Hometown man returns to take helm of Ace Store

Thomas Wolfe, a major American novelist, famously titled one of his works “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Trenton Morris would disagree. You can go home again.

Trent, the son of TJ and Kendra Morris, who operate Superior Industries was a 2016 Superior High School graduate. He was an outstanding academic student. Morris also participated in several sports as well as school clubs. He has two siblings, Ezra, an electrician with South Central Electric and Clayton, a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Trent was awarded a full scholarship to attend Tulane University in New Orleans. Morris trook full advantage of the offer.

Trent was undecided as to his major. He declared seven majors before being informed that whichever one he chose next, it would be his final one.. He graduated in 2020 with a bachelor of science degree in public health. When this reporter spoke tih Morris in 2016 he was off to major in political science. How things change.

Morris took advantage of the multi-cultural offerings of the Big Easy. He resided on campus for his first two years before securing off-campus housing, sharing a house with three roomates. Morris was never idle. He was employed at several bars located adjacent to the Tulane campus. He worked as a bouncer, bartender and manager over the course of several years.

Morris began working at the Superior Ace Hardware store on his 15th birthday. He worked weekends and summers through high school. .He returned to Superior to work at the store for two summers during his university days.

After university graduation, Morris was employed by Trader Joe’s as a store associate. An offer from a previous employer who operated a beverage establishment lured Morris back into a management position. He continued to share a house with the same group of friends for eight years. One thing New Orleans does not lack is a vibrant night life which Morris was able to enjoy.

Morris noted the long time operators of the Superior Ace store, Bob and Sue Trapp, often teased him about purchasing the business when he was employed there.

Morris was seemingly content residing in the Crescent City, despite the heat and humidity along with vicious hurricanes, when he received a call from Sue one year ago. There was no teasing about this call. She inquired if he would be interested in purchasing the business. He noted that this was a surprise offer. He realized that small town living had an appeal that was missing in the city.

Morris took the offer seriously and contemplated his future for three weeks before agreeing to become the operator of the store.

He returned to Superior and began the process of implementing the transfer of operation.

He was subject to due diligence from Ace. He underwent the arduous process of obtaining financing for the project.

He officially took over as the operator on April 1.

His familiarity with store operations and the local community have made for a seamless transition. Bob Trapp is staying on as a part-time worker. He provides a wealth of institutional knowledge for Morris as well as for store customers. Sue assist with office operations when needed. Deb Siebert, a longtime associate of more than 30 years, is assisting with the transition. Ben Kramp is working the same position Morris did in his high school years. Gabby Sharla and Greg Kuhlmann round out the staff .

Morris will hold a grand reopening May, 31 June 1 and 2.

Welcome home again, Trent.