upbeat mood at home center show

A MOOD of excitement and Fl hope for an improved building materials market was in the air at the National Home Center Show in Chicago last month.

Those in remodeling and repair related industries and retailers concentrating on home improvement were especially upbeat about things to come.

". industry is in a shakeout period," in other words "maturing," commented Mike Grossman, chairman and ceo of Grossman's Inc., the 1987 inductee into the Home Center Hall of Fame. Echoins

Story at a Glance

Remodeling & repair markets looking good... Grossman inducted into Hall of Fame praises employees, stresses attitudes and service. ..

Handyman, Lowe's, Payless Cashways, top retailers.

the show's "Focus on Today's Customer" theme in his talk, he said, "l don't think we do nearlv as good a job (as we could) on the basics. "

Warning that survival in the industry depends upon improved attitudes and service to customers, he stressed the important role of the employee. His support of Grossman's personnel during the diffrcult Chapter l1 era in 1985 was praised during the ceremonies. As he became the sixth home center executive to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he accepted the honor on behalf of all the Grossman People, many of whom were there. l||s fiils ca||$ t',ill| tl|0 810 Pn0fll$!

Richard V. Wolohan, founder of Wolohan Lumber Co., Saginaw, Mi., was given the Pioneer Award for his entrepreneurial efforts.

Handyman CorP., San Diego, Ca.; Lowe's ComPanies, Inc.; PaYless Cashways and Stripling-Blake Lumber Co., Inc., Austin, Tx., were among retailers honored as 1986 home center of the Year award winners.

In viewing exhibits in the hall and talking with retailers, it became evident that the do-it-yourselfer is the inspiration for the majority of the products as well as the motivation for much of the merchandising.

CllECKlllG EllllBllS at Chicago's National Home Center Show lll Gene Orlando, American Hardwood Industries, Joyce Rouse & Ron Clark, Wickes Cos.' Home Centers West' l2l Stephen J. Koren, product line manager' and David Stanley, chairman of the board and ceo, Payless Cashways. l3l Jane Cornell, Plywood Panelino Council, & Joe Armetta' Georqia-Pacifii. lll D. B. Kayne and A. S. Rent6n, Canfor. l5l Marty Gill, Russell Stadelman Co. l0l John Snead' Randy Gamiel, Bob Edwards, of Osmose Co. l7l Chuck Smith, WeYerhaeuser.