Steelman’s ACE Hardware Named 2025 Retailer of the Year by the NC Retail Merchants Association

RALEIGH, NC (November 7, 2025) – Steelman’s Ace Hardware has been named a 2025 Retailer of the Year, one of two leading businesses to receive the honor from the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA). The awards were presented during NCRMA’s Annual Retailer of the Year awards dinner held November 4 at The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem.

For nearly 40 years, residents of Advance, North Carolina, and surrounding communities have trusted Steelman’s Ace Hardware to provide quality products and friendly, dependable service. In January 2026, Jeff Steelman will mark his 20th year as president of the locally owned store.

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Ace Hardware has grown from a small chain of stores into a global cooperative with more than 5,000 locations across 50 states and 70 countries. Each Ace Hardware store is independently owned and operated, allowing retailers like Steelman’s Ace to tailor their offerings to the unique needs of their communities.

This year, Steelman expanded his reach by purchasing the local Ace Hardware in Arcadia, North Carolina, bringing his signature customer-first philosophy to a new neighborhood. The dedication Steelman and his staff have created in Advance was quickly welcomed in Arcadia. When news of the ownership change was announced on Facebook, one customer wrote, “Can’t wait to check out the new location. Steelman’s Ace in Advance is top shelf!” That kind of advertising is the best kind, but it isn’t bought; it is earned, and Steelman’s has earned it.

Beyond business success, community support is at the heart of Steelman’s Ace Hardware.  From little league teams and fire departments to scouts, schools, churches, and so much more, the support they provide to their community is truly amazing.

But in 2024, Steelman’s community commitment reached even further. Steelman brought his community together to support the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, Steelman immediately contacted his former office manager—now serving with her husband at Chimney Rock Baptist Church—to assess the needs of the affected area. Within a week, he organized the first of multiple relief trips, delivering vanloads of supplies donated by the store, its customers, and the broader community.

The team delivered tarps, cleaning supplies, power tools, hardware, heaters for those living in tents, and even lime and toilet seats for makeshift sanitation needs. Steelman also coordinated with manufacturers to secure pallets of donated cleaning products and essentials, which were delivered by semi-truck to families in need.

While Steelman remains humble about his efforts—saying they “didn’t do anything special”—his leadership exemplifies the vital role independent retailers play in strengthening communities and demonstrating the true spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors.”

Alongside Steelman’s Ace Hardware, The Butcher’s Market was also recognized as a 2025 Retailer of the Year by NCRMA.