Home » Industry News » Retired Ace Hardware Executive Dies at Age 94

Retired Ace Hardware Executive Dies at Age 94

Carl Bicking, former executive vice president of sales for Ace Hardware Corporation, died May 12 at the age of 94.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marian Bicking.

Bicking was a World War II veteran who served in the Army Corps of Engineers and a longtime executive with Ace Hardware.

Bill Loftus, now retired executive vice president of retail for Ace, he fondly remembers his time with Bicking, not only as a leader but as a friend. The two often commuted to work together, where Loftus says they exchanged many ideas.

“When Carl joined Ace, the company was averaging $300 million in sales annually,” Loftus says. “Over the years, Carl helped to grow the company tremendously– into the industry leading organization that it is today– and along the way, he made an indelible mark as an outstanding leader.”

Bicking hired Dan Miller, Ace’s current vice president of retail operations and new business.

“To me, Carl Bicking exemplified the significance of Ace pride and passion that our company’s founders courageously believed and lived,” Miller says.

In addition to his wife Marian, Bicking is survived by his children Douglas, Donald and David; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

To read Bicking’s obituary, click here.

About Renee Changnon

Renee Changnon is the retail outreach coordinator for NRHA. She meets with retailers in their stores and at industry events and introduces them to the services NRHA provides. Renee previously worked as a member of the NRHA communications team. She earned a degree in visual journalism from Illinois State University, where she served as the features editor for the school newspaper. After college, she implemented marketing and promotions initiatives at Jimmy John’s franchise locations across the country. She enjoys exploring books with her book club, Netflix marathons and hosting goat yoga at her apartment complex. Renee Changnon 317-275-9442 rchangnon@nrha.org

Check Also

NHS Day 1

Expanded Offerings, New Opportunities Shine Bright on Day 1 at NHS

With a reimagined show floor and outdoor living area, several new product categories and refreshed …