Sunshine Ace Hardware taps Peter Kennedy as Ave Maria store manager

Sunshine Ace Hardware has promoted Peter Kennedy as store manager for its new Ave Maria location, which is expected to open in early fall.

As store manager, Kennedy is responsible for ensuring that residential and commercial customers receive the exceptional service that has defined Sunshine Ace Hardware for more than 65 years. His duties include supervising associates, developing work schedules, recruiting and hiring employees, managing inventory flow, and ensuring a safe environment for all customers and associates.

The Ave Maria store, located at 5360 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 110, is less than a mile from the Town Center. The new store will feature comprehensive paint and grilling departments, as well as a wide selection of power and hand tools, hardware, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing fixtures, propane and supplies for DIYers.

Kennedy joined Sunshine Ace Hardware in May 2023 as a floor supervisor in the Marco Island store before being promoted to the role of assistant store manager of the Founders Square location. Before joining Sunshine Ace Hardware, Kennedy was an assistant manager and rental manager for eight years at Baskin’s Ace Hardware in Massachusetts. Kennedy brings experience in multiple industries, including retail, information technology, construction, business, health care, hospitality, warehouse management and more.

Kennedy earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and secondary education from St. Michael’s College in Vermont.

Sunshine Ace Hardware has brought approximately 20 new jobs to this community and will be serving as Ave Maria’s first and only hardware store.