Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware Honored as “America’s Retail Champion”

For more than 71 years, Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware has been part of the fabric of Central Florida. This year, that legacy was recognized at a national level.

Bruce Phillips, President of Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware was selected by the National Retail Federation as a 2026 American Retail Champion, a nationwide honor that recognizes retailers for their leadership and involvement in public policy advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. Phillips was one of 50 honorees from 27 states.

“The NRF brings all types, sizes and forms of retailers together for the benefit of all retailers, whether you are a small family-owned business such as Crowder Brothers Hardware, or a large national chain of stores,” Phillips said. “I am excited for the experience to come from networking with such a diverse group of leaders.”

For Phillips, the recognition reflects generations of commitment to independent retail. A fourth-generation Florida hardware businessman, he officially joined the family business in 1990, working alongside his father, Carroll “Bud” Phillips, until Bud passed away in 2015. 

His great grandfather, Isham Whitfield Phillips, founded the I.W. Phillips & Co. wholesale building materials distribution center in Tampa in 1898. The operation was sold to Ace Hardware in 1977.

“As we reflect on the last 250 years, we are inspired by the role small businesses have played in providing jobs and economic opportunity and strengthening communities,” said David French, NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “The 2026 America’s Retail Champion honorees exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the retail industry.”

More than 98 percent of retail businesses in the United States employ fewer than 50 people, underscoring the critical role small retailers play in the nation’s economy.

Crowder Bros. Hardware of North Lakeland opened in November 1996 with Phillips as the president. 

In late 2011, the decision was made to merge Crowder Bros. of North Lakeland Corporation into the Crowder Bros. of Lakeland Corporation, which is owned by Phillips and his wife, Keisha. 

“The success of our business has been built on the foundation of fine customer service, competitive prices, and quality merchandise,” Bruce Phillips said.