In 1976, World War II veteran Alphonse Ruggiero opened one of the first Ace Hardware stores in the Phoenix area. Six years later, brothers Martin and Art Ruggiero purchased the family business from their father, Al. Specializing in customer service and a unique product selection, the Ruggiero brothers would go on to open a chain of hardware stores across the western half of the United States. Over four decades later, operated by the next generation of Ruggiero brothers, Josh and Austin, Ruggiero's Ace Hardware stores continue to be a destination for hard-to-find products and a friendly and helpful staff.