Vassar True Value was founded in 1980 when Fred and Cathy Barden purchased an old Western Auto store at 402 E. Huron Avenue in Vassar, MI.  Upon purchasing the store, they joined the hardware cooperative that was known as Cotter and Company, with the consumer brand of True Value.  Over the years, as the store grew, they determined that there would be a need to expand the existing store footprint.  In 1999, a new addition was added to the store, doubling the square footage.

In 2009, Adam Barden purchased the business from Fred and Cathy, becoming the second generation to operate the store.  In 2010, a rental department was added and an additional rental warehouse was built on an adjacent piece of property.  As the rental department and the store continued to grow, the decision was made to add a second store. 

In 2015, Frankenmuth True Value opened in neighboring Frankenmuth.  Located in the Bavarian Mall, Frankenmuth True Value quickly became the local go to destination for paint and hardware in Frankenmuth.  

In 2023, we will celebrate our 43rd year of continuous operation.