The Singer

When it comes to performing live for an audience, nerves aren't the only thing that can make a musician sweat. For Alexa Kilgore, an equipment malfunction was not part of her planned set.

Just minutes before closing time at Evergreen Ace Hardware & Paint, Alexa found Ace employees Roger and Kenny ready to help. Her adjustable music stand had failed and she needed it for her performance that evening. The stand held her tablet, which she used for displaying sheet music and lyrics. One more crucial detail: her performance at Casa Tequila's Mexican Restaurant started in just 7 minutes!

Kenny and Roger assessed the situation. The music stand had a ball joint that was missing a piece of hardware. The mechanism was a bit fiddly, so they instructed Alexa to begin her performance and they would complete the repair and bring the equipment back to her.

After a quick trip down the fastener aisle, they were able to find the correct size Hillman nut and restore tension to the music stand ball joint so that it could hold the tablet securely.

Roger clocked out for the day, and he was able to deliver the mended stand to Alexa just as her performance began. She gave Roger and the Ace team a special mention on stage, and the owner of Casa Tequila treated Roger to a beverage at the bar.

Bill Moore, the owner of Evergreen Ace, was pleased with the way his employees jumped into action. "I was so proud of the associates for the way that they took on this project and solved the customer's problem," Bill said. "It embodies the whole helpful spirit - going above and beyond."

"The fact that Ace Hardware gives back is incredible. Every time that I have walked into an Ace Hardware, they have been helpful," said Alexa. "Every single Ace Hardware I have been to, I have made a connection with an employee. And that is really valuable."