History
1884
Title
Gardner Hardware Company is incorporated in Minnesota by H.B. Gardner and opens for business in Downtown Minneapolis.
1910s
Title
H.B. Gardner’s three sons, H.M. Gardner, Guy Gardner and Edward Gardner take over the family business.
1944
TItle
Gardner Hardware Company announces expansion program with acquisition of lot adjoining its building on Nicollet Avenue.
1950s
TItle
Lawrence Healy, son-in-law of Guy Gardner, assumes a leadership role, ultimately taking over as owner. Gardner Hardware Company moves to 515 Washington Avenue North.
1970s
TItle
Lawrence Healy steps down from day-to-day operational responsibilities and his son, Stephen Healy, becomes President.
1984
TItle
Gardner Hardware Company celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Inaugural anvil drop takes place, a tradition that will continue for three decades.
2009
TItle
Gardner Standard founded by Michael Healy to formally pursue private investments in lower middle-market companies.
2012
TItle
Gardner Standard acquires Williston Fire & Safety, a leading provider of life safety services in Western North Dakota.
2013
TItle
Gardner Standard purchases non-performing loan from regional bank, obtains equity ownership of Gunther Toody’s Diners, and executes successful turnaround.
2015
TItle
Healy Family divests 515 Washington Avenue North building to Minneapolis-based real estate developer. Gardner Hardware Company, including its retail business, closes.
2016
TItle
Gardner Standard accomplishes out-of-court restructuring with super-regional bank to acquire McNally Industries.
2018
TItle
Gardner Standard completes successful turnaround of Sun Country Industries, a jet engine component manufacturer.
2020
TItle
Gardner Standard closes two new platform investments, Shadin Avionics and Pharmacal, its 10th and 11th investments.
2022
TItle
Gardner Standard spots opportunity in residential elevators and launches Fox Valley Elevator and Wisconsin Elevator Sales & Service
2024
TItle
Exits to strategic buyers kick-off the year, with January sales of Mid Valley Industries and Williston Fire & Safety