Former Ace Hardware chair to speak on merging innovation, Christian ethics

David Ziegler, former chairman of Ace Hardware Corporation, will visit Judson University in Elgin for an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session during the "CREATE 2015" speaker series from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Thulin Performance Hall, 1151 N. State St. (Route 31).

Ziegler became the chairman of the Ace Hardware board of directors in 2008. He held that post through June 2014. During his leadership, the Oak Brook-based hardware cooperative experienced significant growth and earned its eight consecutive year of recognition from J.D. Power & Associates.

Ziegler is a third-generation owner of Ziegler's Ace Hardware, a hardware retail chain in the Northwest suburbs with stores in Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, South Elgin and two locations in Elgin.

He will be the first of two outside speakers during the "CREATE 2015" series, which focuses on innovation and leadership with a Christian world view. Such presentations build momentum in preparation for the new "Judson Shark Tank" event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, in the Thulin Performance Hall.

With encouragement from professors Leslie Kruser and Keith Jenkins, "CREATE 2015" is the brainchild of Judson Business Society members Chris Simon, Ethan Adams, Haley Johnsen, John Smith, Rebekah Tabb, Joslin Ward and Bryan Cherry.

"We are excited about the opportunities this speaker series provides to open our campus to the public. We hope that many who reside on and off campus come to hear how David Ziegler merges innovation and a Christian worldview to lead a successful business venture," says Michelle Kilbourne, department chair for the School of Leadership and Business.

For details, visit www.create2015.org.