Ossian Hardware announced its acquisition of Markle Hardware & Rental in Markle. This strategic acquisition expands Ossian Hardware’s operations to three home improvement and rental stores in Northeast Indiana, enhancing the company’s ability to better serve the local community with a broader range of products and services.
Markle Hardware & Rental has been a trusted community resource under the ownership of Mark Schaufelberger and his daughter, Whitney McBride, since 2007. The 5,400-square-foot, full-service home improvement store is known for its key departments, including fasteners, lawn and garden, plumbing, rental, and The Color Bar.
Following the acquisition, the store will continue to operate under the name Markle Hardware & Rental, maintaining its current leadership and dedicated staff to ensure a seamless experience for its loyal customers.
“I’ve long admired Mark’s leadership and the strong reputation he’s cultivated with Markle Hardware & Rental,” said Ossian Hardware Owner Eventt Norris. “This acquisition allows us to build on that legacy, serving an even broader portion of Wells County. Our goal is to deliver the same high level of customer service and product selection that our Ossian and Marion customers have come to expect. We officially took the reins on Jan. 1, and we’ve already felt so welcomed by the community.”
This acquisition marks the third hardware store for Norris, joining Ossian Hardware in Ossian and Max Hardware in Marion. Additionally, Norris operates Bluffton Rentco Tool & Equipment Rental in Bluffton. This acquisition is a natural progression of his commitment to serving the region’s hardware and rental needs.
“We’re confident in passing the torch to Eventt and his team,” said Schaufelberger. “Their dedication to the home improvement industry and providing exceptional customer service perfectly aligns with our values. We’re looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow the store and serve the community.”
To celebrate this new chapter, Norris is planning a grand reopening event in the spring of 2025, which will include all store locations. This celebration will feature exclusive promotions, product demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, inviting customers from across Wells County to join in the festivities.
Ossian Hardware’s growth is backed by the strength of its status as a member-owner of Do it Best, a U.S.-based hardware, lumber and building materials co-op with thousands of independently owned locations in the United States and more than 60 other countries. Store hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday–Friday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more at doitbest.com/ossian-hardware.
