With over 5,000 locations nationwide, Ace Hardware is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States.
As an ex-offender, what are your chances of getting a job at your local Ace Hardware store or distribution center? Does Ace Hardware hire felons, and how strict are their background checks and other hiring policies?
Most Ace Hardware stores are actually independently owned businesses, so there isn’t a single hiring policy that all stores follow (and that’s a good thing).
Ace Hardware distribution centers are all owned by the Ace Hardware Corporation, and each distribution center follows the same corporate hiring policy.
The Ace Hardware Retail Cooperative
Ace Hardware stores are independently owned. Store owners join the retail cooperative to benefit from brand name recognition, group purchasing power, national advertising, and an efficient distribution network.
Even though these franchise stores operate under the Ace Hardware name and use the brand logo, each business owner sets their own employment polices.
Some franchise owners only operate a single store, while other franchise owners operate multiple stores in a local area or across several regions.
Cooperative members (the store owners) collectively own the Ace Hardware Corporation. The corporation handles purchasing and operates the Ace Hardware distribution centers.
- When you apply for a job at an Ace Hardware store, your application will be dealt with according to the hiring policy set by the store owner. If you’re hired, the independent franchise is your employer.
- When you apply for a job at any of the 16 Ace Hardware distribution centers, the Ace Hardware Corporation hiring policy applies. If you’re hired, the Ace Hardware Corporation is your employer.
What’s The Official Ace Hardware Policy On Hiring Felons?
Ace Hardware hasn’t released a formal policy on hiring felons, and they haven’t announced any second-chance employment programs.
However, Ace Hardware is involved with Ban The Box and the Fair Chance Business Pledge, meaning they’re willing to hire felons on a case-by-case basis.
Does Ace Hardware Hire Felons For Retail Positions?
As we’ve already explained, the owner of each Ace Hardware store makes their own hiring decisions, so there’s no way to know if the local store you want to work at will hire you with your felony background.
However, many Ace Hardware store owners hire felons, so you should definitely apply for any positions you see advertised.
Entry-level jobs like cashier or sales associate will be easier to qualify for than team leader or other senior positions. But once you’ve established a good track record with your employer, you’ll be eligible for promotions.
Candidates with previous retail or customer service experience are encouraged to apply, and if you’ve got some DIY knowledge, that’s even better.
Some positions will require a High School Diploma or GED, but Ace Hardware also advertises entry-level positions where no education is necessary.
Find Ace Hardware job listings in your area by going to https://careers.acehardware.com/. Select “search retail jobs” then enter your location.
When you apply for a job, you’ll be taken to an online application form. The online application specifies who the employer actually is.
If you see job openings at different Ace Hardware locations in your area, put in an application with each employer to improve your chances of getting hired.
It might seem tedious to make multiple applications, but since each application is for a different employer, if one Ace Hardware turns you down, the Ace Hardware across town could be happy to hire you.
Before you apply, you can also call the store and ask to speak to the manager. Tell the manager you want to work at the store and need to know if your felony will disqualify you.
The manager will know the store’s hiring policy and should give you an honest answer. Ace Hardware employees responding to questions about the hiring process report that stores have hired felons in the past.
Does Ace Hardware Hire Felons At Their Distribution Centers?
The Ace Hardware Corporation runs the Ace distribution network. Jobs in the distribution network include warehouse-based roles and CDL driving positions.
As a participant in the Ban the Box movement and the Fair Chance Business Pledge, the Ace Hardware Corporation is a felony-friendly employer. The distribution network hires former felons on a case-by-case basis.
Ban the Box removes criminal background questions from job applications. When an employer voluntarily “bans the box,” they’re showing a willingness to look beyond your felony and assess you on your qualifications, experience, and post-offense behavior.
While these employers can still carry out background checks, having a criminal record won’t always lead to rejection.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge, launched by President Obama in 2016, aims to remove the employment barriers ex-offenders face. Employers taking part in the initiative are willing to employ candidates with a criminal background if they are qualified for the job.
Ace Hardware will hire former felons for distribution center roles, and they’re a good source of employment opportunities for ex-offenders looking for stable work with benefits.
Search for Ace Hardware distribution jobs by going to https://careers.acehardware.com/. Select “search distribution jobs” then enter your location.
Does Ace Hardware Distribution Do Background Checks?
When you fill out your application for a job at an Ace Hardware distribution center, the application asks you to consent to a background check. Background checks take place once you’ve accepted a conditional job offer.
As long as you’ve been honest about your offense during your interview, your background check won’t contain any surprises.
Employers value honesty, and they can tell a lot about you from the way you talk about your offense. Briefly mention the offense, then focus on your commitment to moving on with your life in a positive way and on how you would be an asset to the company.
Does Ace Hardware Distribution Do Pre-Employment Drug Tests?
You’ll need to pass a drug test once you’ve accepted a conditional job offer. For warehouse-based jobs, you’ll be asked to take a saliva drug test, and for CDL driving jobs, the drug test is the standard Department of Transportation 5-panel urine test.
What Felonies Prevent Employment At Ace Hardware?
For retail and distribution center positions, some types of felony are cause for concern.
Theft and fraud: Whether you’re working in a store or a warehouse, you’ll have access to a lot of valuable merchandise. The company will only employ you if they’re confident you won’t steal from them.
Violent offenses and sexual offenses: Ace Hardware has to provide a safe environment for customers and employees. They look for staff who are respectful of others at all times and who will remain calm in stressful customer service situations.
Substance abuse: If you’re applying to be a forklift operator or CDL driver, the company needs to be confident that you aren’t a safety risk.
Being able to provide evidence of rehabilitation after a felony DUI or a felony for drug possession would be helpful.
No matter the type of offense on your record:
- Be prepared to explain what happened and why
- Confirm that you’ve taken steps to prevent a repeat offense
- Provide character references and proof of completed treatment programs
Quick Recap
The majority of Ace Hardware stores are individually owned businesses. Each store or group of stores follow their own hiring polices and one store may reject you because of your felony while another may give you a second chance.
Many Ace Hardware stores have hired felons in the past, so you should definitely take the time to fill out an application with each Ace Hardware store in your area.
Ace Hardware distribution centers follow a second-chance hiring policy, and candidates for warehouse and driving jobs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You’ll need to pass a background check once you accept a conditional offer of employment, and Ace Hardware distribution centers and some retail stores carry out our pre-employment drug testing as well.