Independent Profile Paul LaRoche with his Assistant Manager Brenda Warning. LaRoche on his five decades: “It’s a people business and I’ve grown from being able to help people.”
‘Hardware man’ celebrates 50 years PAUL L AROCHE IS HONORED FOR FIVE DECADES OF E XEMPL ARY SERVICE AT LIBERT Y VILLE ACE HARDWARE By Tim Burke
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n January 14, 1972, 17-year-old Paul LaRoche put on his Ace Hardware red vest and walked through the doors of the Ace store in Libertyville, Illinois, for the first time. Fast forward today and LaRoche, who still proudly wears the signature attire, and manages the store, was recently honored for his milestone 50th anniversary at Ace. “It was such a special day for me being surrounded by so many friends and family,” said LaRoche. “It just doesn’t seem possible for a young kid from Chicago to move to Libertyville and work at Ace Hardware for 50 years. “I enjoy helping others and I didn’t realize that I have touch the lives of so many people. I am so proud to be a part of Ace as the ‘helpful hardware man’.” The Laskowski family, owners of the Libertyville Ace, celebrated LaRoche’s half-century mark by presenting him with a ceremonial golden hammer, provided by Estwing. LaRoche reflected: “I was lucky to start out working for the Hesse’s — the family who founded Ace Hardware in 1924 — and they took me in like a son.” They showed him the ropes, believed in him, and encouraged him every step of the way. “When Paul gets involved in something, he dives in and takes it to the next level,” said Debbie Laskowski, co-owner. “We feel so fortunate that he is a part of our extended Ace family and are thrilled to be able to honor him for his achievements.” For 36 years, LaRoche has worked side by side with his Assistant Manager Brenda Warning. “Paul has been a fixture in the community for 50 years. He is truly the face of our Ace Hardware, and I couldn’t be prouder to work
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Februar y 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER
with him,” said Warning. “There isn’t a day that goes by where a customer isn’t asking about Paul or looking for him to ask him a question. He truly has made an impact in my life, and in the lives of so many people who have walked through our doors,” said Warning. LaRoche recalled the past: “Ace conventions were phenomenal. I have a lot of great memories meeting people in the industry who were mentors, and I learned a lot from them. I went to every convention since 1976.” And he shared a fun memory: “Back in the day, we made a TV commercial at the Libertyville Ace store. I had the opportunity to work with Ace celebrity spokespeople including Lou Fant and Suzanne Somers.” LaRoche has been married for 45 years to his wife Mary and has two children — son Nick and daughter Teri — plus four grandchildren, Austin, Blair, Tyler and Harper. He enjoys golf, traveling, motorcycling, boating and spending time with his grandchildren. LaRoche still enjoys working and said he plans to stay on as manager of the Libertyville Ace Hardware. Reflecting on his five-decade career at Libertyville, Ill. Ace Hardware, LaRoche said: “The reason I love the hardware business and stayed in so long is every day is a different day.”
Paul LaRoche celebrates 50 years.
HBSDealer.com
