Meet The General Manager: Tracey Gatdula

When Tracey Gatdula learned that Park Hardware owner Rick Miller was searching for a general manager to oversee the Severna Park shop, it did not take much imagination to picture himself in that role.

Gatdula was a customer of the location’s previous store, Clement Hardware, and he had 30 years of retail management experience.

“Rick was kind enough to pluck me out of retirement,” said Gatdula, who has worked everywhere from JCPenney and CVS to neighborhood stores, including Arnold Farms and Greener Gardens. “I’ve run over $30 million of retail and I’ve run $2 million of retail.”

Park Hardware presented a unique opportunity, though.

“After 35 years of running retail, I came here because Rick said that he would allow me to run the business and retail decisions would go through me,” Gatdula said. “This was invaluable to someone who has run other people’s businesses for a very long time and also owns and runs a very successful business myself. Rick doesn’t look over my shoulder and makes me feel like I am a partner in the business.”

Miller is a fourth-generation owner and president of his 100-year-old family business, Zeskind’s Hardware and Millwork, and now Park Hardware. Prior to Gatdula’s arrival in February 2025, Miller already began a series of upgrades to the store layout and offerings. Among other services, Park Hardware added screen, glass and window sash repair; small engine repair; key-cutting and duplication; and assembly services — many of which are not often found at other hardware stores. It also brought the Zeskind's Hardware and Millwork showroom to Park Hardware.

Gatdula is also bringing his own ideas, such as a 24-hour bait machine that was installed in July. Park Hardware has a new fishing section inside the store, an idea Gatdula suggested and implemented. The closest bait and tackle stores are 15 minutes away in Annapolis and Pasadena, he said, so this is a real differentiator and fills a need in the community.

“He has the experience with operations, expenses, purchasing and merchandising,” Miller said. “It’s critical to have someone like Tracey to rely on (in those areas). My background is really in manufacturing, distribution and sales.”

When it comes to the store, Gatdula has a simple philosophy.

“I believe retail has to move to keep things fresh. We have to get rid of things that aren’t in high demand,” he said. “My view is to have a clean store, where you are able to find everything you need, and the shelves are stocked.”

New inventory is only part of the focus that Park Hardware has as it continues to grow. Another priority is customer service.

“Our 100-year history has a (reputation of being) very service oriented,” Miller said. “I think we bring reliability and a modern selection.”

Gatdula has plenty of service experience, which he also puts to use as an independent entrepreneur. He and his wife have owned the mobile catering business Glazey Days Donuts for 13 years.

As with Park Hardware, he gets to meet customers, listen to their stories and provide them with something they need whether it’s a sweet treat or answers to questions about their homes and gardens.

According to Gatdula, the general manager job description for Park Hardware is not that different from a big-box store in terms of responsibilities, such as inventory and payroll, but its role in the community sets it apart. Park Hardware supports community organizations regularly, with the most recent examples being Stef Ripple’s annual 5K, the Arnold Senior Center, and Art in the Park, a collaboration between Cafe Mezzanotte and the Severna Park Voice newspaper that supported Bello Machre this year.

Park Hardware also supports Severna Park High, Severna Park Middle, St. Martin’s-in-the-Field and Indian Creek schools.

“I think we strive to embody what a hometown store is,” Gatdula said. “Park Hardware is not a corporate giant. If you need hardware but you’re not sure what you need, we’re going to make sure you get what you came for and we’re going to give you the best service.”