Sunshine Ace Hardware has promoted Peter Kennedy as store manager for its new Ave Maria location, which is expected to open in early fall.

As store manager, Kennedy is responsible for ensuring that residential and commercial customers receive the exceptional service that has defined Sunshine Ace Hardware for more than 65 years. His duties include supervising associates, developing work schedules, recruiting and hiring employees, managing inventory flow, and ensuring a safe environment for all customers and associates.

The Ave Maria store, located at 5360 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 110, is less than a mile from the Town Center. The new store will feature comprehensive paint and grilling departments, as well as a wide selection of power and hand tools, hardware, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing fixtures, propane and supplies for DIYers.

Kennedy joined Sunshine Ace Hardware in May 2023 as a floor supervisor in the Marco Island store before being promoted to the role of assistant store manager of the Founders Square location. Before joining Sunshine Ace Hardware, Kennedy was an assistant manager and rental manager for eight years at Baskin’s Ace Hardware in Massachusetts. Kennedy brings experience in multiple industries, including retail, information technology, construction, business, health care, hospitality, warehouse management and more.

Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and secondary education from St. Michael’s College in Vermont.

Sunshine Ace Hardware has brought approximately 20 new jobs to this community and will be serving as Ave Maria’s first and only hardware store.

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.