Konrath Family Sells Horicon Ace Hardware

On January 1, 2025, David and Sandi Konrath sold Horicon Ace Hardware to their daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and Vance Mattila. This makes Kristine and Vance third generation owners.
David’s parents, Hubert and Dorothy Konrath, opened Hubie’s Hardware in Allenton, Wis. in 1970. In 1983, they expanded to a second store, Horicon Hardware Hank, on the corner of East Lake and Hubbard. Dave started working at Horicon Hardware Hank in 1985 and bought half the business in 1990 and the other half in 1994 from his parents.
In 2005, Horicon Hardware Hank decided to build and move to their current location to the west side of Horicon on Washington Street. Although he didn’t like leaving the downtown, the move proved to be a good decision. The store went from 7,000-square feet to 17,000-square feet, adding inventory, more space for rental equipment and an outside area for greenhouse sales, ultimately making it more of a destination. Additionally, the POS system changed from manually pricing each item to the ability to scan the inventory.
Vance started working at this location in 2017. Then two years ago, Horicon Hardware Hank changed to Horicon Ace Hardware. This was also a huge positive change with improved technology capabilities, such as the online website and the ability for the customer to see in-store inventory online.
Vance and Kristine were eager to make the purchase from Dave and Sandi who were ready to pass the torch. Vance shared that they desired to continue Dave and Sandi’s legacy and want to give their children the opportunity to be the fourth-generation owners in the future.
Vance wanted to leave the community with this message: “Happy retirement, Dave! He is definitely going to be missed.” He added, “Ultimately, the same great individual service level you come to expect will not change.”