Ray and Flossy
Schroeder established Schroeder's Hardware in 1962. Ray
was born in Indiana, and had a history in the hardware
industry working as a sales rep for Ender's Tools, and
working for Schuham Hardware. In the early days, Ray ran
the store day and night. His three sons, Don, Dick and
Greg were involved at an early age to help meet the needs
of the patrons, and to clean and stock the store. Flossy's
responsibility, in addition to keeping her home and family,
was to handle the billing. She also helped Ray with sales,
stock and general management of the store.
As
time went on, Schroeder's Ace Hardware grew and found
itself in need of a larger building. The first move
occurred in 1969 and then again to their current occupancy
in 1976. This move would stand out in their minds for
years to come. Not only did they have to move their
merchandise, they had to build all their own counters
and related fixtures for the new store.
Fortunately,
many friends and family members offered a helping hand,
including a large percentage of Dick's teammates on the
College of DuPage football team.
Ray Schroeder
retired shortly after the last move, and lost his beloved
wife to cancer in 1986. He left the responsibility of
the store in the capable hands of his three sons, who
have since introduced a new generation of Schroeders
to the Ace Team.
Today Schroeder's
Ace Hardware employs approximately 35 individuals, including
the third generation of Schroeders: Barbie, Nicole,
Stefanie, Rick, Rob and Ryan. You're sure to see a familiar
face when you walk through the doors. Day or night,
just like the hardware store owners of the past, you
can still walk into Schroeder's Ace Hardware and find
Dick, Don, Greg, and their staff in their dust covered
smocks waiting to assist you in any way.
While
you're here, why not join our Helpful Hardware Club?
We know you will be thrilled with the thought of being
a rewarded, preferred customer, so tell a member of
our staff you'd like to enroll today!
