Bill Hagan Marks 50 Years of Service to the Independent Channel

Marking 50 years in the independent home improvement channel, Bill Hagan received the Golden Hammer award from Estwing. As the president and owner of Hagan Ace Hardware, Bill is the third generation of the Hagan family to man the helm of the operation, which has 11 locations in and around Jacksonville, Florida. 

This spring, Ace Hardware president and CEO John Venhuizen presented the Golden Hammer honor to Bill during a visit to the Hagan Ace stores. 

“This hammer doesn’t represent the length or the longevity of your business, but it represents the lives you’ve touched, the jobs you’ve created, the wealth you’ve created for so many beyond just your own family, the esteem you’ve produced in the people who work for you,” Venhuizen says. “What’s most impressive about Bill is that he’s produced stunning financial results, incredibly impressive scores and a highly successful business, but at best, it’s always been the fourth most important thing to him. His faith is always No. 1, family is No. 2, his friends are No.3 and somewhere after that comes that business.”

The Hagan Ace story began with Don and Ann Brandies Hagan, Bill’s parents. In 1950, Don began working part-time at Brandies Hardware store, owned by Ann’s parents Cliff and Lucille Brandies. In August 1955, Don and Ann married, and both worked full time at Brandies Hardware store. In 1962, the Hagans ventured out on their own and purchased a small hardware store in Hilliard, Florida. 

Bill began working for his father at a young age. He spent many hours at his grandfather’s Brandies store, growing up right next door to the booming business.

“Because we lived above the store in an apartment until I was five, and then beside the store in our family’s first home, weekly chores would just be part of store work, whether it be cleaning, putting up stock, changing prices or stocking the lumber bins,” Bill says. “When I was old enough to really be on the work schedule and getting paid, I bagged soil and worked the lumberyard and warehouse.”

One day, Bill was working in plumbing and a customer came in with a water pump issue.

“After helping that customer and knowing I helped them restore water to their house, I realized I was right where I wanted to be,” Bill says. “It was the fact of helping someone that made the lightbulb go off of what the hardware business was all about.”

At 20 years old, Bill was managing his own store. At age 27 he married the love of his life, Debbie. They have two children, Jacob and Leah, and six grandchildren, Caden, Brelynn, Copen, Cash, Leighton and Barrett. The love for helping the community and his neighbors continues to be Bill’s favorite part of working in the independent channel. 

“When a customer enters our store with a problem or need, being able to offer the product or solution or have the knowledge to solve their problem gives me such a great feeling,” Bill says. “Existing to help others is so very rewarding.”

Bill says that willingness to lend a helping hand is apparent throughout the channel as well, whether that be sharing  experiences or offering advice when asked.

“It just seems independent retailers are in it together, like family, wanting each other to be successful,” Bill says. “However, most importantly, I would say it is the lifelong friendships within this industry that are so special. You are not in it alone. The challenges you face have most likely already been faced and tackled by many others, so surround yourself with mentors in the industry who are more than willing to help and support you along your journey.”

Bill’s son Jacob Hagan, who is fourth generation, serves as director of store operations and recently celebrated 20 years with the company. He says it’s an honor to get to work with and learn from one of the most well-known and respected retailers in the country.

“I get to call him dad,” Jacob says. “He’s not just there for the job, but for every part of my life.”

Jacob says his father has influenced his career by setting an example of helping customers every day. 

“He has shown me and so many others how we can make a difference in someone’s life and how to be humble and grateful for those who shop and work with you,” Jacob says. “He’s doing something right. It’s incredible to see someone serve others for so long and still driven to do more. He’s been a great example of how to treat people and the communities he serves.”