Marmac ACE is the place to find Dad the perfect Father’s Day gift
Father’s Day is right around the corner and whether you still need the perfect gift or are looking for a little something extra for dad, Marmac ACE Hardware is like a toy and candy store of home improvement and kitchen wares. No matter
what you need, if you can think it you can likely find it at Marmac ACE Hardware.
Near bursting at the seams with everything from the smallest hardware to tools, paint, storage solutions, lawn care, car care, grills, coolers and outdoor furnishings, Marmac ACE Hardware is, indeed, “the helpful place.”
“Anyone can sell a hammer,” points out Owner and President Bill Marrs. “We’ll show you how to use it.”
If Dad’s interests lie in “Tool Time” adventures, be sure to check out the impressive selection of Stanley Black & Decker, DeWalt, Makita tools and more.
If Dad is longing for an effective cooler to keep his cold beverages cold or his hot ones hot, Marmac ACE has an extensive selection of popular YETI ice chests, vacuuminsulated stainless-steel drinkware, soft coolers and related accessories.
For dads who enjoy grilling, they stock popular Weber charcoal, gas and electric outdoor grills. And be sure to stop in at the Home & Kitchen department to find the perfect kitchen accessories if Dad fancies himself the next Top Chef.
There, cast iron cookware brands Staub, Le Creuset and Lodge can be found alongside Belgian Demeyer stainless cookware. Exquisite Japanese knives such as Miyabi and Shun/Kai are available along with fine German glassware by Zwilling. More brands are available than there is space to mention, but know that each item is hand-selected with care by Marrs’ wife, Maureen.
When they moved to Maui in 1965 — following a vacation here with Maureen’s parents, Betty and Joe McCurdy — Marrs became the first drywall contractor on island with his company, Maui Interiors. He and McCurdy began finishing ceilings for local general contractors, Arisumi Brothers, Inc.
McCurdy wasn’t so interested in the physical labor of drywall and took a shine to opening up a hardware store. They agreed to a 50/50 partnership with McCurdy contributing $1,000 and Marrs providing a truck. The two men then acquired a license to open an ACE Hardware store on Maui. Their combined last names gave them the store name, and Marmac ACE Hardware opened its doors for business.
Marrs liked the physicality and variety of the construction business so gladly left McCurdy happily running the store. The McCurdys lived in Lahaina at the time and would drive into Kahului and work at the store from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Marrs explained that his in-laws didn’t take a paycheck for the first five years of business.
Following a heart attack in the early ’80s, McCurdy retired and Marrs stepped into his retail shoes. He promised McCurdy he would always take care of them, and he kept that promise.
“Joe was the dad I never had,” Marrs explains affectionately. “They bought [Maureen] and I our house in Kihei — when no one lived in Kihei.”
Celebrating their 48th year in business, Marrs acknowledges the growth the business has gone through. Opening with six employees, the Marmac family has grown to its current 50 employees. He and Maureen’s children — Michael, David, Kathleen [Luker] and Lauri [Lawrence] — have all worked in the store at one time or another. David is the manager of the newest store in Maui Lani, and Lauri is the office manager/ do-everything extraordinaire (her dad’s words) at the Alamaha store. The family has grown, too. When talking about his and Maureen’s 18 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren, Marrs breaks into a huge smile and acknowledges he loves being a grandpa — “It keeps you young.”
Longtime Maui residents will remember that for 27 years, Marmac ACE on Alamaha St. was the place to go for Christmas decorations at Maureen’s Gift & Christmas shop.
“She made me move the paint department to accommodate her Christmas shop,” chuckles Marrs.
He remembers how people would come from all the Neighbor Islands to see what goodies Maureen stocked. After 27 years, she tired of the Christmas store. David excitedly began planning an outdoor shop, but Maureen quickly dashed his plans when she announced her interest in kitchen wares and installed a high-end kitchen department, Marmac Home & Kitchen, in its place.
When asked why people should come to Marmac ACE Hardware, Marrs doesn’t hesitate with his answer; he credits the service his hard-working staff extend to all customers.
“I’ve always believed in treating people how I want to be treated,” explains Marrs. “This is a family store. I tell people, ‘Help yourself to my coffee and popcorn.’ ”
Marrs points out his staff’s extensive product knowledge, convenient locations and the fact they’re a local company as another positive factor for choosing Marmac ACE Hardware.
“Joe [McCurdy] was a mechanic with a photographic memory — he had a wonderful gift and could do and fix anything. My son David is
No. 1 in plumbing knowledge. We know what you are going to need to ‘keep it running,’ and we stock those items.
“Also, you can get in and get out quickly here, and time is money,” chuckles Marrs. “We’re close by, and we’re convenient for contractors and homeowners, alike.
Marrs is especially appreciative of how the local people support local businesses, and he is a firm believer in generously giving back to the community.
“Our money stays here,” Marrs proudly points out. “I support the island kids with baseball, soccer, cheerleading and more.
“I enjoy what I’m doing,” he further asserts. “I make enough money so I can give it away. This island’s been good to me. Not everyone is so lucky.”
Marmac ACE’s sales associates are a friendly group — that attitude extends from the Marrs family down to the newest hire. All wear name tags to encourage customers to call them by their first names. A friendly welcome is extended to all — they know you could just as easily take your business to a big-box store.
“Those of us who work here often see each other more than we get to see our own families,” acknowledges Marrs. “I want to make sure we are all having a good time at work. And when people see us smiling, they feel welcome.”
In fact, Marrs and Maureen so enjoy the store, they still come into the Alamaha store Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.
“Just have some fun . . . what’s wrong with smiling?” Marrs asks, eyes crinkled with mirth and a chuckle in his voice.