Jill O’Connell given Golden Hammer Award for 50 years of hardware service
Long-time employee Jill O’Connell, of Sam’s Home Hardware, has received the Golden Hammer Award for 53 years of exemplary service in the hardware industry.
The Golden Hammer Award is the highest honour a team member can receive and is presented to individuals who have been part of the hardware industry for 50 years or more.
“On behalf of everyone at Home Hardware Stores Limited, we acknowledge Jill’s 53 years of service in the hardware industry,” said Kevin Macnab, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “We thank her for her commitment and dedication to serving her local community.”
O’Connell was one of six employees inducted into the Golden Hammer Awards at Home Hardware’s Virtual Fall Market on Sept. 13, 2020.
She started her career in hardware in 1967, stocking shelves for her parents at Ruppel Dominion Hardware on Queen Street. Not long after, her family joined the Home Hardware banner, renaming the store Ruppel Home Hardware.
O’Connell continued to work evenings and weekends, while attending high school in St. Marys. After a brief leave, she returned to the store in 1979 when she accepted a full-time position as cashier and sales associate.
Ruppel Home Hardware is now known as Sam’s Home Hardware, and is owned and operated by Brad and Jenny Roth. O’Connell continues to work at the store three days a week.
“Our business has changed hands, names and locations over the years, but Jill’s dedication has been unwavering,” said Jenny Roth, Dealer-Owner, Sam’s Home Hardware. “For the past 53 years, Jill has been a valued member of the Home Hardware team, providing all of our customers with exceptional service and quality advice for their projects, big or small.”
O’Connell says her fondest memories include her time spent with colleagues at the Christmas and summer parties. Her most memorable day at work was when a leaking paint shaker left her covered in oil-based paint.
About Home Hardware Stores Limited
HomeHardware Stores Limited is Canada’s largest dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture home improvement retailer with over 1,050 stores under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners.
Founded in 1964 in rural St. Jacobs, Ont., Home Hardware remains 100 per cent Canadian owned and operated. Through the Home Hardware network, dealer-owners have extensive distribution and marketing capabilities as well as access to thousands of quality, brand name and private label products. Home Hardware Stores Ltd. has received designation as one of Canada’s Best Brands and Best Managed Companies and is committed to helping Canadians with all of their project needs.
Note: Jill O’Connell will also receive an award (a commemorative desk clock) from the National Hardware Retail Association.
