The Business Person of the Year Award recognizes a local business owner or employee who makes a significant contribution to the community through service and dedication. Hammer & Nails Hardware has served Pacific Beach and La Jolla in the same location on Turquois Street since 1946. Bill Meanley has owned the store since 1991 and joined the Ace Hardware cooperative in 2004. Bill and his team provide proactive and personalized support that exceeds customer expectations. The neighborhood store is known for long- time employees who build relationships with customers to find solutions to their home and yard needs. Hammer & Nails supports the community in many ways including sponsorship of youth activities and local school projects.
Bill has been a member of the La Jolla Rotary Club since 1994 and has been active in numerous programs and projects. He has supported the La Jolla High School Interact Club’s Tijuana home builds like nobody else. Supporting over 25 builds, Bill has allowed club leadership to procure up to $200 worth of supplies, hammers, and whatever is needed each time without question. These costs add up quickly and without his support, it would be very difficult to come up with the money as the cost of a home build has doubled over time.
We are honored to present Bill with the well-deserved Business Person of the Year Award in 2026 and thank Hammer & Nails for serving the community with genuine care.
