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'CEO Unplugged' series to feature David and Adam Ziegler Nov. 4

How does an established 85-year-old Elgin-based company continue its legacy as a family-owned retail hardware store company with eight locations? What are the dynamics involved in transitioning through multiple generations? How does maintaining a presence in the community help business with a very successful brand? How are conversations at the Thanksgiving dinner table?

Find out how David and Adam Ziegler of Ziegler's Ace Hardware value community relationships and how the business has changed to remain relevant and strong at the next Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce popular series, "CEO Unplugged," sponsored by the Grand Victoria Casino. The luncheon will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Fox River Room on the second floor of the Grand Victoria Casino pavilion, 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with buffet luncheon at 11:45 a.m. It will adjourn at 1 p.m. Reservations can be made online or call the chamber office at (847) 741-5660.

David and Adam Ziegler are third and fourth generation co-owners of an eight store chain of retail hardware stores known as Ziegler's Ace Hardware. The company has survived economic depressions, recessions, various big box and Internet competition and also has successfully transitioned through multiple generations. For 85 years, their company offices have been located in downtown Elgin, while their current stores are located in Elgin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Cary, and Carpentersville. Ziegler's Ace employs approximately 130 Ace team members.

A 1973 graduate from Larkin High, David Ziegler went on to earn a business degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his CPA and worked for Arthur Young and Co. for three years before returning to the family business in 1979. He is currently president and CEO. David and his cousin Brian co-owned and operated Ziegler's Ace from 1980 until 2015 when David purchased Brian's share of the business. In 1930, their grandfather Lyle purchased an existing hardware store that had been in existence since 1856. Their fathers, Gregg and James, were co-owners from about 1945 until 1980.

David served on the board of directors of global Ace Hardware Corporation from 2001 until 2014, and was chairman of the board for the final six years of his term. During his board tenure, Ace's revenues grew from $2.9 billion to $4.4 billion. He has served on multiple Elgin based nonprofit organization boards and currently is treasurer and a board member of Nationwide Chaplain Services. He enjoys speaking on the topic of leadership. He and his wife, Lydia, attend Christ Community Church.

A 2000 graduate from St. Edward High School, Adam Ziegler went on to earn his business degree and masters of accountancy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He earned his CPA and worked for both KPMG and Alcon Corporation for seven years before returning to the family business in 2013. He is now vice president and chief financial officer.

Adam is currently serving on the Elgin Parks and Recreation Foundation Board and the South Elgin Economic Development Board. He has a keen interest in outdoor recreation and conservation and attends Christ Community Church.

The "CEO Unplugged" luncheon format will include an informal interview with these industry leaders ranging from risks they has taken to what keeps them up at night, and more. It is followed by a quick fire-round of questions and audience questions.

The luncheon series is led by members of the Elgin Area Chamber special events committee: chair Pat Szpekowski, PmS advertising, inc./PR Strategies, and Jennifer Boyle, Manpower: Kelly Brown, Drapery Connection; Toni Diones, Winergy; Yvonne Irving, KCT Credit Union; Tena Robotham, Judson University, and Michael Storey, Beckatt Solutions.

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