Local hardware store commemorates four decades of business

Long-time residents Ken and June Story, owner of Ace Hardware are celebrating 40 years of doing business in Othello.

Ken and June, his dad Merle and mother Luella, relocated from Oregon in 1977 and opened up shop at 420 East Main Street. The family business has been a staple in the community ever since.

“I was working for a Coast to Coast Hardware store in Springfield and was looking for locations in Oregon and Washington where the company wanted to expand,” Ken said. “My wife and I grew up on a farm, and when we came to Othello, it felt good — felt right — so we decided to make the leap.”

Ken, June, Merle and Luella wanted to go into business together, so they partnered up and embarked on the new adventure.

“When we arrived here the place where the store is now was an empty lot. We started the business (Coast to Coast) from the ground up. I was young and had a lot to learn – to understand the needs of the community and become accustomed to being a business owner. It’s entirely different from working for someone,” Ken said. “Dad and mom were a part of the business for the first seven years. June and I bought them out in 1984, and in 1996 we changed to Ace Hardware.”

Ken quickly learned a large percentage of his business would cater to the agriculture industry. Commercial and residential customers made up the rest.

Providing specific parts and products for his customers helped get the word out, but one thing Ace Hardware has come to be known for over the years, stands above all else.

“People tell us we have good customer service and we appreciate that — If we are nothing else we’re about customer service” Ken said. “Business has changed dramatically over the years. At the core we are a hardware store, and the core of that is providing customer service. That’s what we do — that’s what I want us to be known for.”

A task Ken acknowledges, he cannot do alone.

“The crew I have makes it all happen. I spend most of my time now in my office. People on the floor are the ones who really take care of the customers — get to know their names — know who they are and what they want,” Ken said. “They do a terrific job of taking care of them.”