Social Circle Ace Home Center - January 2024 Business Spotlight

Introduction and Background:
Can you provide a brief overview of your business and its history?

Social Circle Ace Home Center a.k.a. Farm and Home Supply has been in business since 1956.  Bill Clegg brought the business from James Wiley in 1972. Ted Callaway and Joel Clegg acquired the business about 15 years ago.   

Products/Services:
What products or services does your business offer?

Full line of ACE Hardware products of paint, tools, plumbing and electrical.

We offer building materials to build a complete house.  We have outside salesmen to work with our building contractors.

Installs Sales is a division to help with home improvements like window/door replacement, garage door installation, shower door installation, and even decks and porch construction.

ThePower Equipment department can advise you in the right purchase of mower, blower, or chainsaws. We offer repair services, also.

The Sporting Goods department has guns, ammunition, archery and archery range with training available. Clothing and footwear are also available.

We have seasonal plants each spring and fall with qualified staff to advise you on purchases.

Books and gifts are available year-round with emphasis on holiday seasons.

How do your offerings meet the needs of the community?

 We try to have a complete inventory on site to help customers with any project – big or small. If we do not have it in stock, then we can special order items from our many vendors.

Community Involvement:
How is your business involved in the local community?

We are active in our local churches, the United Way, Walton County Chamber of Commerce, Child’s Voice, Master’s Touch and The Boys and Girls Club.

Success Stories:
Can you share a success story or memorable customer experience?

Too many to mention just one.

How have your products or services positively impacted customers?

We hope our products and services help people enjoy their home. Everyone needs a place that is comfortable to rest and spend time with family and friends. We want to help customer make that happen at their homes.

Challenges and Solutions:
What challenges has your business faced, and how have you overcome them?

We survived the recession of ’09 and became stronger and wiser from those lessons. We continued to stay open during the pandemic as an essential business and again learned lessons of importance. Our customers have stood by us, and we are ever grateful.

Are there specific strategies that have helped you navigate challenges?

For other businesses, our advice is to keep your debt at a minimum. 

Future Plans:
What are your business' future plans or upcoming projects?
We plan to continue to offer the latest products and services as our growing communities changes.

Chamber Benefits:
How has being a chamber member benefited your business?

Friendships are necessary for a happy life.  The chamber is a great place to find like-minded working people who you can encourage, and they can encourage you.

Can you share any successful connections or collaborations through the chamber?

Teri and Keri and their support team are always willing to help in any way. We have employees who have trained under the Leadership Walton program and benefited greatly.  

Advice:
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in our community?

My advice would be to stay involved in the community to know their needs better.  Then, offer quality products at a competitive price.

Are there some key lessons you've learned as a business owner?

If there is a problem offer solutions quickly.

Fun Fact:
Share a fun or interesting fact about your business or team.
Ted and Joel have never worked anywhere else.  Sometimes your high school job is your forever job.