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Ken Verkler, owner of Santa Ynez Valley Hardware, is a recipient of the Estwing’s Golden Hammer Award.
The prestigious industry award, presented to Verkler on Aug. 23, 2023, celebrates individuals who have provided exceptional service in the hardware and home improvement industry for more than 50 years. With great pleasure, Santa Ynez district manager, Garrett McLaughlin, and regional manager, Bill Hurley, presented the award to Verkler.
Santa Ynez Valley Hardware, located in Solvang, California, also celebrated 70 years in the business.
Verkler is still active in the store’s operations along with his son, Ben. The celebration was attended by many employees and their families, which Verkler recognized as a key factor to his success and longevity.
In 1953, Giff Davidge and Bill Hanly forged a partnership with the inaugural Valley Hardware, originally located in what is now Denmarket Square in Solvang. During the 1960s, Hanly relocated the business to its current location, and the store evolved into a comprehensive hardware and nursery center. Verkler, Hanly's son-in-law, joined the team in 1972, becoming a part of the ACE Hardware Coop. In 1987, Verkler and his wife, JoAnn, assumed ownership from Hanly, and have overseen its operations and expansion throughout the years. In 1998, the Verkler's son, Ben, came aboard and continued the establishment's locally owned and family-operated tradition.
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, with over 5,700 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S., with distribution capabilities in China and Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has been a part of local communities around the world and is known as "the place with the helpful hardware folks."
For more information, visit AceHardware.com or Newsroom.AceHardware.com.
