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Integrity and Accountability

We prioritize honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions. At Proctor Ace Hardware, we lead by example and take responsibility for our actions, ensuring that trust and respect are the foundation of every customer and team relationship.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Our success comes from a unified team that values open communication and mutual respect. We work together, celebrate each other’s contributions, and support one another to achieve common goals while fostering a positive work environment.

Customer Focus and Engagement

We prioritize personalized service and strive to exceed customer expectations. By actively listening and providing helpful solutions, our goal is that every customer leaves with a positive experience, confident in our products and advice.

Continuous Learning and Innovation

We encourage continuous learning and embracing innovation to improve our services. By staying current with industry trends and expanding our knowledge, we enhance both the customer experience and team expertise.

Community Commitment and Responsibility

As a family-owned business, we are dedicated to supporting and giving back to our local community. We engage with local organizations, promote sustainable practices,and maintain strong connections that contribute to the well-being of Northeast Florida.

What “Ace” Means to Us

Being part of the Ace Hardware co-op means we get the buying power and trusted brands of a national retailer—but we remain 100% locally owned and operated. That’s the best of both worlds: competitive prices, great selection, and a business that still answers to the community, not a corporate office.

At Proctor Ace, we take pride in being a part of something bigger while staying rooted in Northeast Florida, where we’ve served customers since 1936. “Ace” gives us the resources to bring you quality products and national promotions—but the service, heart, and decisions all come from right here at home.

Family-Owned Legacy

Proctor Ace Hardware has been family-owned and operated since 1936, serving Northeast Florida for three, now going on four, generations. What started as a small local store has grown into a multi-location business rooted in tradition, trust, and community.

We’re proud of our long history—and even prouder to still be a place where customers are greeted by name, and neighbors become regulars. Through changing times, one thing stays the same: we treat our customers like family.

Departments at a Glance

At Proctor Ace, we carry everything you need to get the job done—whether you’re working in the yard, firing up the grill, or tackling a weekend repair.

  • Lawn & Garden: Plants, tools, soil, and solutions for Florida landscapes

  • Outdoor Living: Grills, accessories, and top brands like Traeger, Weber, and Big Green Egg

  • Tools & Hardware: Reliable tools, fasteners, plumbing, and electrical essentials

  • Paint & Home: Custom color matching and supplies for every surface

  • Seasonal & More: Flags, birdseed, holiday décor, and local favorites

Our Community Involvement

At Proctor Ace, we believe that being a great hardware store means being a great neighbor. From sponsoring local school programs and youth sports teams to supporting community festivals, fundraisers, and service projects—we’re proud to invest in the places where our customers live, work, and raise families.

We receive dozens of donation requests each year, and while we can’t say yes to everything, we do our best to support causes that make a real difference in Northeast Florida. Whether it’s helping a school garden grow, donating supplies for a scout project, or showing up with tools and volunteers—we’re here to lend a hand.

Proctor ACE Hardware

Proctor ACE Hardware began on First Street in Jacksonville Beach in 1936 as Dickinson Hardware. In 1945, Ethan Proctor and Howard Prather, his brother-in-law, bought the company. The store was renamed Proctor-Prather Hardware. In 1947, Ethan Proctor purchased his brother-in-law's half interest in the company, renaming the store to Proctor's Hardware. Ethan's wife, Bertha, also worked in the store.

After the end of World War II, Ethan's son, Jack, graduated from Georgia Tech and joined the company. Jack's wife, Betty Lee, joined the company in the mid 1950's. In the spring of 1955, the store was moved from First Street to its own building on the corner of Second Street and Second Avenue North. The business continued to grow during the 50's and 60's. In 1964, Ethan and Jack became affiliated with ACE Hardware. Renamed to Proctor ACE Hardware, the company grew fast and necessitated moving the store to the corner of Third Street and Fifth Avenue North.

The Grand Opening of the new, Third Street store was in the spring of 1973. Another major expansion was accomplished in the spring of 1975: A second location opened on University Boulevard West near I-95 on Jacksonville's Southside.

With continuing success, the Proctor family added a third store located in Ponte Vedra in 1990 - a smaller store in a shopping center at A1A and SR210. With continued growth, that store was moved into a larger, free-standing building in 1999. At the same time, The Floral Emporium florist was bought and moved into the Ponte Vedra store. A second Floral Emporium was added to the Jacksonville Beach store. In 2005, the Jacksonville Beach store was moved to a new, larger space in the Neptune Beach Plaza Shopping Center.

Today, Proctor ACE Hardware's growth continues. The Neptune Beach location recently moved to a brand-new store just a few blocks west on Atlantic Boulevard, next to Winn-Dixie. The up-to-date store provides all the services and products of the Neptune Beach Plaza store, plus an expanded garden department.

Steve and Joe Proctor, sons of Jack and Betty Lee Proctor, manage the business together with Lizz Proctor serving as secretary and treasurer. Each has worked in various sales and management positions. Currently, Steve Proctor is President of the corporation and manages store operations. Joe is Vice President, managing inventory and advertising, and Lizz is the CFO. Betty Lee Proctor is still involved, serving as Chairman and CEO. Other family members in the business are Joey Proctor as store manager, Tommy Proctor as IT manager, in addition to Carson, Zachery and Caelen Proctor.