Sunshine Ace Hardware and Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware honored 19 associates with Core Value Awards, a companywide recognition program celebrating employees whose leadership and actions exemplify guiding principles at the family-owned business.

Rob Brehm, a lead B2B account executive, received the Don Q. Wynn Associate of the Year Award, which recognizes a team member who embodies all 10 core values while contributing to its mission. Don Wynn founded Sunshine Ace Hardware in 1958.

Melinda Lawmaster, an accounts payable clerk, earned the Anne Wynn Humanitarian of the Year Award, which honors an associate’s ongoing commitment to the community through service, volunteerism and participation in community and charity events, including company-sponsored events. Anne Wynn was Don Wynn’s wife and a passionate community advocate.

“Each of our associates exemplify the company’s core values, but Rob and Melinda are inspirational leaders who really take our mission to heart,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware and Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware. “Today's consumers have a lot of choices, but anyone who walks into a Sunshine Ace Hardware or Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware store can expect superior customer service from Rob, Melinda and 500 other associates who truly go the extra mile with each and every interaction.”

In addition to the two major awards, Sunshine Ace Hardware and Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware also selected employees to represent each of the company’s 10 core values. Honorees in 2024 include:

• Deliver Sunshine: Nick Rivera (Bonita Springs) and Iris Feldhamer (Largo)
• Care for your Neighbor: Polo Samaniego (Golden Gate)
• Build Honest Relationships: Mike Johnannsen (Founders Square-Naples) and Jamie Kretchman (Golden Gate)
• Inspire Confidence: Neil Travis (Naples)
• Own It: Adam Swanson (Lakewood Ranch)
• Be Humble: Beau Rench (East Naples) and Todd Blackwell (Bradenton)
• Support Each Other: Blane Plaugher (Largo) and Bob Dannemiller (Lakewood Ranch)
• Create Solutions through Imagination: Lam Laurent (Golden Gate) and Scott Hamblen (support office)
• Love, Laugh, Work Hard: Mason McGuigan (East Naples) and Kim Leverenz (Kingsway-Port Charlotte)
• Drive Results: Celia Rodriguez (Golden Gate) and Brian Turner (Largo)

About Sunshine Ace Hardware

Founded in 1958 by Don Wynn and led today by his grandson, President Michael Wynn, Sunshine Ace Hardware operates 15 hardware, paint and gift stores in Southwest Florida, with four additional locations under development. The Naples-based company is among Florida’s largest family-owned home improvement retailers and one of Ace Hardware’s top franchisees in America. Sunshine Ace is recognized for its helpful, red-vested associates, generous community support and vast selection of signature brands in grills, tools, hardware, plumbing, paint and supplies, lawn and garden supplies, fishing gear, gifts, propane and supplies for contractors and DIYers. The Sunshine Ace Hardware B2B Division provides commercial customers with bulk purchase savings and value-added services. Through its Helpful Hub, Sunshine Ace provides professional services such as screen repair, key cutting, color matching, delivery coordination and assembly. The company’s Ace Handyman Services of Southwest Florida helps residents tackle home maintenance projects like mounting TVs and ceiling fans, repairing lanai screens, painting interiors and exteriors, updating cabinets, installing drywall and completing general carpentry services. For locations and operating hours, please visit SunshineAce.com.