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Chris Wolf has agreed to sell two Wolf Family Hardware stores in Woodbury and Watertown, Ct., 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.
Following close of the deal, anticipated on July 8, Aubuchon will operate 130 stores across 10 states.
“Chris has dedicated his life to hardware, carrying forward a tradition that began with his Uncle Kenny and reflects a deep-rooted commitment to community,” said William E. Aubuchon, IV, president and CEO. “Over the past 25 years, he has expanded Wolf Family Hardware into a highly respected name throughout western Connecticut. We’re honored to build on that legacy and welcome the Wolf team into our growing family of stores.”
“It’s been an incredible 25-year journey growing our Woodbury and Watertown stores and working alongside such a dedicated team,” said Chris Wolf. “Many of our employees feel like family, which makes this decision all the more emotional. But I take comfort knowing they’ll be in the hands of another multi-generational family business that truly understands the value of people.”
“While I’ll continue leading our Kent and Bethlehem locations, I’m proud to pass the torch in Woodbury and Watertown to the Aubuchon Co.,” he added. “They have a deep-rooted legacy and a clear commitment to community. I know they’ll carry forward the same values and traditions that have defined our stores for decades.”
“I’ve always believed that strong hardware stores and strong communities are inseparable,” Chris continued. “We’ve been fortunate to serve such wonderful customers and to support local organizations that make this region special. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
“The spirit of Wolf Family Hardware is exactly what we strive for… knowledgeable teams, strong local ties, and a genuine passion for serving others,” said Will. “We’re excited to support their continued success and ensure these stores remain trusted resources in their communities for generations to come.”
Wolf Family Hardware traces its roots to 1968, when Ken Reisinger opened his first store in Putnam Lake, N.Y. Over the next two decades, Ken grew the business to three locations across Connecticut and New York. His nephew, Chris Wolf, got his start working alongside his grandparents, Frank and Betty, and his parents, Fran and Otto, at the original store. In 1999, Chris purchased the remaining location in Woodbury and over the past 25 years he has expanded the business to include stores in Kent, Watertown and Bethlehem. Known for their friendly service, deep community ties, and commitment to helping customers get the job done right, the Wolf Family Hardware stores have become trusted resources throughout western Connecticut.
Founded by William E. Aubuchon, Sr in 1908, the Aubuchon Co. 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.” Aubuchon currently operates 128 stores in 10 states, predominantly under the Aubuchon Hardware & Aubuchon Ace Hardware brands, but also including Lyndonville Ace Hardware, Lyndonville, Vt.; Village Hardware, Alexandria, Va.; True Value & Ace Hardware in Pennsylvania; Cornell’s Hardware, Eastchester, N.Y.; Martin’s Hardware & Building Supply, Bristol, Vt.; Campbell’s Hardware in Maine; Zimmerman’s Ace Hardware, Burtonsville, Md.; J.B. Hostetter & Sons, Mount Joy, Pa.; Curry Ace Hardware in Massachusetts; Brunswick Ace Hardware, Brunswick, Md.; Bibens Ace Hardware in Vermont; Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware, Woodstock, VT.; Brown & Roberts Ace Hardware, Brattleboro, VT.; Anco Ace Hardware in New Jersey; and Rand’s Ace Hardware, Plymouth, N.H.
