ABOUT US
As your local Ace Hardware, our store is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924 and has grown to include more than 5,300 stores in 50 states and more than 60 countries. As part of a cooperative, our Lake County roots started July 1, 1962, in Round Lake, IL with a small 4,000 square foot store in the plaza where today our 46,000 square foot store resides. Thanks to our loyal customers, a great management team and staff, plus a commitment to excellence, we've grown through the years and today we have 9 stores located in:
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Round Lake, Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein, Wauconda, Grayslake, Waukegan on Lewis and Yorkhouse, Antioch and McHenry, Il.
As the proud, helpful hardware folks who live in the communities in which we serve, we promise to provide knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products, because helping you is the most important thing we have to do today and every day!
Richard and Joanne Laskowski - Founders
On July 1, 1962, Rich and Joanne Laskowski purchased a 4,000 square foot Ace Hardware store in Round Lake where today, their 46,000 square foot store resides. The purchase was made possible by the tremendous financial help (loans) made to them by their parents, family and relatives. Upon purchase of the store and entering the wonderful, very competitive field of business, it was clear the customer had to be the number one priority in order to succeed. To do this, it was known that quality merchandise, selection, legendary service, competitive prices and the proper store hours are the format to success. With long hours, sacrifices and concerns, business started to grow.
The Growth of Our Company
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Laskowski Ace has grown larger than originally expected! Yet it operates very much as originally conceived in 1962. Though we’ve grown in size and numbers, we have maintained the ideas that have made us successful – a great management team and a great staff of people, which allows our business to grow! We always make THE CUSTOMER OUR #1 PRIORITY! Being a service business, we understand the importance of a cheerful and HELPFUL SERVICE ATTITUDE toward all customers. In addition, we support teamwork and cooperation with our staff.
September 1968 – Round Lake expands to 15,000 sq.ft.
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May 1972 – Round Lake adds an additional 30,000 sq.ft. In 1978 – Round Lake adds an additional27,000 sq.ft for a total size of 72,000 sq.ft.
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October 1986 – Gurnee becomes part of our family – a 33,000 sq.ft. store.
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September 1990 – Libertyville at 45,000sq.ft. and Mundelein at 22,000 sq.ft. becomes part of our family.
March 2000 – Wauconda becomes part of our family – a 20,000 sq.ft. store.
October 2002 – Grayslake becomes part of our family – a 33,000 sq.ft. store.
March 2005 – Waukegan North becomes part of our family – a 35,000 sq.ft. store.
April 2010 – Antioch becomes part of our family – a 25,000 sq.ft. store.
April 2016 – McHenry becomes part of our family – a 35,000 sq.ft. store.
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November 2020 – Round Lake remodeled to a 46,000 sq. ft. location and made room for a new tenant to join next door.
April 2021 - Gurnee is newly remodeled to better serve the community.
Our Core Values
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Amaze every customer every time
The customer is our #1 priority.
02
Think Creatively
Creative minds inspire others.
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Communicate Respectfully
Treat others with the utmost respect and you will be treated the same.
04
Have Passion and Determination
We share a common passion and determination about someone or something other than ourselves.
05
Pursue Growth and Learning
In an environment of helpfulness, we aim to give helpful advice, as well as, learn from our customers and peers.
06
Own it! Contribute 100%
Show up and give it your all for your coworkers and community.
07
Embrace Change
Now more than ever, we stay open to change and work for the convenience of our loyal customers.
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Deliver Results
We aspire to be the best, to continuously improve by embracing change, thinking creatively, and inspiring others by giving our very best.
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Community Driven
We would not be here without the support of our community and loyal customers. We are here for you.
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Honesty Always
Honesty is the best policy. If one of our workers is unsure on a certain question, we will strive to find the answer for you.
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Safety First
Safety for our team and customers is a top priority at our stores.
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Maintain Humble Hearts
With humble hearts, we strive for greatness and work to be better each and every day.