Westlake Ace Hardware Promotes Byrne-Harris and Schadegg

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 24, 2023) – Westlake Ace Hardware recently announced the promotions of Laura Byrne-Harris to vice president of merchandising and marketing, and Jennifer Schadegg to director of merchandising.

Laura Byrne-Harris

In her new role, Byrne-Harris oversees development of merchandising strategy, brand marketing and store planning for Westlake Ace. Harris joined Westlake Ace in 2011 as director of merchandising for the Core Hardware division, assuming responsibilities for all Westlake Ace merchandising divisions and, in subsequent years, Marketing.

Prior to joining Westlake, Byrne-Harris was a strategic account director for Harland Clarke, where she

led strategy development and provided day-to-day leadership for key B2B clients such as American Express and Cisco Systems. Before that, she held various marketing and product management positions with Michaels, Mattel, and Hallmark Cards.

Byrne-Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Saint Louis University, and an MBA from Washington University (St. Louis).

“Laura Byrne-Harris is a leader, a proven marketer, and someone who knows how to consistently deliver strong results,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “Her passion for this business, as well as her strategic thinking and leadership skills, are keys to Westlake Ace’s continued growth and success. Her promotion to vice president of merchandising and marketing is well deserved.”

Jennifer Schadegg

As director of merchandising, Jennifer Schadegg is responsible for category management and merchandising for all of Westlake Ace’s 150+ stores. She joined the company in 2019 as senior category manager.

Before joining Westlake Ace, Schadegg was vice president and merchandise manager for The Gerson Companies. Prior to that, she enjoyed an 18-year career at outdoor retailer Cabela’s – where she held numerous merchandising, brand strategy and product development leadership roles.

Schadegg attended Idaho State University. She is currently pursuing a degree in organization leadership from Colorado State University.

“It’s an honor to promote Jennifer to director of merchandising,” said Jeffries. “Since joining Westlake Ace in 2019, her considerable negotiating, purchasing, and merchandise management skills have contributed greatly to our shared success.”