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Michael Mott has agreed to sell his four Ace Hardware stores in Pennsylvania to the Aubuchon Co., the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. The stores will continue to operate as “Ace Hardware.”
After closing in October, the Aubuchon Co. will operate 123 stores in nine states.
“Mike is a true retail veteran,” said 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!”
“It’s been an honor to serve our community and team these last 19 years as an Ace Hardware owner,” said Mott. “My wife Julie and I have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships we have developed with our customers, associates, vendors, and service providers. 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,” said Mott.
As for choosing Aubuchon, Mott said, “Our number one priority in passing the baton of our stores on to new owners is to ensure our 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. Moreover, Aubuchon has shown a genuine commitment to relationships throughout the acquisition process, which has been highly professional and refreshingly down to earth.”
“We’ll soon officially welcome the Mott’s team to the Aubuchon family. We work hard, care for each other, and have fun,” said Aubuchon. “We couldn’t be more delighted to carry on the Mott Family retailing legacy!”
The Mott Family of Ace Stores started 20 years ago when Michael Mott left the retail food industry after 30+ years to own his own retail business. Mike’s passion is creating intimate retail settings where customers, community, and associate relationships are more than valued but truly critical to competitive success. Mike opened his first Ace Hardware store in Pennsburg, Pa., in late 2005. From the beginning, he aimed to build a multi-store group of stores in highly desirable yet underserved areas where people from each community would serve the people of each community. He added Phoenixville in 2014, Royersford in 2020, and most recently, Dublin, Pa., in spring 2024. The Mott Family of Ace Stores exemplifies the relevance and strength of modern hardware retail, where success is fueled by the shared pride of both associates and the communities they serve.
Founded by William E. Aubuchon, Sr. in 1908, the Aubuchon is the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. Now in its fourth generation, the purpose of the Aubuchon Co. is “to make a difference by serving others.” Following the purchase of the Mott Family of Ace Stores, the Aubuchon Co will operate 123 stores in nine states, predominantly under the “Aubuchon Hardware” & “Aubuchon Ace Hardware” brands, but also including “Lyndonville Ace Hardware” in Lyndonville, Vt.; “Village Hardware” in Alexandria, Va.; “True Value” & “Ace Hardware” in Pennsylvania; “Cornell’s Hardware” in Eastchester, N.Y.; “Martin’s Hardware & Building Supply” in Bristol, Vt.; “Campbell’s Hardware” in Maine, “Zimmerman’s Hardware” in Burtonsville, Md.; “J.B. Hostetter & Sons” in Mount Joy, Pa.; “Curry Ace Hardware” in Massachusetts, “Brunswick Ace Hardware” in Brunswick, Md.; “Bibens Ace Hardware” in Vermont, “Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware” in Woodstock, Vt.; “Brown & Roberts Ace Hardware” in Brattleboro, Vt.; and now the Mott Family of “Ace Hardware” stores in Pennsylvania. The Aubuchon Co.’s mission is to “grow the leaders and culture to build the strongest hardware stores in America.”
