Keith and Peggy Harshbarger are extremely grateful for the customer loyalty over the past 27 years

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - In 1994 when Keith and Peggy Harshbarger of Grass Valley decided it was time for a career change, they contacted Frank Bremer in Gridley and arranged to tour his hardware store on Hazel Street.

It took a few months, but the Harshbargers purchased the business and moved to Gridley.

Bremer Hardware had many wonderful employees which continued to work after Frank Bremer retired. Among them were Peggy’s seventh grade teacher, Pete Skuris.  Also at Bremer’s was Dagoberto Candelario. “Dago,” as he was known had been working at the hardware store since he was 15 years old.  He was attending California State University, Chico and worked weekends, holidays, and summers.

In 2005 Dago graduated from college and went to work for Ace Hardware Corporation as a regional business manager.  Although he traveled all over northern California for his job, he continued to make his home in Gridley.

Dago married Katie Teasdale, a woman he had met at the hardware store. They purchased a small farm in Gridley and now have three children. 

Twenty-seven years later Dagoberto and Katie Candelario will be the new owners of the Ace Hardware business in Gridley. They have renamed it Candelario Ace Hardware.

Many of the locals will recognize Dago from his early years at Bremer Hardware.  The Candelarios have no plans for immediate changes to the store.  They will continue the in-house accounts and legendary customer service.  All employees at Ace are welcome to continue working.

Keith and Peggy Harshbarger are extremely grateful for the customer loyalty over the past 27 years and plan on visiting Candelario Ace Hardware but “Only to make purchases!”  They are looking forward to time off and have no plans to leave Gridley.