Oak Brook-based Ace Hardware Corporation, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry, recently announced the hiring of Frank Carroll as General Merchandise Manager. Reporting to Ace Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Sales, John Surane, Carroll will continue to build upon Ace’s winning merchandising strategy and advance Ace’s long-term merchandising efforts both domestically and internationally.
“Frank brings with him a wealth of experience including more than 20 years working for respected brands within the industry,” said Surane. “He has extensive experience in strategic planning, sales management, marketing operations, supply chain management and product development – plus he’s a proven team-builder.”
Prior to joining Ace, Carroll served as President of Knaack, LLC, responsible for leading two respected brands; Knaack secure storage and WeatherGuard mobile storage equipment. Additionally, he brings a myriad of experience from Robert Bosch Tool Corporation as President of various business units where he led all aspects of strategic planning including marketing, product development, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sales.
Carroll holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University as well as a Masters of Business Administration in business from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Carroll also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of McHenry County, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry, Ill. Carroll resides in Chicago with his family.