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Brent Burger, the owner and operator of Campbell’s True Value in Madison, Skowhegan, Winslow and Farmingdale, Maine, has agreed to sell his business to the Aubuchon Company, the oldest and largest family-owned hardware store chain in America.
“Celebrating 50 years, Campbell’s is an independent success story that I have long admired,” says William E. Aubuchon, IV, president and CEO. “Brent has always been hands-on and committed to improving his business, investing in technology, store remodels and most importantly, his incredible team of employees. His passion for his people, loyal customers, local communities and the industry as a whole as chairman of True Value is an inspiration―congratulations to Brent on his incredible career!”
Following the closing later this year, the Aubuchon Company will operate 112 stores in eight states.
“Leading Campbell’s Companies for the last 23 years has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my career, not only for the success we achieved in business but for the relationships it has afforded me with current and former Campbell’s associates, customers and industry peers as well,” Burger says. “Our success came from the collective efforts of my supportive family and my committed team members, many of whom have been with me for years. I am especially proud of the impact we have made as a community partner, grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve.”
Campbell’s company’s story started in 1972 when Val Roy, a local meat cutter, offered to buy Campbell’s Farm & Feed store in Madison, Maine. The business took on the True Value brand identity in 1976 and, over the years, expanded with a lumber yard, a rental store and a consumer energy business known as Val-U-Energy. In 2000, Campbell’s acquired three Agway stores, doubling its footprint and employee count.
“I am exceedingly thankful to be transitioning our family business to another family business—especially to one with such deep roots and a reputation for associate care. I couldn’t have asked for a better company to take Campbell’s into the future,” Burger says. “I am confident that the culture of our team and community involvement we have cultivated at Campbell’s will be carried on by the Aubuchon family company.”
The four stores will continue to operate as Campbell’s True Value, and Brent will continue to be involved as a member of the Aubuchon Company team.
“We’ll soon be officially welcoming the Campbell’s team to the Aubuchon family. We work hard, care for each other and have fun,” Aubuchon says. “We couldn’t be more excited to carry on Campbell’s legacy!”
