By Richelle Primm, SVI Media
Gundersen’s Ace Hardware store officially open in Montpelier, Idaho, located at 410 Washington St. with its’ new name of Gundersen Ace Hardware, transformed from True Value.
Jerry Gundersen, owner of Ace Hardware, is grateful for the changes of his hardware store now that it can better serve his community. Gundersen’s hardware store moved locations about 10 years ago, and has just now changed its’ name to Ace.
“We doubled in size and in expenses. Over the last 10 years, little by little, it turned out to be a much better move for us,” Gundersen said. “We’re doing better in all ways. We’re serving the community a lot better by having a lot more product for them.”
Gundersen first began his experience in hardware business in 1981 when he moved here with his wife and worked for his father-in-law at True Value. In 1994, he took over the hardware store and that’s when it became “Gundersen True Value.”
After working 38 years in the hardware business, Gundersen said, people ask him when he will retire, and he says, “Why would I do that?”
“I love coming to work every day,” he said.
Gundersen said just a couple weeks ago he had a customer come in needing some parts for plumbing under his sink, and the situation didn’t seem quite right to him. Gundersen went to the customer’s home to see exactly what was going on. He said he was then able to find the right parts the man needed. The customer really appreciated his help, Gundersen said. He came back later and thanked him for his help.
He said he feels like he’s providing his customers with service when he’s able to do little things like that for them. Gundersen said he truly appreciates the support he receives from his wife and kids for the family business.
“I love my family,” he said. “It’s not an easy place to get rich, and my kids aren’t either, but we have each other.”
Gundersen said he also appreciates the support he gets from local and traveling customers that come through his store throughout each year. Gundersen Ace Hardware is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sundays. Click this link for more details about the store, https://www.acehardware.com/
