Michael Mott has agreed to sell his four Ace Hardware stores in Pennsylvania to the Aubuchon Company. The stores will continue to operate as Ace Hardware. After closing in October, the Aubuchon Company will operate 123 stores in nine states.
“Mike is a true retail veteran,” says William E. Aubuchon IV, president and CEO. “Before opening his first hardware store in 2005, he served in the food retailing industry for over 30 years. His passion for retail shines through his genuine care for people, unwavering operational standards and deep commitment to the community. Congratulations to Mike on an incredible career.”
Mott says it has been an honor to serve their community and team the past nineteen years as an Ace Hardware owner.
“My wife Julie and I have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships we have developed with our customers, associates, vendors and service providers,” Mott says. “Likewise, we have found great satisfaction in seeing our associates grow with the expansion of our business. Given Aubuchon’s strong appetite for growth, I’m confident they have a future filled with exciting opportunities.”
After more than 50 years in retail, Mike and Julie look forward to life beyond retail and spending more time with family, including twelve grandchildren.
“While I still have plenty of gas left in my tank, my wife and I feel it’s best to assist with the orderly transition of our business now to a chosen successor rather than waiting until it could become necessary,” Mott says.
The couple’s No. 1 priority in passing the baton of their stores on to new owners is to ensure their associates are minimally affected by the change.
“Aubuchon provides that assurance and creates future career growth opportunities for our team as they look to expand in our market,” Mott says. “Moreover, Aubuchon has shown a genuine commitment to relationships throughout the acquisition process, which has been highly professional and refreshingly down to earth.”