From Handyman to Hardware

Bob Bartmess, handyman vagabond, mid 1900’s. Bob was a tough as nails working man traveling the country working odd jobs, paying the bills, and at nights, playing music. He traveled all throughout the country never settling but for a night or two. That is until he met beautiful Patricia Trainer in Helena, Montana. He and Patricia were soon married and bought a small convenience store in the Helena Valley. Years later, their son, Steve, the youngest of their children, took over the business. The store grew and after notably many additions, Steve and his new wife, Peggy, strategically decided to build a large grocery and convenience store. This turned out to be a successful decision for Steve and his family. Twenty-five years later, he and his oldest daughter decided that what the Helena Valley needed was a hardware store. So, in 2020, the midst of Covid-19, construction began on Valley Ace Hardware. January 2021, Valley Ace Hardware opened its doors for the first time to the public. Ran by Bob’s granddaughter Stephanie, and overseen by his son Steve, Valley Ace has become Helena’s #1 Helpful Hardware Place.

Our family’s story is a testament to Faith and The American Dream. At Valley Ace Hardware, our goal is to help our community get the job done so our neighbors can focus on their own dreams. Hardware made convenient at Valley Ace.

Happy Hardwaring Helena,

Valley Ace Family