TALKING BUSINESS: Ace proving to be ‘Helpful Place’

MINOOKA — There is more to Minooka Ace Hardware than just nuts and bolts.
On the contrary, the local hardware store has proved itself to be a place to find those needed tools and services, not to mention be a helpful community location for car shows and car washes.
Mike Stuckey, general manager of Minooka Ace Hardware, points out the store is entering its busy season, and its employees are ready and willing to help residents in whatever way they need.

Thankfully, spring is nearing, as is the warm weather. How does the change in seasons impact your business?

Spring is our busy time. To most retailers Christmas is the time for good sales, spring is our time.

What are the keys to maintaining a healthy lawn?

Keep is well fertilized and watered.  Mow it at regular intervals and do not cut it to short.

Besides lawncare, what are some of the other ways Minooka Ace Hardware can help area residents as the spring and summer near?

We can repair broken windows and screens, we can sharpen mower blades and we can help decide what fertility program will work best for them.

Ace Hardware prides itself on being "The Helpful Place." Explain what this means and how it is a benefit to your customers.

We here at Minooka Ace Hardware strive to provide the best customer service that is possible. We try and usually succeed in solving customers problems in a timely fashion. Our staff is constantly working on learning and honing skills that make them knowledgeable on the products we sell.

Besides selling products, what services does the Minooka Ace Hardware offers to its customers?

Key cutting, lawn mower blade sharpening, chainsaw chain sharpening, window and screen repair and custom paint matching.

In what ways has the Minooka Ace Hardware been a "helpful neighbor?"

We have "Ladies Nights" fun, the Show it Off car show and the Cops and Rodders car show.  We sponsor car shows with the Minooka Police for the Illinois Special Olympics. We allow car washers in the parking lot and the Girl Scouts sell cookies in the store.

Are there any specials, events or opportunities you want the area residents to be aware of?

The Show It Off car show will be June 20, 2013 and the Cops and Rodders car show will be Aug. 22,2013.

ALL BUSINESS

BUSINESS: Minooka Ace Harware

LOCATION: 855 S. Ridge Rd., Minooka

OWNER: Steve Matteson

GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Stuckey

DATE OPENED: June 2004

SERVICES PROVIDED: Key cutting, mower blade sharpening, chainsaw chain sharpening, window/screen repair, full-service paint department, custom paint matching, computer chip car keys, replacement car remotes, Weber grills and much more

HOURS: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CONTACT INFO: Call (815) 467-7300 or email minace@acehdwe.net