When Mark Jaconski, owner of Stanley’s True Value Hardware in Roxborough, walks through his store, he often hears shoppers praise the business’s customer service.

“People tell us all the time, especially if they’re here for the first time, ‘It’s like going into a mini-Home Depot, except you guys actually help us,’” Jaconski said. “That’s the difference. …That’s what keeps people coming back.”

Along with his brother, Joe, who runs the second Stanley’s True Value Hardware location in Oreland, Mark says he’s committed to providing a positive experience for his customers. This commitment was recently rewarded by Hardware Connection magazine, which gave the brothers the 2026 Retail Beacon Award for excellence in independent home-improvement retailing. The award was presented on July 29 at a gala in Orlando.

History of the business

Stanley’s True Value Hardware was opened in 1948 by Mark and Joe’s grandfather, Stanley Jaconski. The original location was in Manayunk before the store moved to Roxborough in 1958. Mark and Joe’s father, also named Stanley, continued the tradition of running the store, expanding it and making it a neighborhood staple.

In 2013, the store underwent a total rebuild, modernizing the 12,000-square-foot retail space with a brighter, more accessible layout and an outdoor garden center. Two years later, with the rebuild complete, the brothers decided to take on another location and opened the Oreland store.

Since the business opened over 75 years ago, the Jaconskis have seen a lot of change in the retail landscape. Big-box stores and online shopping have led to hardships for many local businesses but, according to Mark, Stanley’s True Value Hardware has continued to thrive.

“We have continued to grow even after the big-box stores came into place, and then after online shopping started, we continue to grow yearly,” Mark said. “It all comes down to customer service.”

Giving back

The Jaconskis were nominated by True Value for the Retail Beacon Award, which Mark said was cool enough. But to win the award? That recognition was even more exciting.

“You don’t do this to win an award,” Mark said. “You do it to make a living and to serve your community. … But being recognized for all your hard work and your community involvement and all that is just a nice feather in the cap.”

The Jaconskis strive to provide knowledgeable assistance to customers in their stores, yet recognize that owning a business involves more than just what goes on in the building. They also give back to the community that has supported them for decades. Stanley’s True Value Hardware has supported local organizations such as North Light Community Center and the Share Food Program.

“That’s huge for us — giving back,” Mark said. “We make our living on and off of this community, so why would we not give back?”

In 2013, during the rebuild of the Roxborough store, the Jaconskis earned recognition beyond the retail industry. The Philadelphia Water Department labeled Stanley’s True Value Hardware the city’s first “Stormwater Pioneer” after the brothers installed stormwater management features such as underground infiltration basins and a rain garden to manage runoff. City Council also gave the duo a citation recognizing the business as a model for responsible private development. This was “just another way of helping out the community,” according to Mark.

The fourth generation

As the Jaconskis reflect on their lifetime achievement award, they also are thinking about the future. Mark’s son, Alex, and Joe’s sons, Joe Jr. and Jesse, have already joined the Stanley’s True Value Hardware team, marking the fourth generation of the family involved in the business. Mark said he is “extremely proud” that the business is “in good hands” in the future.

“We’ll see what the future brings,” Mark said. “Myself and my brother have no desire on retiring, even though we’re of retirement age. But it’s nice to be able to now pull back a little bit and not be here six and seven days a week with the next generation playing their part.”

Overall, the Jaconskis are grateful for the community, just as much as the community is grateful for them.

“I can’t go out on the sales floor ever without somebody stopping me and thanking us for just either being here in general, or they stopped me to compliment one or all of my staff,” Mark said. “We’re very thankful for the support … and it seems to be a two-way street. People love having us, and we love being here.”

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.