Testimonials

  • What makes SKKR so valuable to both vendors they represent, and our Ace Hardware stores is that they truly understand the independent hardware channel and the needs of our owners. They’ve done an exceptional job over the years making sure our stores are positioned and ready to win everyday, from both a training and inventory perspective. We’ve experienced significant growth with many vendors that SKKR represents that wouldn’t have come to fruition without the close/consistent working relationship that they have with our merchant teams, inventory teams and advertising teams.

    Chris Hankla

    Ace Hardware Corporation General Vice President of Merchandise – Oak Brook, IL

  • Gerten’s has worked closely with the folks at SKKR over the last 20 years and I am pleased to say, they are great people to deal with. I’ve worked with Art Krug and his people and they helped build our business at our garden center in the Twin Cities. They work with us at True Value shows, help us understand the promotions and deals, they provide coaching and assistance to our team, and continually check with us to ensure that we are taking advantage of the resources that are available to their dealers. The SKKR crew are extremely knowledgeable and have provided detail and insight that seldom occurs with other rep groups. The SKKR people allow my buyers and I to freely contact them on all matters. To sum it up, the SKKR reps do an outstanding job handling our business and are a true pleasure to do business with.

    Gino Pitera

    Owner of Gertens Garden Center – Inver Grove Heights, MN

  • My experience with SKKR is unique, interacting with them on both sides of the negotiation table; on the manufacturer side and now at Ace. I have incredible respect for their authentic approach to selling.  Here’s what you can expect from SKKR. Your brand will be treated as if you were managing it across retail channels.  This team immerses themselves into the product line, brand experience.  An immersion that results in a blurred line; retailers often assume they are employees of the companies they represent.   They take brand ambassadorship to a new level. Aggressive on the sales front.  Every level in their organization has a strong bias for action to secure the sale, listing, promotion. Financially savvy, at the end of the day the math needs to work – and they balance the need for growing both the top and bottom line for their partners. The differentiator for SKKR – they’re masterful at relationship building.  For them, it’s about building trusting, credible, relationships with their brand partners and retailers. In sales, you only have your reputation, results and relationships.  Every member of the SKKR team understands this and operates with care to protect each. You will be proud to call them your partner. And you can trust they will deliver, while also building a partnership that will feel like family.

    Kim Lefko

    Ace Hardware Corporation Chief Marketing Officer – Oak Brook, IL

  • Our relationship with SKKR goes back nearly two decades starting at the Ace Lawn & Garden Expo in Oak Brook. From that first meeting we have never looked back. SKKR has been there to support us at each Ace Convention and every step in between. Whether it is help with planning for the season, refining an order, finding an old part or just talking about the industry, SKKR has been there for us. They have been an integral part of our company growth over the years and have treated us like a partner rather than a customer. SKKR has always been focused on how they could help us grow our business and customer base – through events and product demos, signage, department layout recommendations, product knowledge and innovative marketing ideas. SKKR excels by working as a team to represent the manufacturer in support of superior brand positioning and helping drive retailer growth.

    Greg Gold

    Owner of Miller’s Ace Hardware – McMurray, PA

  • Lewis has worked and known the SKKR group for some time and has always worked together as partners building our business. Very honest group and will do everything they can to help our business grow and be profitable. They help keep us informed on trends and ways to stay viable in a tough retail environment.

    Bob Meyer

    Lewis Stores Senior VP – Sioux Falls, SD

  • SKKR & Associates has been a solid rep agency to work with. The know how to manage the Ace Hardware business and relationships effectively, while maintaining sight of consumer needs. Plain and simple, SKKR & Associates stuff done when you need it and keeps the business driving forward.

    Brandon Boyle

    Ace Hardware Corporate Department Manager – Oak Brook, IL

  • Great agency, kind and caring, responsive, always helpful, informative, always available by phone, email or in person. I would recommend this agency to any Manufacturer. Good people are hard to find and they are second to none.

    Bahman Soltan

    Owner of Hardware City Ace Hardware – Houston, TX

  • I’ve worked with the SKKR team for a number of years and they continue to deliver on exceptional customer service and partnership with every interaction. You know you can rely on anyone on the team for follow up and support when needed. They are a great team that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to enhance their business.

    Rob Kurzweil

    Merchandising Program Manager – Emery-Jensen Distribution

  • I have been associated with SKKR for more than thirty years – either as an Ace retailer or advertising consultant to Ace Regional groups around the country. Through the years, the owners, office and field staff of SKKR have been invaluable to Continued success of the Ace regional groups; not only for advertising support but also training, product demonstrations an service. Their insight and innovation make them one of the leading manufacturer’s rep groups in the country.

    Frank Stebbins

    Fisher Chicago|Los Angeles – Bedford Park, IL