Westlake Ace Hardware Honors Shannon Howard with Helpful Hearts Award

Liberal, Kan., store manager recognized for outstanding service

Westlake Ace Hardware is proud to recognize Shannon Howard, general manager of its Liberal, Kan., location, with the company’s Helpful Hearts Award. The award honors Westlake Ace associates who passionately lead and serve others in their communities.

“Shannon’s dedication to both her team and community is truly inspiring,” said Tom Craft, district manager Westlake Ace Hardware. “She naturally fosters a spirit of teamwork and service, making a meaningful impact every day. We are thrilled to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.”

A passionate advocate for children in need, Howard and her team partnered with the Western Kansas Children’s Advocacy Center to host a Giving Tree in December 2025. Drawing from her own experiences as a foster child, she was determined to bring joy to local foster children during the holiday season. Thanks to the store’s efforts, the initiative received an outpouring of support from the local community.

Her leadership also played a key role in the annual Salvation Army Fan Drive. In 2024, the Liberal store saw a 70 percent increase in donations compared to the previous year, which resulted in 60 box fans being provided to the community. Howard humbly credits her team, saying “Everyone calls me a cheerleader, but they’re the ones doing the hard work. I just try to lead and support them the best I can.”

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Westlake Ace held a special ceremony where Howard was presented with a framed certificate and a donation to her chosen community cause, Western Kansas Children’s Advocacy Center. To see and hear more about Shannon Howard’s giving spirit, a video can be found HERE.

About Westlake Ace Hardware

For nearly 120 years, Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have counted on for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. Westlake lives the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products so its customers and neighbors get their projects done right every time.

Part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959, Westlake Ace is headquartered in the Kansas City area. It currently owns and operates more than 165 stores in 13 states.

Westlake Ace is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ace Retail Holdings. A division of Ace Hardware Corporation, Ace Retail Holdings currently owns and operates more than 245 Ace hardware stores nationwide under the Buikema’s Ace, Dennis Company Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Westlake Ace, and Outer Banks Ace brands.

Contact:

Susan Shank – Media Contact – sshank@mprg.biz – (816) 536-5746

Source: Westlake Hardware, Inc.