We are pleased to announce the sale of our client Leroux Creek Trading, Inc. (dba Gambles Hardware) to Nation’s Best Holdings, LLC. The acquisition closed May 1, 2024.

Gambles Hardware (Gambles), located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, is an Ace hardware store which services the local and surrounding counties in the region. Founded in 1942, Gambles has built its 82-year reputation as the first-choice source for home improvement goods and services in Hotchkiss. They are known for their strong selection of plumbing, electrical products, gardening, and paint, as well as authorized dealers for in-demand brands.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Nation’s Best was founded in 2019 and currently owns and operates a growing number of locations across the United States. Nation’s Best is committed to identifying and acquiring best-in-class independent home improvement stores to ensure their continued relevance as vibrant community resources.

“When owner Kimberly Kelly expressed an interest in selling her family’s hardware store so she could refocus her efforts on her other businesses in town, we stepped in to take a closer look at Gambles Hardware knowing that store could be a great fit within the Nation’s Best model,” says Tina Green, Regional Vice President of Operations for Nation’s Best’s West Region.

Green added, “Kimberly and her late husband built up a solid store that aimed to serve all the community’s needs. The store is clean, welcoming, well- organized, and broad in its mix of diverse products across its 7,000 square feet of retail space.”

Robert Debs, who oversees acquisitions for Nation’s Best, notes that the company intends to remain active on the acquisitions front this year. “Nation’s Best has no plans to slow down. With almost sixty stores now in operation under the Nation’s Best family of over thirty distinct brands, we have honed our winning formula for success. We are looking forward to continuing to demonstrate the value and relevance of independent home improvement across the country.”

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A – Western Region, Lori Galloway, Randy Bernard, Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, with the support of Senior Vice President, M&A, Amy Wall successfully closed the transaction. Senior Managing Director, Ashok Tandon established the initial relationship with Gambles.