Schwalbach Hardware began with Howard Schwalbach and partner Kurt Vogel starting the business in 1946. Schwalbach bought out Vogel a few years later, and continued to grow the business, adding a plumbing and heating business to the hardware store. In 1991 Schwalbach converted from Trustworthy Hardware to Ace Hardware. They expanded the downtown business several times, and in March 1996 relocated to a larger building (27,000 sq. along highways 60 & 71. In the spring of 1998 Mike purchased the Farmer Seed & Nursery business in Windom, and added the full line greenhouse and nursery business to the Windom store. He also added the Radio Shack franchise at this time. In May of 2000 another expansion was added with the addition of the former H&W auto parts building next door. The building was joined with the existing store, allowing a much needed expansion in the plumbing and heating business. In March of 2002, Schwalbach purchased a True Value hardware store in downtown Worthington, which was remodeled and converted to Ace. He added a third Ace store in November of 2003 when he purchased a former grocery store building in Luverne, Minnesota. In May 2005, Schwalbach expanded the Worthington business by relocating into the 40,000 square foot building formerly occupied by the County Market grocery store. He also added a plumbing and heating service business in Worthington at that time. In August of 2006, Schwalbach opened his fourth store in Jackson, when he moved into the former Gordy’s grocery store location.
