of my effort has been futile. I finally got fed up using my weed whacker and decided to try an electric pressure washer. Here's what happened. You'll find several handy uses with the Stihl REA 100 Plus electric pressure washer, which features a maximum pressure of 2,200 psi. It comes with a hose attachment, 19.5-foot hose length, and a battery pack to let you pressure wash just about anywhere thanks to its all-electric check: $649 @ Ace Hardware Having watched so many gardening hacks and videos on TikTok and Instagram, I know how well some of them could be at my weed problem at home — like the time I tried the viral Grampa's Weeder. For my pavers though, I tried out the Stihl REA 100 Plus electric pressure washer to see how effective it is over using my weed whacker. After making sure the battery pack was charged, I connected the 3-in-1 nozzle and built-in detergent hose to the reel, which neatly is rolled up inside of the unit and offers 19.5 feet of length. On the other end, I connected my water supply hose line for continuous use. It took me a few tries and switching through all the nozzle spray options to figure out what was most effective at removing stuck-on weeds in between my pavers, but once I figured it out, I was impressed at how effortlessly it blasted them away. Some of the deeper-rooted weeds that often came back when I used my weed whacker were no match this time against the Stihl REA 100 Plus. That's because this all-electric pressure washer delivers a maximum pressure of 2,200 psi, which allows the water stream to penetrate deeper into the areas in between the pavers. Normally it would take me about 30 minutes to carefully go through the same small patch of pavers with my weed whacker, but the Stihl REA 100 Plus' intensive stream does it half the time. However, there were still some weeds that survived the first pass — but they appeared to be dying the following day. Trying to get the same results would've taken me much longer with my weed whacker, as well as going through more string trimmer lines. Overall, I'm surprised by how much quicker it is to use a pressure washer for removing weeds in between pavers. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In the subsequent weeks, I found other uses with the Stihl REA 100 Plus. I've actually used to clean off the sides of my Traeger wood pellet grill and also the siding around my home. There's also another set of pavers closer to my garage that are covered in moss, but the Stihl REA 100 Plus made it way easier to blast them off. I've tried countless times with my weed whacker, but found it ineffective and time-intensive. And finally, I really like how it's compact and portable to carry around all around my property for all sorts of jobs. Due to its battery power, it's also extremely quiet to operate. For those that need to use it elsewhere without access to a water hose line, I really love how I can connect it to a water tank or bucket to supply it with water — making it much more travel friendly that a traditional gas-powered pressure washer.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Be The Most Loved In Your Community
About a dozen years ago, I interviewed an Ace Hardware owner who was forced to make big changes in how he did business to survive a new competitor that was moving in next door. His small store of about 12,000 square feet, packed with merchandise, had been thriving for years. All of that was about to potentially change when a Home Depot chose to build out a 150,000-square-foot store—more than 10 times his size—directly next door. In addition, once the store was built, Home Depot spent more than 30 times what Ace spent on advertising. This savvy Ace Hardware owner realized that to survive, he had to make some changes. He couldn't compete on size. He couldn't compete on selection—a store more than 10 times larger obviously had more merchandise for customers to choose from. And even though his store had competitive prices, 'big box' stores had a reputation for lower prices. So, what did he choose to do? He set out to become the most loved business in his community. He started by eliminating most of the store's traditional advertising. With his competition spending 30 times more, he recognized that his ads might go unnoticed. He shifted those dollars to the community. He started sponsoring local programs such as school dances, church functions and kids' sports teams. While he was already established and known in the community, he took it to the next level with participation in his customers' important events. The strategy for becoming the most loved business in the community isn't just a feel-good or ego-driven approach to name recognition. It's smart business. When the Ace Hardware owner shifted his resources from traditional advertising to community involvement, he created something powerful and special: genuine local relationships and goodwill. This strategy can work for any business (B2C and B2B), not just Ace Hardware. Ten years ago, I had the honor of being a keynote speaker for the United Franchise Group. Back then, they had four franchise concepts. Today, they have 10, plus a consulting company that helps entrepreneurs become franchisors. Their concepts vary from marketing companies to business consulting practices to restaurants. I recently spoke with Ray Titus, UFG's CEO, and he shared one of his favorite marketing strategies: to be the most loved person in your community. It turns out that this strategy was akin to the one used by the Ace Hardware owner. There are many similarities between Ace Hardware and UFG's franchise concepts. While UFG may be an international brand, they are still local businesses. Depending on the message, traditional advertising and marketing can create awareness and even some emotional connection. However, according to Titus, nothing beats the connection you can make by becoming beloved by the community where you work. Even large companies like Home Depot (a direct competitor to Ace Hardware) have recognized the value of community engagement. Many national and international companies have community programs, foundations and local store partnerships that allow them to connect meaningfully with the communities they serve. The key is to be authentic. Simply throwing money at a cause as a donation is nice, but active community involvement is another level. The idea of 'giving back' to the community is important to customers. My annual CX research found that 62% of customers in the U.S. said they prefer to do business with a company or brand that has a social cause that is important to them, and a local/community cause may not only be important, it's also 'close to home.' Furthermore, 51% of customers are willing to pay more if the company or brand supports a cause that is important to them. For businesses large and small, the lesson Ace Hardware and United Franchise Group have embraced is clear: community engagement isn't just a corporate social responsibility, it's a strategic advantage. Companies that authentically connect with the communities in which they reside create a competitive edge that transcends size, price and selection. The most successful organizations recognize that becoming loved and appreciated in their communities is good for business.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owner of Ace Hardware stores in Alabama, Mississippi named to company's board
A University of Alabama graduate who owns Ace Hardware stores in Tuscaloosa and Northport has been elected to the company's board of directors. David Majure, president and founder of Southeast Ace, a chain of six Ace stores in Mississippi and Alabama, was elected to the Ace Hardware board on May 13 during the annual stockholders' meeting. Steven Burggraf, chairman of the board, said he was 'honored' to welcome Majure to the Oak Brook, Illinois-based hardware company's board of directors. 'I am confident that David's insights and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization,' Burggraf said in a news release. 'David's appointment marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to the board.' Majure earned a bachelor of science degree in business management while at UA. He opened his first Ace store in 2019 in Meridian, Mississippi. He now serves as the co-chair of the Alabama Ace Retailer Group. Before founding Southeast Ace, Majure served as president of the Majure Retail Group, which owned and operated a group of Fred's franchise stores and pharmacies throughout the Southeast for over 50 years. 'I am humbled and honored to be elected to represent the most helpful, generous, and hardworking retailers on the planet,' Majure said in the news release. 'I pledge to serve the best interests of my fellow retailers as Ace continues to navigate and innovate to remain the most helpful and trusted resource for its customers.' Other boards Majure has served on include the East Mississippi Boys and Girls Club, the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the Lamar School Foundation, Great Southern Bank and Children of Abraham Ministries. Reach Ken Roberts at This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Owner of Tuscaloosa Ace Hardware store named to company's board
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Social Security Myths That Could Keep You From Getting More Money
Anyone close to retirement must consider when to begin taking Social Security benefits. While you can claim them as early as age 62, your benefit goes up each year until you hit the full retirement age (FRA) of 67 and the maximum you can wait is age 70. Because Social Security can be confusing, many myths abound. Joel Callagan, a senior vice president, financial advisor and certified exit planner (CEP) at Wealth Enhancement Group, busts five common myths about this important safety net for retirees. Find Out: Read Next: As soon as you hit 62, if you've earned Social Security credits, you can begin to draw on your benefits, Callagan said. If you're still working, Social Security subjects you to what he called 'two earnings tests.' Depending on how much money you make, and what year it is that you're drawing benefits, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by a certain amount for every dollar you earn above a certain limit. Social Security announces that limit each year. For 2025, the limit is $23,500. So, if you're working in 2025 and you're 62 years old, for every $2 you make above $23,400, your Social Security will be reduced by $1, he explained. The noteworthy point here is that you don't necessarily lose that money; you just won't get the rest of it until you reach your full retirement age. 'At that point, they're going to recalculate your benefit to not only include the dollars that were withheld, but also, if you were still working and earning at a higher level than you had been in one of your previous 35 years, then your Social Security benefit, when it's recalculated, could even increase.' This myth persists, he said, because most people rely on word of mouth for their retirement information rather than visiting the Social Security website or speaking with a financial advisor. Discover More: This leads into a second, related, myth, which is that one has to be retired in order to draw Social Security. This is also not true. He finds that a lot of retirees are ready to phase down work but still want to keep bringing in money. 'They think that retiring and taking Social Security are happen synonymously. ' In general, there are a lot of misconceptions around stopping working, receiving benefits and their general alignment, he said. 'One of my wealthiest clients works at Ace Hardware. He doesn't need the money. He just really loves the job and he'd go crazy if he had to sit around and play golf all day. So he's working, he's receiving Social Security and there's nothing wrong with that.' Spousal benefits entitle a spouse who has been married to their partner for 10 years or more to take the higher Social Security amount — either their own benefit, or half of their spouse's. It's not uncommon for ex-spouses to think that their divorced ex is taking half of their retirement benefits, but that's incorrect, he said. 'I get a lot of angry calls saying, 'My ex told me that she was about to file for a spousal benefit and she's not getting another cent from me.' And that's when I get to tell people that their spouse benefit does not affect your benefit.' If spouse A is receiving full benefits, and spouse B takes spousal benefits at 50% of spouse A, this does not reduce spouse A's benefits, Callagan explained. 'It's on top of.' He said it's also important to note 'that if you're taking a benefit for yourself, you can take it as early as 62 or if you wait until age 70, that benefit will increase.' The spousal benefit caps at your full retirement age benefit. 'And even if you wait and get a higher amount, your spouse still only gets 50% of your FRA — your full retirement age benefit — which for most people, especially ones retiring now, will be 67,' he said. In December, 2024, one of the last acts of the Biden administration was to pass the Social Security Fairness Act. This removed the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, which limited people receiving government pensions, or spousal pension benefits, from also taking Social Security. Their removal added a significant amount of income to people's lives, often in sectors like government, education and healthcare, a major boon. One of the other myths Callagan frequently sees is that you should always wait to collect Social Security until full retirement age or as late as possible (age 70). For some people, taking Social Security early, even at a reduced benefit, can remove the stress of the transition from a working income to a retirement-based income, he said. 'Those years before you start to withdraw [from retirement accounts] can be very stressful because you go from receiving consistent income to having to draw money from your savings,' he explained. 'The lack of an income can be causing sleepless nights and they want that certainty of having some money coming in.' Callagan said sometimes peace of mind is more important to people over the highest possible payout. Additionally, people with health conditions that may shorten their life expectancy may opt to get a reduced benefit while they are still alive rather than not getting any before they pass. There are also complications related to Medicare, which people can begin taking at age 65 (and FRA is 67). 'Medicare comes with Part B costs, and that's an expense that a lot of retirees aren't necessarily expecting to pick up,' Callagan said. Thus, people may try to align their Social Security benefits with when they take Medicare to pay for it. Because many Social Security decisions are irreversible once you make them, be sure to consult with an advisor who is savvy in these rules before you take yours. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 5 Social Security Myths That Could Keep You From Getting More Money
