About us
About Us
Who We Are
Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware began in 1980 with a simple idea, to build something that lasts.
With the Cochran family at the helm, our company has grown into six locally owned stores across South Georgia while holding firm to the values that defined us from the beginning: hard work, integrity, teamwork, and community. These principles have guided every decision, every partnership, and every store we’ve opened over the past 45 years.
We take pride in being more than a hardware business. We are a family-built organization rooted in service to our customers, to our employees, and to the communities we call home.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to the same purpose that started it all: improving homes, serving neighbors, and strengthening communities…one relationship at a time.
Company History
How We Got Here
Farmers & Builders Supply began in 1980 with a simple, signed napkin.
Brothers William L. (Billy) Cochran and Joseph Leon Cochran, along with Anthony Deal and James Vickers of Carson Lumber Company, entered into an agreement to purchase Thornton’s Hardware in Blackshear.
The store, formerly Davis Hardware from the 1940s, was located on Gordon Street. In 1983, the business was incorporated as Builders Supply, Inc.
In 1986, Leon moved his family to Camden County and opened a store in Kingsland. Six years later, a new location followed in Nahunta. By the early 2000s, Anthony Deal and James Vickers were bought out, leaving ownership in the hands of the Cochran family.
In the year 2000, the company bought Raulerson’s Hardware on Highway 84 in Blackshear and moved into that location. At that time, we became an Ace Hardware dealer, rebranding ourselves as Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware.
Time marched on and expansion continued: Folkston was added in 2003; St. Mary’s in 2008. In 2015, the ownership of Farmers & Builders was divided into two companies.
Leon and his son, Jody, took Kingsland and St. Mary’s. They called their company “Builders Supply, Inc. – Camden.”
Billy’s sons, Matt and Greg, took Blackshear, Nahunta, and Folkston and kept the original “Builders Supply, Inc” name.
All five operated as Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware, but under two separate corporations.
Growth picked back up for our organization in 2021 with the purchase of Possum Eddy Ace Hardware in Sylvania. In 2024, two more stores joined the lineup: Sylvester in March and Waycross in November.
Today, we operate six Ace Hardware locations: Blackshear, Nahunta, Folkston, Sylvania, Sylvester, and Waycross.
Five do business as Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware, while Sylvania continues as Possum Eddy Ace Hardware. We buy most of our inventory from Ace and operate under the Ace name, but we remain independently owned, not a franchise.
From one store in 1980 to six stores today, Farmers & Builders has grown steadily while staying true to one goal: Improving homes, serving neighbors, and strengthening our community through hands-on, helpful service!
Our Core Values
These ideas shape our organization and drive how we operate.
Customer First, Always
Customer Service is our greatest competitive advantage. We treat every customer like they’re the reason we exist–because they are. Whether it’s solving a problem, offering advice, or simply saying hello, we go the extra mile every time. Our reputation is built one great experience at a time.
Pride in How We Show Up
A professional appearance reflects a professional mindset. We take pride in ourselves and our stores. From clean uniforms to well-organized aisles, we create an environment that customers trust and team members are proud of. The way we look says everything about the way we work.
One Team, One Mission
We win together, never alone. Our success depends on every team member pulling in the same direction. We communicate, collaborate, and support each other–because great teamwork turns good stores into great ones.
Rooted in the Community
We don’t just serve the community–we’re a part of it. We show up for local events, support local causes, and build lasting relationships with the people who live and work around us. Giving back is not a program; it’s who we are.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Billy Cochran
Founder
Gail Cochran
Founder
Matt Cochran
CEO / Visionary
Greg Cochran
COO / Integrator
Melissa Myrick
Director of Operations
Rob Smith
Director of Human Resources
Jeremy Gove
Director of Marketing
Customer Testimonials
