In this episode, host Paul Ehlinger sits down with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of Logan Hardware and a trailblazer in the Ace Hardware cooperative system. Gina shares her unlikely journey from the tech industry to opening a hardware store in Washington, DC and how curiosity, grit and community helped her build a thriving multi-location business.

From navigating a male-dominated industry to serving on the Ace board as only the second woman elected in nearly a century, Gina reveals the leadership lessons that shaped her 22-year run. She also dives deep into the cooperative model, explaining how it differs from franchising and why autonomy plus shared resources created the perfect balance for growth.

Listeners will hear:

• How Gina went from three tech layoffs to founding a hardware business in a revitalizing DC neighborhood.

• What the “joy of the co-op” really means and how it compares to traditional franchise marketing and ownership models.

• Why curiosity and asking “stupid questions” became her superpower in business.

• How serving in a male-dominated industry shaped her leadership voice and confidence.

• The inside story of transitioning her company to an ESOP and turning 135 employees into co-owners.

Why generational wealth, local ownership and long-term culture matter more than a private equity exit.

It's a must-listen for leaders who care about sustainable ownership, and building businesses that outlast them, and for anyone exploring how to use AI for business, and how to support smarter multi-location leadership.