As a previous employee back in my college days over 20 years ago, I have a soft spot for the people of the former Allendale True Value now known as Allendale ACE Home Center. I found a community in that family business and to this day stay in touch with many of the employees in and around town. I met my best friend and now husband working at the cashier counter. Because of that job a life and family was built. So when I heard the name changed from Allendale True Value to Allendale Ace Home Center, I had to check things out for myself and make sure the same hardware family I enjoyed working with years ago is still behind the beloved community hardware store. And thankfully, they are!
“We are the same family, just under a different name,” Ross Sietsema, co-owner of Allendale Ace Home Center, said.
Ross Sietsema’s father Bob Sietsema and uncle Harley Sietsema built the current store located at 5425 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, and owned the hardware store for over 25 years. The community and hardware store family felt a huge loss a few years back when Bob Sietsema passed away. His presence and jokes are missed on the daily. The sons, Chad Ayers and Ross Sietsema, and Bob’s beautiful wife Bonnie carried on his legacy in running a family and faith-oriented business after his passing.
“We know Dad (aka Bob Sietsema) would be so proud to see his legacy carried on with such strong community support,” Allendale Ace posted on Facebook for the Grand Re-Opening Facebook Post.
Why the change from True Value to Ace?
“Every step of our journey from True Value to Ace was God led. It’s an incredible story that I and the team love to share,” Sietsema said.
When going to an Ace show in Orlando, Ross Sietsema ran into the CEO of Ace, John VanHuizen, and asked about his business model. In person and on stage, John spoke about God’s blessings and provisions in his life. When the convention was over, the entire leadership team was on board with the change.
“We want to walk alongside our community and their walk with God, not just help them with their repair needs,” Sietsema said. “This change seemed like the perfect fit from the beginning.”
Blessings abound
The switch has boosted online sales exponentially for Allendale Ace Home Center, pointing towards a push in marketing from Ace Corporate. Customers see not only a change in online accessibility but also in new brands the hardware store couldn’t carry before. Among these are popular brands such as The Big Green Egg and EGO Power Equipment. This winter and spring the hardware store went through a major overhaul, making accessibility to brands and product easier in the store.
Suffice it to say, it would be worth a visit. And maybe, you will leave with your own love story.
Anne Vruggink is a Grand Valley State University graduate and former employee of Holland Sentinel and Grand Rapids Press/MLIVE Media Group. She quickly realized the impact the media plays on our local community and wanted to be a part of something greater and more independent from the main stream media. As a West Michigan native her whole life, her heart beats for this community and the people who live here.
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