Monroe Ace Hardware - May Business Spotlight

Introduction and Background:
Can you provide a brief overview of your business and its history?

Monroe Ace Hardware was founded by John and Teresa Raines, who opened the store in 2020. John, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the hardware industry, had long dreamed of owning his own store. With strong support from Teresa—who was still teaching at the time—the couple took the leap and established Monroe Ace Hardware to serve the local community with quality products and hometown service. Teresa joined the business full time in the summer of 2024, helping to grow and strengthen the family-run operation. Since opening, Monroe Ace Hardware has become a trusted part of the community, blending small-town values with the selection and support of the Ace Hardware cooperative.

Products/Services:
What products or services does your business offer?

Monroe Ace Hardware offers a wide range of products and services including key cutting, glass cutting, propane exchanges and refills, pine straw, nuts and bolts, power tools (including Stihl), Benjamin Moore paint, an extensive line of grills (including Treager, Big Green Egg, Weber, Recteq and Blackstone), and other essential hardware items for home and business needs.

How do your offerings meet the needs of the community?

We focus on meeting the everyday hardware needs of local homeowners and small business owners by providing convenient access to essential supplies and services—all with knowledgeable, friendly customer service. Whether it’s fixing a window, replacing a key, or finding the right tool for a job, our store helps keep the community running smoothly.

Community Involvement:
How is your business involved in the local community?
Have you been part of any notable community initiatives or events?

We take pride in being an active part of the Monroe community and enjoy supporting local efforts in any way we can. Whether it's working with the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of Walton County, partnering with local schools, or contributing to church and civic organizational fundraisers, we believe in giving back and staying connected. While we may not seek the spotlight, we're always looking for ways to lend a hand and contribute to the positive growth and well-being of Monroe and the surrounding area.

Success Stories:
Can you share a success story or memorable customer experience?

How have your products or services positively impacted customers?

We have always been in the mindset of doing whatever it takes to help the community and make sure that we have the products in stock that the average person will need. For example, if an ice storm is predicted in our area, then we need to make sure we have propane, ice melt and faucet covers. But, one of the most memorable and impactful times since opening our store was during Hurricane Helene. Although our area was miraculously spared, the storm devastated parts of North and South Carolina. We immediately ordered as many generators and other storm related items as possible from our warehouse and extended our store hours to stay open later and on Sundays to help people traveling in search of these much-needed supplies. The stories we heard from these families were heartbreaking, and their gratitude was deeply moving. One family we met arrived in a small car, we had saved a generator and other supplies for them. There was no way the generator was going to fit in their car with 2 car seats in the back seats, so we tied it to the roof of their car! It was an incredible sight to see, but this was something they had to have. We also donated supplies to a couple of different organizations that helped families closer to home in Augusta.  So, to say this is a memorable customer experience is not to boast in what we did but to say that we were blessed by the many people we met and were able to serve during that time. It is not meant for us to receive recognition that we did any of that but simply it was the right thing to do.

Challenges and Solutions:
What challenges has your business faced, and how have you overcome them?
Are there specific strategies that have helped you navigate challenges?

Future Plans:
What are your business' future plans or upcoming projects?

Looking ahead, we’d love to open a second location when the timing and circumstances are right. There are many factors to consider—like location, building size, and community needs—but that’s a goal we’re keeping in mind for the future. For now, our focus remains on making our Monroe store the very best it can be—a place where everyone feels welcome and wants to shop.

Chamber Benefits:
How has being a chamber member benefited your business?
Can you share any successful connections or collaborations through the chamber?

Being a member of the chamber has given us valuable opportunities to connect with a wide range of people and organizations in the community. It’s helped us build relationships, increase visibility, and stay informed about what’s happening locally. Through the chamber, we’ve met individuals from various local groups, nonprofits, and businesses that we may not have connected with otherwise.

Advice:
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in our community?

We would definitely encourage any new business owner to get involved with the local chamber. It’s a great way to connect, learn, and grow within the Monroe community. Monroe is a wonderful town with a wide range of activities and strong community support—there’s a real sense of togetherness here that makes it a great place to start and grow a business.

Are there some key lessons you've learned as a business owner?

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of relationships—whether it’s with customers, fellow business owners, or community members. Also, staying flexible and being willing to put in the hard work every day are key. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with commitment and community involvement, it’s absolutely possible.

Fun Fact:
Share a fun or interesting fact about your business or team.

Opening Monroe Ace Hardware was a dream come true for John, and from the very beginning, it’s been a team effort. Several of the people who worked with us in those early days had known John for many years and played a crucial role in helping the store succeed. Even now, we are incredibly grateful for the dedicated team we have—some have been with us for over three years, others for one or two—and each one is deeply appreciated, more than they probably realize. Our team truly feels like family, and their commitment is a big part of what makes our store special.