Wallace Hardware

History Of Wallace

Imagine a time when salesmen visited their customers on horseback and hardware was delivered by wagon, or by rail...primitive methods by today's standards, but cutting edge back in 1922 when, what is now Wallace Hardware, was born.

Although the mode of delivery has changed, one thing hasn't...the Wallace commitment to delivering high quality products...on time...every time.

Looking Back

The story begins when two men, W.B. Whittaker and S.M Holtsinger envisioned the creation of a wholesale hardware business. The welcome addition of D.M. Wallace provided the drive and knowledge, and eventual guidance that became a family tradition for generations. With the death of D.M. in 1955, the reins passed to his brother, J. G. Wallace, and then to D.M.'s son, John D. Wallace, in 1959. At John's side was his brother-in-law, Ray Bradley. Both saw the need to separate the retail and wholesale functions. In 1964, Wallace Hardware became exclusively wholesale under John D. Wallace and the retail operations were headed by Ray Bradley.

The hardware business was in John's blood from an early age, having worked within the company on a part time basis since the age of eight. His clear vision and insight helped grow the business to the size and level of quality it proudly attained and continues to maintain today. Sadly, John D. passed away in November of 2008. But he, as always, had a plan that lived beyond him.

Through careful long term planning, John D. named successors to lead Wallace after his passing, beginning with Stanley Snowden who served as president until 2008. Family once again continued the tradition when a third generation son, Doyle, assumed the role of President and CEO. He maintains that role today.

Looking Forward
At Doyle's side is an executive team as well as 185 employees committed to ensuring that the legacy of the Wallace name continues to stand strong. And, that their dealers stand strong as well. After all, that is what family does...looks after their own.