After thirty years in manufacturing, most recently as an executive for Molded Materials in Saline, Jim Junga was ready for a change but not ready to retire. After all, he and his wife, Diane, aren’t quite finished raising all five of their children—the youngest is a senior at Saline High School.

Set to open in early October in the Oaks shopping center, Junga’s Ace Hardware will have 10,000 square feet of retail space including a garden center and services like glass cutting, pipe cutting, minor welding, and repairs.

The Jungas don’t seemed fazed about the Walmart or the ACO Hardware just down the road. They’re confident that their store will complement nearby retailers and be a very locally centered business.

Diane plans to work at the store on weekends and keep her job as a teacher at Woodland Meadows Elementary. Asked how she plans to juggle the two jobs, she smiles and says, “I’ve raised five children.”

The Jungas talk about Saline with an almost palpable gratitude. It’s been their home for twenty-three years. “We’ve received so much from this community,” says Diane. “Opening the store is a way to give back.”

Junga’s Ace Hardware, 932 E. Michigan (The Oaks). 944–9862. Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.