Meet the team
Robert Hornitzki — Ace Team Member & Engraver | Ace Hardware
Not sure who to ask? Start with Robert.
About Robert
Not sure who to ask? Start with Robert.
Some people specialize in one aisle.
Robert Hornitzki is more of an all-around problem solver.
With a background in HVAC, construction, and handyman work, Robert brings practical experience to a role that takes him throughout the Hessler Ace Hardware store. From hardware and tools to keys, engraving, screens, grilling, special orders, home-maintenance products, and everyday repairs, Robert enjoys helping customers figure out what they need and where to go next.
And if you're not even sure who you should be asking?
Robert is a pretty good place to start.
Hands-on background
HVAC • Construction • Handyman work
Robert's previous experience gives him a practical understanding of the kinds of repairs, maintenance needs, and projects customers bring into the store every day.
His background in HVAC, construction, and handyman work gives him a useful perspective when customers are dealing with everyday home-maintenance projects, and his role at Hessler has made him familiar with a wide variety of products and services across the Ace department.
What Robert does at Hessler
Robert wears a lot of hats
On a typical day, you might find him helping customers on the Ace sales floor, stocking products, assisting at the register, working in the warehouse, helping with an engraving project, or tracking down something a customer needs.
That variety suits him.
Robert genuinely enjoys helping people, whether they come in with a specific product in mind or simply have a problem they're trying to solve.
Ask Robert about
- Hardware for a repair or DIY project
- Finding the right tool
- Keys
- Custom engraving
- Screen-related products
- Grilling supplies
- Special orders
- Plumbing repair products
- Electrical repair products
- HVAC and air-conditioning products
- Cleaning products
- General household projects
You don't necessarily need to know the exact name of what you're looking for. Tell Robert what you're trying to accomplish and start there.
Engraving at Hessler
Engraving is one of the more unique parts of Robert's role at Hessler.
Whether you're looking for an engraved item or need help understanding the engraving options available, Robert can help you get the process started.
Sometimes the best question is: "Do you have something that will fix this?"
You don't always walk into a hardware store with a part number.
- Sometimes you bring in a broken piece.
- Sometimes you have a picture on your phone.
- Sometimes you can describe the problem but have no idea what it's called.
That's okay. Robert's hands-on background and broad role around the store make him a good person to start that conversation with. Explain the problem — he'll help you figure out the next move.
"If you ever need help with anything at all, come see me. I'd be happy to help!"
Robert likes the questions
All of them
When asked what types of customer problems or projects he enjoys helping with, Robert didn't narrow it down to one category. He enjoys helping with any problem, question, or project — and that's really the best description of his customer-service style.
Whether the question is about hardware, a household repair, an unusual product, a special order, or something completely different, Robert enjoys figuring out how he can help.
For Robert, one of the biggest differences at Hessler is the people. He appreciates working with coworkers who genuinely care and a team he knows he can rely on — and that teamwork benefits customers too, because when a question requires another team member's specialty, there's someone nearby willing to jump in.
Beyond the Ace floor, Robert enjoys hobbies that give him a chance to flex his creativity. That creative mindset fits naturally with the way he approaches projects: look at what you're working with, figure out what's possible, and find a way forward.
Have a problem, question, or project?
Start with Robert
Maybe you need hardware for a repair, a tool, a key, an engraving, a special-order item, or help tracking down something for the house. Or maybe you're standing in the store thinking, “I don't even know what I need.” That's fine too — tell Robert what you're working on and let him help you figure out where to start.