History
Hagan Ace Hardware is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924, and has grown to include more than 4,700 stores in all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide. As part of a dealer cooperative, most Ace Hardware stores are independently owned.
Our local Hagan Ace story begins with two people, and today is evolving into a fourth generation business. The founders, Don and Ann Brandies Hagan, were born and raised in Callahan, Florida. In 1950, Don began working part-time at Brandies Hardware store, owned by Ann’s parents Cliff and Lucille Brandies.
Brandies’ employees did just about anything their customers needed. They offered plumbing and electrical installations, sold and serviced appliances, sold outboard boat engines and water pumps; they even painted houses. Soon Don and Ann began a relationship, beginning a legacy that lasts to this day. In August 1955, Don and Ann married, working full time at Brandies Hardware store, it didn’t take long before Don and Ann realized they loved the hardware business. They found that taking care of their friends and neighbors, and helping to solve their problems, was very gratifying. They learned their customer’s names to make them feel welcome. In 1962, the Hagans ventured out on their own and purchased a small hardware store in Hilliard, Florida. In 1964, they joined the Ace Hardware cooperative.
The business continues to grow, and today has 11 locations, including stores in Callahan, Hilliard, Glen St. Mary, Mandarin, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Anastasia, East Palatka, Green Cove Springs and Yulee. All of the stores continue the Hagan tradition of serving their neighbors and local communities. They range in size and offer a wide variety of hardware and home products: paint, tools, electrical, plumbing, lawn and garden, live plants, BBQ, outdoor furniture, pool supplies, fishing and marine gear, convenience lumber, as well as trusted name brands such as Big Green Egg, Craftsman, Stihl, and Weber. Each store is unique and presents a merchandise selection suited to its local community.
Don’s son, Bill, began working for his dad at a young age. He spent many hours at his grandfather’s Brandies store, growing up right next door to the booming business. 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. All of the Hagans continue to be very active in their local church and community.
In 1990, Don Hagan officially retired from Hagan Ace Hardware and passed the torch to his son Bill, who is now the owner of the company. In 2005, carrying on the fourth generation tradition, Bill’s son Jacob, became part of the company. Today, Jacob is the Director of Store Operations for Hagan Ace Hardware, continuing the family values and traditions of Hagan Ace.