I sat down with Jeff Petersen, owner of J&R's Ace Hardware in Porter, TX, to learn what makes his store such a gem in our community. Jeff is deeply involved with the Greater EMC Chamber—board member, platinum plus investor, and a graduate of the Pathway to Leadership EMC program—and his passion for serving neighbors is obvious from the moment we begin talking.

Why the Chamber matters to Jeff

Jeff told me that his involvement with the Chamber is "for the funsies." He grew up in the area and joined because he wanted to be part of the local community—not because he expected an immediate business boost. Over five and a half years of involvement, the chamber has become woven into his weekly routine.

What stands out is how Jeff values relationships. He described getting involved in a variety of Chamber activities and building friendships that make participation feel natural, energizing, and rewarding instead of feeling like any sort of obligation or burden.

J&R's Ace Hardware is more than a hardware store

When Jeff talks about J&R's, one thing is clear: the store is many businesses wrapped into one location. He put it this way: "We're basically seven or more businesses rolled into one."

• Core hardware and everyday home repair essentials
• Canterbury Lane Gifts, the on-site boutique and gift shop
• U-Haul dealership—Jeff says they are the largest non-corporate U-Haul dealer in the region
• Major STIHL power equipment dealer—the largest single-store hardware power equipment dealer in the area
• Barbecue supplies and propane filling
• Outdoor living products including boating, camping, and RV supplies
• Several lines of high-end sunglasses

What customers keep coming back

Jeff and his team pride themselves on being responsive and adaptable. As a locally owned business, they can pivot quickly to meet customer needs—especially during storms or emergency situations. Jeff highlighted the ability to place emergency orders and get product the next day to support the community when it matters most.

Giving back: community-first initiatives

Community is central to how Jeff runs his business. He highlighted the chamber's Bobbi's Angels program, which rotates support to local charities, as a favorite. On a personal level, Jeff has been heavily involved with Leader Dogs for the Blind.

"It has been a phenomenal organization that I am so impressed by."
— Jeff Peterson

When discussing Leader Dogs for the Blind, Jeff described his journey through orientation and mobility training, white cane training, and ultimately training with his guide dog, Audi. His involvement with this organization has only deepened over the years and remains one of the causes he invests time and resources into consistently.

Featured products right now

Jeff highlighted a couple of items he’s excited about:

• Turtlebox Audio—a premium audio product line that complements the outdoor lifestyle gear they carry.
• Premium coolers and outdoor gear—Jeff referenced the kind of market shock when high-end coolers first appeared, a reminder that specialty, quality products find their audience.
• High-end sunglasses—a newer expansion that fits the store’s growing outdoor living and recreation offerings.

Why shop local at J&R's Ace Hardware

Shopping local at J&R's means getting expert help, a wide assortment of products, and a business that responds quickly to the community’s needs. Whether you need propane filled, STIHL power equipment, a last-minute moving truck via U-Haul, or a thoughtful gift from the boutique, Jeff and his team aim to make it easy and personal.

Want to stay connected?

Follow the Greater EMC Chamber on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and visit gemcchamber.com to learn more. You can also subscribe to Morning Impact through Community Impact at communityimpact.com for regular local business updates.

Thanks for reading. I enjoyed chatting with Jeff and seeing how one locally owned hardware store can truly be a multi-faceted community resource. Keep adding value and making a difference.

— Tracie Kamenoff