Walter Hachborn

Who is Walter Hachborn?

Walter Hachborn, CM is a Canadian businessman who is the co-founder of Home Hardware, a Canadian home improvement and construction retailer which supplies to contractors and individual consumers.

Born in Conestogo, Ontario, he has lived in St. Jacobs, Ontario most of his life. He started working in the hardware industry in 1938 and created Home Hardware in 1964 with two partners, Henry Sittler and Arthur Zilliax. He has been its President since the beginning and the company has grown from 122 dealers to over 1100 stores. He retired from day-to-day operations in 1988, but still retains the title of President.

In 1988, the Retail Council of Canada recognized Hachborn's success at Home Hardware. In recognition of this accomplishment he was presented with the Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award. He was also awarded the distinction of Retailer of the Century in 1999

In 1999, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. In 1985, he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he served as a member of WLU's board of governors for 10 years.