Ever since it was founded by brothers, Leo and Jack Rabe; Rabe Hardware has been a family owned and operated company. Leo’s son, Jake Rabe, grew up in the family business and at an early age began showing interest in home mechanical services. In 1994, after serving as an F-18 Fighter Jet Mechanic in the Gulf War, Jake and his wife, Erika, became owners of Rabe Hardware.
Under Jake’s leadership, the company has significantly expanded services to include far more than could have been imagined by its founders. Today, Rabe Hardware has nearly 40 employees dedicated to serving Eastern Iowa’s solar, geothermal, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and fireplace needs.
In 2007, an opportunity to purchase the Travis True Value in Vinton, IA lead to the opening of a second location named Home Comfort Headquarters. This location is home to an impressive fireplace showroom with more than 25 operable fireplace displays including gas, wood and electric; as well as a variety of wood and multi-fuel stoves.
The most notable of their accomplishments in the past 40 years, has been their rise to the top of Iowa’s energy services industry. A long-time advocate of renewable energy, Jake realized early on the role geothermal and solar would have on protecting customers from rising energy costs while improving efficiency and lowering operating costs. Now, two decades later, Rabe Hardware is widely recognized as one of Iowa’s most trusted solar and geothermal experts.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made and are thrilled to see what the future holds for Rabe Hardware. Our success over the past 40 years wouldn’t have been possible if not for the talents and dedication of our team and the loyal customers who look to Rabe Hardware for their home comfort and energy saving needs.”
– Jake Rabe, 2nd Generation Owner
