Home Hardware

History

Walter Hachborn and his partner Henry Sittler organized the first meeting of independent store owners at a hotel in Kitchener, Ontario in 1963. On January 1, 1964, 122 independent Ontario hardware retailers purchased Hollinger Hardware Limited in St. Jacobs, Ontario, resulting in the formation of a 100% Dealer-owned business model.

On November 9, 1967, Home Hardware’s name and logo became official. In 1981, Home Hardware merged with western-Canada-based Link Hardware to create a national chain.

Home Hardware Stores Limited expanded through the purchase of Beaver Lumber in 1999 after acquiring the chain from Molson Brewery for $68 million.

Leadership

Founding CEO Walter Hachborn retired from the day-to-day operations in 1988. He held the title of President Emeritus until his passing on December 17, 2016, at the age of 95.

Paul Straus joined Home Hardware Stores Limited in 1964. He held various roles during his tenure with the company, including Vice-President Controller, and Vice-President, Finance and Administration. In 1989, Paul was named Executive Vice-President and General Manager. Ten years later, he was appointed Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer. Paul retired in 2018 but remained on as a company consultant.

Terry Davis started at Home Hardware Stores Limited in 1970. He held executive roles from 1990 to 2000, including Vice-President, Marketing, and Vice-President, Dealer Development. In 2007, Terry was appointed Vice-President, Administration and Strategic Planning. In 2014, Terry was named Chief Executive Officer. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2018 but announced his retirement later that year.

On October 10, 2018, Home Hardware Stores Limited appointed Kevin Macnab as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Kevin announced his departure in 2024.

Ian White was appointed as Home’s Chief Executive Officer in November of 2024, and he continues to lead the company today.

Distribution centres

Home Hardware has four distribution centres located across Canada: St. Jacobs, Ontario; Elmira, Ontario; Debert, Nova Scotia; and Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Approximately 2.5 million square feet of combined warehousing space holds over 50,000 products.

Brands

Home Hardware private label brands include:

• BeautiTone
• Benchmark
• Mosaic
• OmniMax
• InStyle
• Natura

Awards

Awards granted to Home Hardware Stores Limited include:

• Canada’s Best Managed Companies, 2012-2025
• Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes, 2023-2024
• Canada’s Best Employers, Forbes, 2021-2025
• Private Fleet Safety Award, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, 10-time Large Fleet Winner
• Canada’s Top Fleet Employers, Trucking HR Canada, 2013-2025
• Canada's Top Fleet Employers of Distinction 12+ Years, Trucking HR Canada, 2025
• Canada’s Most Trusted Home Retailer, Gustavson Brand Trust Index, 2021-2022
• Waterloo Area’s Top Employers, 2021-2023
• Canada’s Most Reputable Companies, Leger, 2022
• Top Hardware Retailer, Leger, 2021

References

References

1. "History of Home Hardware".
2. (2017-01-09). "Walter Hachborn co-founded Canadian chain Home Hardware". The Globe and Mail.
3. (1999-08-21). "Home Hardware Stores to Take Over Beaver Lumber". The New York Times.
4. (2010-04-30). "Hachborn retires from HH".
5. "Home Hardware Appoints New President and CEO".
6. (2017-08-23). "How quirky Home Hardware is battling the big-box chains—and winning". The Globe and Mail.
7. (2016-10-01). "CTV Kitchener: Home Hardware's distribution centre".
8. "Home Hardware's new warehouse management system is up and running - Newsletter".
9. "BeautiTone".
10. Lombardo, Christopher. (November 16, 2021). "Benchmark is next in Home Hardware's plan to build up private brands".
11. "Home Hardware launches private brand campaign".
12. "For the 11th Consecutive Year, Home Hardware is one of Canada's Best Managed Companies".
13. Sxchwarz, Alan. "Canada's Best Employers For Diversity 2023".
14. "Home Hardware Stores Limited Recognized by Forbes as One of Canada's Best Employers for Third Year in a Row".
15. (June 23, 2023). "PMTC & Aviva Award Private Fleets for Safety Performance".
16. "Meet the Top Fleets".
17. "Trucking HR Canada Honours Top Fleets at Awards Gala - Canadian Trucking Alliance".
18. (May 2, 2022). "Gustavson Brand Trust Index 2022 - Most Trusted Brand in Canada".
19. "Waterloo Area's Top Employers (2023)".
20. Froderman, Carly. (2022-04-11). "Home Hardware Ranks 40th in National Reputation Study".
21. "Home Hardware tops category in retail study".