Pyle has owned the store for the last eight and a half years but a little while ago decided to sell the store to pursue other opportunities.
“The business is ready to be taken to the next step,” Pyle said. “It needs somebody with more retail experience to take it to the next level.”
Pyle found a new owner in the folks who own the Lake Stevens Ace Hardeware store, Greg & Christine Egelstad. They will take over in Everett on July 1st.
Pyle said she purchased the store after working in facilities at Pemco Insurance for 23 years. “I was a total retail novice and I thought it would be fun,” Pyle said. “I learned more than I ever thought possible.”
Pyle spoke of her fondness for the customers over the years saying they have become friends and many are neighbors right in the central Everett area. As far as employees, Pyle says they have become family.
When asked about unique things that make her particular store stand out Pyle mentioned “The Nuthouse”. It’s kind of an odd shaped room in the back of the store that carries an amazing selection of hardware, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc that you can buy one or two of at a time instead of a whole package.
Another secret to Pyle’s success over the last eight and a half years…”A special blend of popcorn we serve only on Saturday and Sunday,” Pyle smiled and added “It’s a little salty and a little sweet.” She is leaving the recipe for the new owners.
Pyle has also put an effort into helping her neighbors and supporting projects in the Everett area. Her store recently collected used flags for proper retirement in honor of Flag Day.
In July of last year she donated the paint for a mural by artist Nicomedes Gomez outside Lowell Elementary School.
Pyle is getting back into the project management field. Next month she will start with JMS Construction in Redmond. Asked if she had any final words for those who have been coming to her store for the last eight and a half years she said, “Ace is the place, keep on coming.”
June 23, 2018
Everett Economy