Ace Retail Group Promotes Tony Houk to Senior Vice President, Operations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 23, 2026) – Ace Retail Group, owner and operator of more than 260 Ace Hardware stores across 18 states, has promoted Tony Houk to senior vice president of operations. In his expanded role, Houk will oversee store operations, commercial sales, and facilities and construction across the company’s multi-state retail hardware platform.

Houk has been with the organization for more than 10 years, building a track record of operational excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and consistent results. Most recently, he served as vice president of store operations, a role he assumed in 2024 following his tenure as chief operating officer of Great Lakes Ace Hardware, where he played a pivotal role in streamlining store operations, enhancing customer service, and driving sales growth.

The promotion expands Houk’s scope of responsibility to include commercial sales and the facilities and construction teams, further strengthening alignment and partnership across the business.

“Tony Houk is one of the best operational leaders in the retail hardware business, and this promotion reflects both the trust he has earned and the confidence we have in his ability to drive our next chapter of growth,” said Robert Massengill, president of Ace Retail Group. “Throughout his career, Tony has built what very few leaders can: consistent results, deep and trusting relationships, and a rare ability to lead and align teams at every level. His strategic mindset and understanding of this business from the store floor up make Ace Retail Group stronger with him leading operations.”

Houk is a graduate of Ball State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.