by Lauren Cavagnolo
Photos courtesy of Cornerstone Ace Hardware
“Do you know where Simon is?”
It’s a question customers ask daily at Cornerstone Ace Hardware in Owasso. So who exactly is Simon? He isn’t the store manager, but he might be just as important: he’s the feline “Face of Ace.”
Most often, Simon can be found catnapping in his bed in the center of the store. “If you can’t find him on his bed, you will have to search the store because he sleeps anywhere,” said Katie Davidson, general manager.
After the loss of a previous store cat, owner Caleb Potter and the Ace team decided to adopt again, which eventually led them to Simon.
Simon’s story almost took a very different turn. He was abandoned at Sapulpa Animal Control and slated for euthanasia before being rescued by Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue (SPACAR), according to a Facebook post from the group.
“As a local hardware store, we wanted to support SPACAR because it is a local nonprofit animal rescue,” said Davidson.
Adopted in September 2017, Simon quickly made himself at home. Jamie Garland, team leader, recalled that he settled in almost immediately and seemed comfortable from day one.
The muted orange-and-white domestic shorthair now rules the routine.
“He meets us at the back door when we get to work, and he walks up to the front to make sure that he gets his morning treat,” said Potter. And should the morning crew forget, the next shift is sure to make it up to him.
It’s not just the staff who dote on Simon — customers love him just as much.
“We didn’t expect him to become as famous as he is!” Davidson said. “We have a specific customer that comes in a few times a month just to give him treats and leave.”
News On 6 even reported on Simon last year after he was injured on the job when a large pry bar fell on him, breaking his leg. He wore a cast for eight weeks but recovered well.
More recently, a Facebook photo of Simon drew more than 400 likes and hearts, with commenters proclaiming their love for him. One even described him as an “emotional support for shoppers.”
“I was at a local restaurant yesterday,” Potter said, “and the employees told me they have customers who say their Saturday plans include coming into Ace to see Simon. It’s a really big draw with kids — he’s part of their Saturday plans. He will let them scratch him and lay on him. That’s been really good. I don’t think we will ever get as lucky with another cat.”
For the most part, the 9-year-old cat minds his manners and avoids trouble.
“Other than leaving hairballs and mice for us to clean up, Simon is pretty calm and collected,” said Davidson.
“He truly loves people, and we love him,” Potter added.
Having Simon in the store also contributes to its welcoming atmosphere.
“A store cat brings a Southern comfort feel to a hardware store,” Garland said. “And we love watching the interaction between Simon and the customers.”
Simon’s bond with both staff and customers is what makes him a perfect fit for Pets & Their People. He isn’t just the store cat — he’s truly a cat of the people. That connection has even inspired Cornerstone Ace to sell a stuffed cat replica of Simon. At $19.99 each, they’ve already sold more than 300 of the plush lookalikes, proof that Simon’s fan club runs deep.
“Any time you have pets, it can really allow employees to connect to them, and it can be therapeutic,” Potter said. “He doesn’t require a lot from us, but what better place for a cat to be. There are so many people who love him. He helps boost morale in the store, and he’s more than a pet — he’s part of the Ace team and family.”
Sidebar
All About Simon
Age: 9
Breed: Domestic shorthair
Likes: Sleeping, treats
Dislikes: Dogs
Visit Simon 360 days a year at Cornerstone Ace Hardware, 11550 N. 129th E. Ave., in Owasso.
