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Our History

In 1918, Joe Boling and C. G. Bettis started a small country store, Boling & Bettis General Store, in Cumming, GA less than a half-mile north of the current store we call ‘Ace Hardware Midway.’ The business operated in a small, one-bedroom house before moving to a 1,800 sqft building in 1951, where they added gas pumps and a mill to make flour and cornmeal. In 1960, an additional 4,000 sqft was added to the store to make it the first "buggy pushing" supermarket in Forsyth County. It was a thriving country store for several years where residents could purchase groceries, hardware, building supplies, farm supplies, clothing, toys, and gas.

In 1979, the building supply portion of the business was sold off and became ‘Midway Building Supply.’ It was then that Ace Hardware Midway was born, ushering in the Ace Hardware era. Ace Hardware Midway moved on October 5th, 1984 to a new building at 4947 Hwy 9, a small engine shop was added in 1986, and other additions were made in succeeding years. In 1996 the Ace chain purchased Sibley-Roper Hardware at 2000 Canton Hwy. And then, in 1999 the company built a 24,000 sqft building at 4715 Hammond Industrial Drive to open a third store.

These three stores were the first of many purchased by the current owner, Darin Workman, and his partners in 2014. Just eight months later they purchased Ace Hardware Woodmont, an 18,000 sqft store in Canton, GA to add to their Georgia store portfolio. In 2016, Workman and his partners expanded their territory into the South Carolina market with the purchase of Ace Hardware Three Fountains in West Columbia, SC, a 12,000 sqft store with a large greenhouse. In 2018, they ventured out to Tennessee with the purchase of three stores near Nashville: Ace Hardware Donelson, Ace Hardware Springfield, and Ace Hardware White House.

With eight stores under their belt, the Ace Hardware chain was thriving and fast-growing, which led to the sale of the company in the Summer of 2019, and The Helpful Hardware Company, LLC was born. In July of 2020, The Helpful Hardware Co. continued its pursuit of store acquisitions and purchased Ace Hardware Duncan in Goose Creek, SC. This 12,000 sqft store was the first of many store purchases of the new company. Not even a year following the purchase of Duncan, Indian Trail Hardware was purchased and converted to Ace Hardware Indian Trail in May 2021.

Darin Workman, CEO is partnered with investment firm JPB Partners out of Baltimore, MD. JPB Partners provides The Helpful Hardware Co. funding for growth and oversight with a Board of Directors. With their support, The Helpful Hardware Co. continues to seek opportunities for growth and expansion in the Southeast.

At The Helpful Hardware Co., we are extremely proud to be part of a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years. Today, we are stronger than ever. Our roots in the community are deep and our commitment to customer satisfaction is strong.

Meet The Helpful Hardware Team

Darin Workman

CEO

Workman became the President and Partner of The Helpful Hardware Company in August 2014 after working for the Ace Hardware Corporation for 17 years serving in Operations, Project Management, IT, and Business Development. He is a 12-year veteran of the US Navy where he held many leadership positions. Workman has degrees in workforce training, education, and development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in addition to a degree in technical management from the University of Phoenix and a degree in executive finance from Lake Forest University. He is also a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

Rodney Knauf

Director, Finance & Accounting

Born and raised in Ohio, Knauf received his BSBA in Accounting from Youngstown State University followed by an MBA from East Carolina University. Before joining the Helpful Hardware team in 2021, he served as a senior finance executive and strategic business partner and has diverse financial and operational leadership experience in Fortune 500, international, and privately held firms. With CPA, CMA, CGMA certifications, Knauf brings a wealth of knowledge to the Finance and Accounting team at THHC. He is an avid Clemson Tigers and Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoys DIY projects, landscaping, and quality time with his family.

Patrick Richey

Director of Retail Operations

Bio coming soon

Perry Garrett

New Business Manager

Garrett joined the Helpful Hardware team in August 2017 and served as the District Manager overseeing the Tennessee stores up until he was promoted to New Business Manager. Prior to that, beginning in 1973, he worked with multiple Ace Hardware retail organizations in a variety of roles. He is married to his wife Betty of 37 years.

Jeff Olvin

District Manager - Georgia

Olvin, born in Lansing, MI, joined the Helpful Hardware team in November of 2020 as a Sales Associate and quickly advanced to District Manager for Georgia. After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science, Olvin has worked in several roles for GNC, Valspar Paints, Publix, and Isotec Polyurethanes. Olvin enjoys fixing things, breaking things, and making them work again! He has owned multiple fixer-uppers and is well versed in drywall, painting, plumbing, roofing, electrical, and landscaping.

Tim Upton

District Manager - North Carolina & South Carolina

Upton, born and raised in New Jersey, joined the Helpful Hardware team in June of 2021. With a BS in Marketing from Florida State University, Upton has served as a Department Manager at Lowe's Home Improvement and a District Manager for both Panera Bread and Great Clips. While working at Lowe’s, he gained experience in all departments. Upton and his wife, Jennifer, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, are foster parents together.

Dee Goad

District Manager - Tennessee

Born and raised in Springfield, TN, Goad graduated from Nashville State Technical College with an associate degree in computer accounting. He has served as the Owner of Goad Implement Co. for 32 years. Goad worked at Lowe’s Home Improvement as a Sales Specialist for 7 years before joining Ace Hardware Springfield in December of 2018. He lives in the area with his wife, Carol, and their two daughters.

Gina Workman (SHRM)

Employee Relations Manager

SHRM-CP certified in Human Resources Management, Workman manages all employee training and development, benefits administration, and oversight of outsourced HR functions. In addition to her employee responsibilities, she leads the company OSHA program. Workman served in the US Navy for 8 years in multiple leadership roles including Company Commander, Mid-Level Manager, and Oversight of Command Preventative Maintenance. She has an AA in Business from Excelsior College and is the former owner of Loving Hands Daycare. She is a mother to 4 children.

Jan King

Sr. Controller

King joined The Helpful Hardware Company in 2016 and serves as our Sr. Controller. As a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in accounting, King received her CPA in 1997. She has worked in business management and non-profit management and owned her own business for several years prior to joining our team. A proud mother of two successful young adults, King is an active member of her community and church.

Robin McAllister

AR Manager

Born and raised in Forsyth County, McAllister has served as the AR Manager for The Helpful Hardware Company since August 2014 after working at Ace Hardware Woodmont for 3 years as the HR Manager and Administrative Assistant. She achieved an associate degree in business from Lanier Technical College. McAllister has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 34 years and they have 2 children together.

Donna Clark

AP Manager

Born and raised in Hawaii, Clark has worked for The Helpful Hardware Company since August of 2014, beginning at Ace Hardware Woodmont as the Controller and Assistant Manager for 6 years. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a bachelor's degree in business association and accounting. Clark has been married to her husband, Alvin, for 45 years with whom she raised her 2 children.

Kelsey Becker

Purchasing and Brand Manager

Becker joined the Helpful Hardware team in May of 2021. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Marketing where she was a collegiate athlete and a member of the Women's Varsity Equestrian Team. Since graduating college, Becker brings 10 years of marketing, advertising, and branding knowledge to the company. She is married to Matt Becker and they own and operate a local car wash together.

Hanna Wingo

Business Development

Bio coming soon

Ken Krafft

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Hammonds

Krafft, born and raised in Tahlequah, OK, joined the Helpful Hardware team in February of 2021. Krafft is no stranger to leadership roles. For the past 30 years, he has worked in management for bakeries, air conditioning manufacturing, concrete tool manufacturing and shipping, and truck compliance. He loves to help customers find solutions to their problems and seeing them leave happy, or better yet, come back time again. With expertise in customer satisfaction, delivering a great experience is Krafft’s passion. He has been married to his wife, Shay, for almost 30 years. Together, they rescue Golden Retrievers and enjoy hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Frank Cuda

Store Manager - Southern Home & Garden Ace Hardware

Bio coming soon

Joseph Taylor

Store Manager - Southern Outdoor Power

Born and raised in Augusta, GA, Taylor has years of retail experience and has held managerial positions at Winn Dixie, Bass Pro Shops, and Southern States before becoming the Assistant Store Manager at Southern Home & Garden - Ace Hardware. A couple of years ago, Taylor was promoted to Store Manager over Southern Outdoor Power and also oversees the agriculture, lawn care, and animal health departments. Taylor enjoys helping customers with lawn care, doing soil samples and correcting pH issues, and controlling weeds in the lawn. He'll help you find the best mower for your needs and provide maintenance services to keep them in good operating condition. Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors while hunting, fishing, and photography. He also enjoys cutting grass and working in the yard, controlling weeds, and fertilization.

Cathy Alvis

Store Manager - Southern Home & Garden Ace Hardware

Bio coming soon

Bill Ansted

Shop Manager - Ace Hardware Midway

Ansted attended the University of Georgia where he studied landscape science and maintenance. After 20 years with Ace Hardware, Bill has made his home at the head of the small engine repair department at The Shop @ Midway. Ansted is a certified technician and very STIHL-savvy. He runs a tight ship with a passion for mechanics and serving the community.

Brian Roberts

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Woodmont

Born and raised in Orlando, FL, Roberts has been a Cherokee County resident for the last 14 years where he raised his 2 children. Roberts has been a member of The Helpful Hardware Company since August of 2014. Prior to joining our team, Brian worked for Home Depot for 14 years in management and oversight.

Andrea Hitchcock

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Brookstone

Born and raised in Dallas, GA, Hitchcock joined the workforce at 18 when she started working at Waffle House, Kohls, and then Dallas Ace Hardware. When she started working at Ace Hardware, Hitchcock knew very little about the hardware space, but now she's a hardware expert! She can cut glass, mix and match paint, cut house keys, cut and program car keys, run Stihl equipment, and so much more. She's the person to see when it comes to Big Green Egg questions or warranty! Hitchcock enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and painting abstract art. She loves to meet new people everyday and she's an animal lover, so expect her to ask to pet your dog if you bring them in the store!

Doug Snider

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Hwy 20

As a former resident of Philippi, WV, Snider attended Philip Barbour High School before starting his 28-year career with Rite Aid. He joined The Helpful Hardware Company in February of 2020 as the Store Manager of the HWY 20 location. Snider is married to his high school sweetheart and they have 2 daughters together.

Jeremy Butzler

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Duncan

Butzler is originally from Florida where he had managed Ace Hardware stores for the last 15 years. He was formerly a residential sub-contractor before switching to retail and making a career in the hardware business.

Chris Gartman

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Three Fountains

Gartman was born and raised in West Columbia, SC. At a young age, Gartman learned home improvement skills from changing outlet plates and installing doorknobs to sheet rocking walls, a true handyman! Chris graduated from White Knoll High School and has worked for The Helpful Hardware Company for over 7 years.

Joe Edmondson

Store Manager - Ace Hardware Donelson

Before joining the Helpful Hardware team in March of 2019, Edmondson, born and raised in Mt Juliet, TN, has worked in various customer service, application/platform support, and management roles for a global advisory, broking, and solutions firm headquartered in Nashville, TN. While growing up, Edmondson helped family and neighbors with home repairs, additions, remodels, and new home construction. ACE was his “go-to” store for everything he needed to get the job done. Edmondson and his wife of 9 years, Tracie, have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. They enjoy riding on their motorcycle and remodeling and updating their home.