The History of Home Improvement

The History of Ace Hardware in Canada

In this episode, we recall the history of Ace Hardware in Canada, from its first foray into British Columbia to the recent acquisition of the licence by Peavey Industries. 

The Rise and Fall of Dolliver Frederick

This podcast discusses the rise and unlikely fall of Dolliver Frederick, a man who made his mark on the hardware industry in a big way before dropping out of sight.

The Legacy of J. Pascal Hardware

This episode of looks at the story of J. Pascal Hardware, a family-owned enterprise for almost 90 years. Founded by Jacob Pascal, a Romanian Jewish immigrant to Montreal, it spread to 21 locations throughout Quebec and Ontario. The company pioneered the use of discount and remainder bins to appeal to customers on a tight budget.

Retailer of the Century: The Legacy of Home Hardware’s Walter Hachborn

In this brand new podcast, we talk with Steve Payne about his experience meeting Walter Hachborn for the first time, and the decision, at the end of the century, to name him the significant retail figure of the past 100 years. Have a listen as we celebrate this industry’s historical achievements.