RED WING, Minn. — Casey and Kayla Waltz are honored to announce the purchase of Red Wing Ace Hardware, continuing a proud tradition of locally owned, community-focused service that began more than 40 years ago.

On Dec. 5, 1985, Earl and Carol Hubred opened Coast to Coast Hardware in Red Wing with a simple mission: provide the very best service possible to every customer who walked through the doors. Over the years, the store evolved into Red Wing Ace Hardware while never losing sight of those founding values. Through changing times in retail, the Hubred family, and later Troy and Lisa Daniels, built a business known for knowledgeable employees, exceptional customer service and strong community relationships.

"We are incredibly grateful to Troy and Lisa Daniels, as well as Earl and Carol Hubred, for the legacy they have created," said Casey and Kayla Waltz. "For more than four decades, they have built far more than a successful hardware store, they have created a place where customers know they'll be greeted by friendly faces, receive honest advice, and feel like neighbors. We are truly honored that they have entrusted us with carrying that legacy forward."

For Kayla (Frazier), this opportunity is especially meaningful. A 2008 graduate of Red Wing High School, she was born and raised in Red Wing and is excited to return home as a local business owner.

"Growing up in Red Wing, I never imagined that one day we'd have the privilege of owning one of the community's hometown businesses," Kayla said. "This town has always been home, and being able to come back and invest in the place that helped shape me is something I feel incredibly thankful for."

Casey shares a similar story in Ellsworth, where he was born, raised and graduated from Ellsworth High School. Together, Casey and Kayla own Waltz Ace Hardware in Ellsworth, where they have built their business around exceptional customer service, strong employee relationships, and giving back to their community.

The Waltzes' passion for their stores has become a true family affair. Along for the journey are their two young children, affectionately known as "Hardware Harley" and "Helpful Henry," who already love spending time in the store, helping where they can, greeting customers, and learning what it means to be part of a locally owned family business. Casey and Kayla hope to pass along not only a love for hardware, but also the values of hard work, community involvement, and serving others.

"We've been fortunate to experience what it means to own a business in Casey's hometown, and now we have the incredible opportunity to do the same in mine," Kayla said. "Not many people get the chance to serve the communities that raised them. We don't take that responsibility lightly."

The Waltzes plan to continue the traditions customers have come to expect while bringing fresh energy and a long-term commitment to the store's future. They emphasized that the knowledgeable staff, hometown atmosphere, and dedication to customer service will remain the foundation of the business.

"Our goal isn't to change what has made Red Wing Ace Hardware special," Casey said. "Our goal is to build on it. Troy and Lisa, along with Earl and Carol before them, created something that has earned the trust of this community for over 40 years. We simply hope to continue earning that trust every single day."

The Waltz family extends its sincere appreciation to Troy and Lisa Daniels and to Earl and Carol Hubred for everything they have done for Red Wing. Their commitment to serving customers with honesty, integrity, and exceptional service has built a business that is respected throughout the community.

As Casey and Kayla begin this next chapter, they look forward to meeting customers, supporting local schools and organizations, and continuing the tradition of making Red Wing Ace Hardware "the Helpful Place" for generations to come.

"We're excited to be part of Red Wing's future while honoring its past," said Casey and Kayla. "We look forward to serving this community for many years to come."

The change in ownership is set to take place at the end of September.

Submitted by Waltz Ace Hardware