HBSD January 2025

JANUARY 2025 Volume 51 No. 1

JANUARY 2025 Volume 51 No. 1

THE ANNUAL

GOLDEN HAMMER AWARDS

Best new products from the hardware and building supply industry

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1200+ 40 +

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02

VENDOR BOOTHS

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

ORGILL SERVICES

PRO & DIY CONCEPT STORES

Discover the latest products and promotions from top vendors.

Learn best practices and strategies to grow your business.

Get tailored advice to optimize your operation and drive sales.

Explore fully merchandised stores for fresh ideas and solutions.

01.25 NEXT GEN

22 Recruiting, retaining and rock-star opportunities in LBM MARKET INSIGHTS

26 At AZEK, transformation under foot 27 A big BLDR deal INDEPENDENT PROFILE

28 Wilson Lumber is keeping the faith

STORY 16 COVER The Golden Hammer Strikes

Innovation, shelf-appeal and value hit hard with the latest class of best new products.

FROM THE EDITOR

8

A plan gone off the rails

NEWS & ANALYSIS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 True Value rebate update

6

10 2025 housing market forecast

30 People in the news

12 Ace Hardware vs.

Ace Bolt & Screw

Here’s what’s online

32 Quikrete Industry Dashboard

12 Maximizing resources

22

13 Billy Bastek and the ‘Spirit of Life’

Hardware + Building Supply Dealer (ISSN 2376-5852) is published monthly, except for July/August and November/December, which are double issues, by EnsembleIQ, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 225, Chicago, IL 60631. Subscription rate in the United States: $139 one year; $252 two year; $17.85 single issue copy; Canada and Mexico: $189 one year; $359 two year; $21.40 single issue copy; Foreign: $189 one year; $359 two year; $21.40 single issue copy; in all other countries (air mail only).

Digital Subscription: $79 one year; $147 two year. Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to HBSD, Circulation Fulfillment Director, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 225, Chicago, IL 60631. Copyright © 2024 by EnsembleIQ. All rights reserved.

4 September 2024 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

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THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR WOOD

Strong Enough for the Toughest Environments Ascend Exterior® Water-Based Clear Finish is a durable coating designed for exterior application, making it perfect for railings, outdoor furniture, doors, and windowsills.

• Resists water and weather • Advanced ultraviolet protection • Clear, durable finish • Dries quickly and cleans easily

• Designed for exterior application on wood, fiberglass, coated metal, or painted surfaces • Available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheens

COME JOIN OUR FAMILY

myoldmasters.com | (800) 747-3436 | SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Here's What's Online See more and share more when you follow us on Instagram.

Product demonstrations

You’re invited to Ken’s New Jersey Garage, the home of product demonstrations. In the latest episode, we open a can of CUTEK Extreme high-performance wood oil, with colorful results. Check out the entire video library at HBSDealer.com/video.

Openings, closings and acquisitions Recent updates to the interactive HBSDealer News Map include MANS Lumber’s acquisition of Michigan Timber & Truss in Flint, Michigan; and Floor & Decor openings in New Jersey. For more coastto-coast activity, visit the continually updated graphic experience at HBSDealer.com/map.

The votes continue to pile up POLL RESULTS What metrics matter the most (pick two) 40%

Total housing starts

45%

Single-family starts 24%

Existing home sales Dow Jones Ind. Avg.

5% 45%

Cons. Conf. Index 27%

Unemployment rate Source: HBSDealer Poll Question, n=131

When you connect with us, you connect with the industry @HBSDealer

6 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

Poll questions and poll results are a regular feature on HBSDealer’s Daily newsletter, tackling a variety of topics, including this one.

HBSDealer.com

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From the Editor 550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631 (773) 992-4450 Fax (773) 992-4455 www.HBSDealer.com

A plan gone off the rails

F

rom the Editor has limited experience in money laundering.

What little experience there is comes from a few episodes of “Breaking Bad” and “Ozark.” (Recommend the first, not the second.)

So, I’m not qualified to address the potential for success of a plan that would have required small businesses to report various information about their “beneficial owners” to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (or FinCEN, an agency of the Treasury Department). How this rule might have protected America is unclear to me and beyond the scope of this column. (Will money launderers, bad actors and Russian oligarchs please identify yourselves?)

You probably have heard about this plan — the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule (BOI), which was born out of the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021. FinCEN says: “Filing is simple, secure, and free of charge.”

Thanks to a flurry of rulings and court orders, small businesses have been spared any enforcement of the rule. For now, at least.

What’s the big deal?

Well, I know little about law enforcement, but I consider myself an expert on “simple.” And this filing process seems the opposite of simple.

The Frequently Asked Questions section of the BOI website runs for 59 pages.

And it gets complicated very quickly. The questions and answers touch on spouses, trusts, Indian Tribes, foreign entities and the definition of “substantial control.”

The FinCEN explainer runs through 35 frequently asked questions before the reader even gets to the basic: “Who is a beneficial owner of a reporting company?”

BRAND MANAGEMENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT John Kenlon (516) 650-2064 jkenlon@ensembleiq.com EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Clark kclark@ensembleiq.com

Ken Clark, Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR Robby Brumberg rbrumberg@ensembleiq.com ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS

Here’s a question typical of the literature: “What information should a reporting company report about a beneficial owner who holds their ownership interests in the reporting company through multiple exempt entities?”

The gulf between “simple” and this 59- page document would be comical if not for the answer to question K.2, which explains: “As specified in the Corporate Transparency Act, a person who willfully violates the BOI reporting requirements may be subject to civil penalties of up to $500 for each day that the violation continues. However, this civil penalty amount is adjusted annually for inflation. As of the time of publication of this FAQ, this amount is $591.”

(Very kind of the FinCEN to calculate the inflation-adjusted fine for us. The answer continues:) “A person who willfully violates the BOI reporting requirements may also be subject to criminal penalties of up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Potential violations include willfully failing to file a beneficial ownership information report, willfully filing false beneficial ownership information, or willfully failing to correct or update previously reported beneficial ownership information.”

That seems harsh, even by “Ozark” standards.

From the Editor commends the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association and other industry groups for their strenuous opposition to the BOI rule.

And if you’ve seen regulations that threaten your business, let us know.

8 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Platter Grant MIDWEST & SOUTHERN STATES (773) 294-8598 agrant@ensembleiq.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION/MARKETING PRINT DESIGNER Catalina Carrasco cgonzalezcarrasco@ensembleiq.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Patricia Wisser pwisser@ensembleiq.com MARKETING MANAGER Kathryn Abrahamsen kabrahamsen@ensembleiq.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES LIST RENTAL mbriganti@anteriad.com SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS contact@HBSDealer.com

CORPORATE OFFICERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Derek Estey CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Ann Jadown EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Levi Smith, CEO, Franklin Building Supply Steve Sallah, former CEO, LBM Advantage Christi Powell, Women & Minority Business Enterprise Market Manager, 84 Lumber Neal DeLowery, Store Projects and Merchandise Manager, Aubuchon Co. Brad McDaniel, Owner, McDaniel’s Do it Center Joe Kallen, CEO, Busy Beaver Building Centers Tom Cost, Owner, Killingworth True Value Permissions: No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

connect with us

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News + Analysis

A new deal for True Value A FRESH START INCLUDES A ‘REBATE RECOVERY PROGR AM.’ Do it Best revealed details of in the docket totaling more than a plan to allow True Value deal$2.5 billion, including $1.9 billion ers to recover rebates that were in secured claims. lost as a result of True Value’s To be eligible for the True bankruptcy. The distributor also Value Rebate Recovery Program, revealed key elements of a 2025 retailers must maintain their Growth Rebate Program.

2024 total handled purchase The chief requirement of the volume each quarter to qualify. recovery program is for dealNew stores that don’t have a ers to maintain 2024 spending 2024 baseline of purchases must levels with Do it Best or True maintain a prorated monthly Value, which Do it Best officially purchase volume each quarter acquired out of bankruptcy in to qualify.

November.

In addition to the recovery The 2024 Rebate Recovery program, the True Value 2025 A True Value video Town Hall meeting broadcast in December included Dan Starr, left, and Dent Johnson, center.

Program “is tailored to help you Growth Rebate Program is deregain lost profits and reward signed to reward growth in 2025. your ongoing loyalty,” the company said court, but such a recovery is highly unEssentially, the program will deliver a 5% in a message describing the plan to True likely given the large number of claims— rebate on incremental growth beyond a Value dealers. secured and unsecured — from banks, qualifying baseline. To qualify, handled Dealers could theoretically recover vendors and others. purchases must grow by $10,000 per lost rebates by filing claims through the As of Dec. 30, there were 2,990 claims store over the baseline.

A 2025 housing market forecast WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Will the incoming administration provide a “Trump bump” for the housing market, or will the opposite be true? The looming talk of tariffs and mass deportations are certainly X factors, but according to one source, Realtor.com, the “broader economic factors are expected to have a larger impact on the housing market than potential new federal policies in 2025.”

Overall, Realtor.com’s 2025 forecast predicts home sale prices will grow by 3.7 percent, mortgage rates will stay above 6 percent and rents will remain almost the same (-0.1 percent).

Single-family home starts, meanwhile, are predicted to grow by 13.8 percent, and existing for-sale home inventory is expected to grow by 11.7 percent, which “will help bring the first balanced market in nine years.”

Other Realtor.com predictions:  Average mortgage rates of 6.3 percent, with rates edging

10 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

   

down over the year to reach 6.2 percent by the end of the year.

Home prices will grow by 3.7 percent, continuing growth trends since 2012.

Rents will remain about the same with a slight 0.1 percent drop.

Home sales will grow 1.5 percent year-over-year to 4.07 million.

Months’ supply is expected to improve from a 3.7 month average in 2024 to 4.1 months in 2025. Anything under 4 is typically considered a seller’s market, while 4 to 6 months of supply is typically considered a balanced market, per Realtor.com.

HBSDealer.com

INSPIRING HEALTHY HOMES SINCE 1939

The Inspired Home Show® is the industry epicenter for everything new in home + housewares, bringing both enduring and emerging trends to the table.

Since 1939, the Show has been a reliable marketplace for brands to introduce the next must-have products customers are looking for.

Don’t miss this milestone event where the industry connects around innovation, insight and inspiration.

See what’s new and register for the 125th Show!

TheInspiredHomeShow.com © 2025 International Housewares Association. All Rights Reserved.

News + Analysis

Ace vs. Ace Bolt & Screw Ace Hardware is suing the similarly named Ace Bolt & Screw in a trademark dispute.

According to court documents filed in the state of Georgia, Ace Hardware alleges Ace Bolt, which was founded in Jackson, Miss., in 1969, “unfairly competes with Ace <Hardware> by creating confusion that Ace Bolt’s products and services

are authorized, sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Ace when they are not.”

Ace Hardware offers more context in its complaint, adding: “Over the last few years, Ace Bolt expanded the scope of its business to new customer bases and geographies offering competing products from stores situated, in at least one

Top Women Review MA XIMIZING RESOURCES, SPECIFICALLY ERGS Employees can make or break any business.

That plain truth is even more pronounced in the world of hardware and LBM companies, which are so reliant on relationships, trust and close collaboration. The trick for everyone is: How can you recruit, engage, retain and train the best of the best?

HBSDealer’s recent Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply event featured an illuminating session jam-packed with practical guidance on launching and nurturing employee resource groups (ERGs). Among the panelists was Corrine Pech, a product data manager at Metrie.

According to Pech, the inaugural chair of Metrie’s women’s network, the company’s Corrine Pech, product data manager initial ERG attempt had a top-down approach, at Metrie. with execs wielding most of the control over its direction. That initial iteration fizzled out. Since the program relaunched, with a focus on empowering women in the ERG to have more ownership and decision-making responsibilities, Pech reports that it’s now thriving.

As evidence of the ERG’s successes so far, Pech cites:  A 39 percent increase in committee membership.  A 20 percent promotion rate in women who participated in the ERG.  A 60 percent promotion rate for those who took on leadership roles within the ERG.  A companywide, “notable” increase in female engagement scores.

Pech says Metrie’s committee is split into three different workstreams, focusing on policy, engagement, and networking. Metrie’s women’s network also issues a quarterly newsletter, produces webinars and works to craft female-empowering policies.

“One step at a time is all it takes to get you there,” Pech says, issuing a caution to avoid trying to do too much at once.

She shares a few more secrets to success:  Share lived experiences.  Start small, and gradually add objectives, roles and responsibilities.  Welcome and nurture male allyship.

12 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

instance, less than a mile from an Ace location...”

Initially, Ace Hardware claims, Ace Bolt provided product tracing and poly-bagging to professional dealers, which are not services Ace offers.

Recently, however, Ace Bolt has begun stepping on Ace Hardware’s toes by expanding its business to include hardware and tool sales and other hardware retail services. It has also expanded geographically. In fact, the company’s recent move into a location very close to an Ace Hardware in Buford, Ga., appears to be one of the key points that spurred Ace Hardware into action.

No specific amount of damages being sought is listed, though the “amount in controversy exceeds $75,000,” the filing states. To bolster its case, Ace Hardware, which owns nearly 260 trademarks according to one source, lists a slew of “Ace and Ace-derivative trademark registrations” in an effort to lay out prima facie evidence for its claims against Ace Bolt. It also attempts to make the case that in the world of hardware, the “Ace” name can mean only one thing. It writes: “Ace’s trademarks have been so extensively advertised and used over decades, that when consumers see ‘ACE’ in the hardware business, they assume that Ace is the source of the products or related services.”

Ultimately, Ace Hardware attempts to make a case that Ace Bolt’s “reckless conduct” is profoundly harming its brand integrity. Ace Hardware claims: “As a direct result of Ace Bolt’s actions, Ace has suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable harm as a result of Ace Bolt’s actions, including, but not limited to, irreparable harm to its reputation, goodwill, business and customer relationships, intellectual property rights, and brand integrity.”

HBSDealer.com

City of Hope

Honoring the Spirit of Life

I

HOME DEPOT’S BILLY BASTEK ANSWERS THE CALL

n 2025, Home Depot Executive Vice President of Merchandising Billy Bastek will add to his resume a significant new title: Spirit of Life Award honoree.

The award is the most prestigious honor conferred by City of Hope, which since its founding in 1913 has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.

Bastek joins a long list of distinguished industry leaders who have come together with a common goal to help City of Hope fast-track its mission. His efforts will be celebrated in Las Vegas Feb. 26 during the Spirit of Life Gala and Golf Tournament.

Below, Bastek shares his thoughts on City of Hope, the Spirit of Life and the industry’s role as a force for good.

teams. Over the years of supporting COH, I’ve seen and heard about the organization’s amazing impact.

2) Who specifically told you that you would follow in the footsteps of so many memorable industry leaders, and what was your initial response?

Industry vet Kevin Courtney, who has been working on staff at City of Hope since his retirement from the industry, shared the news Billy Bastek will be honored at the Spirit of Life after several conversations about Gala Feb. 26 in Las Vegas. the honor. I’m incredibly humbled by the opportunity to follow so commitment has been well documented, many past honorees whom I’ve known it’s the sweat equity from our associates and admired throughout my career. And and supplier partners in the communities I’m especially humbled to follow in the that really stands out! footsteps of prior Home Depot leaders who have been past honorees, including 4) What’s your view of the our founders, Bernie Marcus and Arthur role of philanthropy in Blank. Bernie and Arthur really led the Corporate America (or even charge, with others to adopt the City of 1) When did you first learn about the mom-and-pop-business America)?

Hope as the collective mission of our good work of City of Hope?

“Giving Back” has always been part of the industry.

I attended my first City of Hope event DNA of our company, in fact, it is one of back in 1998 when the gala was held in the eight core values that our associates 3) Home Depot is involved in so many Chicago as part of the Hardware Show. At wear on their aprons every day. The home charitable efforts—which of them that time, you had many of the titans from improvement industry was created to help our industry gathered to support COH hits you on a personal level with the improve their living spaces, but by parand speak to the work being done by the most force? ticipating in events like this and through We are thrilled to be our foundation, we have the ability to involved with many help improve lives in even bigger ways by City of Hope, based in Duarte, Calif., is world famous for its life-saving mission. charitable organizagiving back to our communities that we tions both at a corposerve in every day. rate and local levels.

The work our founda5) Any final thoughts on the fight tion does to support against cancer? veterans is incredible Cancer is the second leading cause of and makes a really death worldwide. National statistics show big impact on multiple 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will get canlevels. Ensuring safe, cer in their lifetime. By 2040, the number affordable housing for of new cancer cases will increase by 30 our nation’s homeless million people. I couldn’t be more proud and combat-wounded to support research organizations like veterans is something City of Hope, whose goal is make hope we can all rally around. a reality for those who are fighting this While our financial disease.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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13

GOLDEN HAMMER STRIKES AGAIN INNOVATION, SHELF-APPEAL AND VALUE ARE HALLMARKS OF THE YEAR’S ‘BEST NEW PRODUCTS.

M

ore entries. Fewer winners. The math leads to an inescapable conclusion: It takes a little more to be a Golden Hammer winner.

And as innovative, eye-catching, problem-solving new products are the lifeblood of home improvement retailing, HBSDealer is happy to play the role of impartial judge for this latest class.

We proudly present this year’s 20 winners, confident in the value that this exercise brings to the industry.

HBSDealer’s editorial team takes very seriously its role as guardian of the Golden Hammer Awards, a program that recognizes the best new products of the year.

HBSDealer’s editorial staff solicited nominations from across the industry for potential honorees and products that have been launched in the most recent year.

The following criteria were used to judge each entry:   

Innovation — features, technology, differentiation and benefits; Value — including relative price, consumer relevance, and functional practicality; Shelf appeal — clarity of message and overall desirability of the product within its category.

The Golden Hammer program has evolved over the years – in the early 1980s, it even recognized the best of home center television commercials. Earlier in this century, giants of the industry were recognized with Golden Hammers in the “Retailer of the Year” category. In 2019, the Golden Hammers roared back to life, establishing a system and criteria to identify products deserving of the title, thus reviving the best-of-the-best tradition.

Editors don’t claim to have extraordinary powers of product perception, but we do believe we know a Golden Hammer-worthy product when we see one.

Check them out yourselves on the following pages as we congratulate our “golden” product award winners.

16 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

Innovation Steps Out! DECORA® WEATHER-RESISTANT SWITCH…NO COVER REQUIRED. Thank you HBSDealer for recognizing Leviton innovation with the 2024 Golden Hammer Award for our Decora Weather-Resistant Switch, an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for an additional protective cover.

Look no further than Leviton to provide your customers with safe and effective outdoor solutions. Our full line of weather-resistant devices including switches, outlets, GFCIs and USB chargers, allow residents to enjoy their outdoor space in safety and style.

The “OUTDOOR USE” icon on our packaging makes it fast and easy for you to identify the products designed to weather the elements with exceptional performance and reliability.

Learn more at leviton.com/outdoor

Ames/True Temper FLIP Scooping Rake

Atlas Roofing EnergyShield XR Continuous Insulation

Key features: Clog-mitigating tines and wide, flexible and curved heads allow homeowners to rake and scoop with a single long-handled tool. The Ames brand measures 24 inches across; True Temper’s version measures 26 inches.

MSRP: $29.99 to $34.99

Key features: A polyiso continuous insulation board designed for both above- and below-grade applications. High marks for R-value, sustainability and simplicity.

MSRP: Varies. Starts at about $30-plus per sheet

Product tested in Ken’s New Jersey Garage.

Judges’ comments: Value revealed in fewer truckloads, less storage space used, and less material required per project.

homebyames.com

wall.atlasrwi.com

Judges’ comment: “End the bend” is the winning slogan.

Bison Innovative Products Level.Up Key features: This adjustable deck pedestal joist support system connects directly to wood joists and eliminates the need to dig, pour and level concrete footers and posts, delivering a quicker way to build ground-level decks. Level.Up is available in a 12-pedestal kit that builds an 8 foot wide x 10 foot long deck using 2x6 boards.

MSRP: $299 per kit Judges’ comments: Outside the box thinking applied to outdoor living, with potentially stunning results.

level-updecking.com

DAP Global Wall & Cavity Foam Key features: This easy-to-use, one-component spray enables users to insulate small areas like rim joists, call backs or touchups in wall cavities, attics and crawl spaces. It also offers excellent thermal insulation, which can help homeowners save on energy bills.

MSRP: $24.99 Judges’ comments: This user-friendly prod-

Envision Outdoor Living Products: Distinction Decking with Cool Tread Technology Key features: This eco-friendly composite decking boasts a surface that is up to 25 percent cooler—with 25 percent better traction and 61 percent less moisture absorption, no less— than average leading competitors. It’s also resistant to staining, splintering, cracking, rot and insects.

MSRP: Approximately $6.25 per board foot

Judges’ comments: These cool, low-maintenance boards offer respite from frequent cleaning or repair.

envisionoutdoorliving.com

uct offers a simple setup and quick application, freeing up more time for clearing critters and clutter out of the attic.

dap.com

18 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

Fastenmaster Deck Frame Coating Key features: This water-based sealant helps extend the life of decks by creating a lasting moisture barrier. The coating, which can be painted or rolled on any number of decking components, is workable in as little as 20 minutes.

MSRP: $107.99 Judges’ comments: The battle of joist tape vs. sealant to prolong deck life rages on, but this product’s ease of use and application is undeniable.

fastenmaster.com

ITW Brands: GRK AugerBolt Through Bolt Fastening

Graco True Coat 360 Cordless Connect Drill Sprayer Key features: Simply attach your own cordless drill or impact driver, and you’re ready to paint.

Compatible with most major drill brands, this innovation enables users to spray in any direction — even upside down.

MSRP: $189 Judges’ comments: This product makes painting such a breeze, you won’t need any Tom Sawyer tricks to get that fence or other hard surface looking like new.

graco.com

Key features: For code-approved through-bolt post-to-beam deck connections, a recessed tip eliminates the need to pre-drill, and allows for one-step installation. An integrated washer head reduces loose components. An underside ribbing allows for one-handed fastening.

MSRP: $71.00 for a 10-pack.

Judges’ comments: Grab-n-go solution brings speed to the job site.

grkfasteners.com

Kapro Tools 449-7 Protractor Square Leviton Decora Weather-Resistant Switch Key features: Through a patent-pending design element, actuation is achieved with magnets, making the subplate/ switch impervious to water intrusion. Outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting, patios, pool and spa areas are among the beneficiaries.

MSRP: $19.98 Judges’ comments: Advancing the outdoor living movement, one

Key features: Versatile measuring tool with built-in, dual sided protractor, that allows for easy measurement of surface angles without the need for additional tools. Particularly useful for roofing and staircase installation.

MSRP: $19.99 Judges’ comments: The Reese’s Cup of measuring tools, stylishly combining two classic flavors — a carpenter square and a level.

kapro.com

switch at a time.

leviton.com

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HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

Januar y 2025

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LP Building Solutions: LP NovaCore Thermal Insulated Sheathing Key features: Combines a robust 7/16-inch OSB panel with R3, R5 or R7 Owens Corning Foamular NGX XPS Foam board, creating a thermal insulated sheathing. Maintains consistent and reliable R-values, even in fluctuating temperatures.

MSRP: Starting at $1,032/MSF Judges’ comments: Extremely friendly with LEED, Energy Star and Green Building Standards; and particularly valuable in colder climates.

LPcorp.com

Malco Tools 7-in-1 C-RHEX Flip Bit Series Key features: Easy-to-clean reversible and stackable sockets with a powerful magnet for secure fastening. Sockets fit snugly on the driver shaft for more secure operation and storage, and strong magnets make driving fasteners more secure by reducing wobbling, slipping, and tipping out so the job gets done correctly and efficiently.

Works on all brands of fasteners.

MSRP: $19.99

Modern Mill ACRE Edge and Center Bead/ V-Groove siding Key features: A beaded profile on one side, and V-groove on

Judges’ comments: Hits the trifecta for bit-series versatility: Stackable. Reversible. Cleanable.

Colorful addition to the store shelf, and the work bench.

malcotools.com

the other. Edge & Center Bead is a popular selection for upleveling ceilings and wainscoting while V-Groove is a popular choice for siding.

Made from upcycled rice hulls, ACRE is resistant to water, weather, rot and pests. And it has the warmth and workability of wood.

MSRP: varies Judges’ comments: Modern Mill, with its mission to build a sustainable future, has a growing collection of best-product awards. And they had us at “upcycled rice hulls.”

modern-mill.com

MoistureShield InstaDeck

Nite Ize: CamJam Ratchet Strap system

Key features: System allows homeowners to create a ground-level deck in a single day. No need to frame, dig holes, or apply concrete. Heavy-duty plastic tiles snap together, forming a robust foundation compatible with MoistureShield’s decking options. Also, it can be installed on various flat surfaces like grass, concrete, and gravel, requiring minimal tools

Key features: This patented system provides a removable, adjustable ratchet for customizable, easy positioning.The small version has a load limit of 500 lbs., and the large size offers a load limit of 1,000 lbs.

MSRP: Varies

Judges’ comments: The tiny but mighty ratchet strap offers durability and user-friendly design to ensure your precious cargo stays where it should.

Judges’ comments: Opens up all kinds opportunities for outdoor living, on a DIY budget.

moistureshield.com

20 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

MSRP: Anywhere from $27.99 to $99.99, depending on the size selected

niteize.com

HBSDealer.com

Simpson Strong-Tie: DIY Pergola Hardware Kit Key features: Simpson’s hardware simplifies the process of building a strong, stylish pergola up to 10’x10’. The kit features straps, post bases and angle connectors, along with a structural fastener and hex-head washer combo.

Police Security Flashlights: Twin Power 2000 Key features: An ultra-bright, 2000-lumen flashlight, the Twin Power 2000 holds a builtin 21700 rechargeable battery for primary power and 3AA alkaline batteries for backup.

Users can simply toggle between alkaline and rechargeable power to ensure consistent illumination.

MSRP: $64.99 Judges’ comments: This handy device includes battery level indicators to ensure you’re never left in the dark.

policesecurity.com

MSRP: Varies by distributor Judges’ comments: Pergolas can bolster home values but also add something more priceless: a beautiful place to relax, connect and enjoy the outdoors. Simpson Strong-Tie’s kit makes it possible for even DIYers to enjoy this bit of low-key luxury.

strongtie.com

Spec Ops Tools: One Handed Clamp Key features: With 330 pounds of clamp force, this device from Spec Ops can handle jobs big and small.

It also features a nifty integrated belt hook for quick-draw convenience.

MSRP: $47.99 Judges’ comments: Spec Ops says its clamps offer an extra inch of added clamping range versus competitors, which makes them faster and easier to use one-handed. The larger, non-marring removable pads also distribute the clamping force more evenly and more easily grip awkwardly shaped materials.

specopstools.com

Westlake Royal Grove Collection

IQ Vise

rich wood looks with the rustic warmth of beadboard trim, designed to make porch ceilings pop and soffits sing. Made with low-maintenance PVC, it’s also moisture- and insect-proof.

Key features: An articulating ball-and-socket mechanism allows the user to adjust the vise into advantageous angles with ease and speed. Plus, task-specific IQ Vise Jaws grip varying materials.

And IQ Connect plug-and-play accessories — a light, a magnifying glass, and even a smart phone holder— work like an extra set of hands.

MSRP: Varies by distributor

MSRP: $279.99

Judges’ comments: User-friendly installation, durability and eco-conscious design are all welcome, winning elements for any product.

Judges’ comments: A game changer. Once you experience the versatility of this vise system, it will be hard to go back to grandpa’s old workhorse.

Key features: The Grove Collection blends

workiqtools.com

royalbuildingproducts.com HBSDealer.com

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Januar y 2025

21

Next Gen

Insights from the Next Generation PRODE ALERS SHARE THOUGHTS ON RECRUITING, RE TAINING AND ROCK-STAR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BUILDING SUPPLY INDUSTRY

By HBSDealer Staff

From left to right: Nichole Mitchell, Eric Borchardt, Virginia Lewis, Chad Bankston, Kevin Fogle and Vince J. Tague III.

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lot of people talk about the challenges of an aging industry, getting older by the minute.

The recent ProDealer Industry Summit, held in Savannah, Georgia, did something about it.

In partnership with the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, HBSDealer assembled a panel composed of a handful of current and future leaders — all of whom are doing their part to reduce the average age of the industry (and the conference).

But more than that, they’re doing their part to push the industry into the future.

Sharing their insights on a panel titled “Perspectives from the NextGen of Emerging Young Leaders” were:  Chad Bankston, Bankston Lumber, Barnesville, Ga.;  Eric Borchardt, Simonson Lumber, St. Cloud, Minn.

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Kevin Fogle, Bliffert Lumber, Milwaukee, Wis.; Nichole Mitchell, Wilson Lumber, Huntsville, Ala.;  Vince J. Tague III, Tague Lumber Building Materials Distribution, Philadelphia; and  Virginia Lewis (moderator) of Tart Lumber Company, Inc., Sterling, Va. The discussion weaved through a variety of topics. Much of it was employee-focused, such as recruitment, training and company culture. Some of the concepts would be strange in your grandfather’s lumberyard: flexible hours, for instance; or maternity and paternity leave beyond the requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Other concepts embraced by the panel have a multi-generational familiarity and are built into the fabric of the industry—for instance, giving back to the community and doing good in the world.  

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Next Gen

Virginia Lewis is vice president of Tart Lumber Company in Sterling, Virginia.

Chad Bankston works in outside sales for Bankston Lumber of Barnesville, Georgia.

Here are some of the topics and edited insights from the session:

ON FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING ERIC BORCHARDT: Our truss plant starts up at six o’clock, and if you’re a single parent or parent with small children, then you have to get them up onto the bus at eight o’clock, and you can’t start at six.

So we actually created a position that didn’t have a traditional schedule. If we thought an applicant was a good fit, we would flex to their schedule. Because in a truss plant, you need 70 people, and if three or four of them come in and out, it doesn’t really stop you for the most part.

And what we found is for these single mothers or single fathers, they were great people who worked hard. They just couldn’t fit our schedule. So, I modified it for them, and we got some really good people.

ON TRAINING VINCE TAGUE: One thing we talk about a lot at our company is the need for training and the desire for training. Especially with millennial or Gen X workers—and counter to the stereotype— they want to be involved and they also want to receive training.

So, one of the things that we’ve done over the course of the last couple of years is really standardize our onboarding process.

And another thing that we are just now implementing is an assistant management program. For our up-and-comers, our next generation, the idea is ‘How do we get them going? How do we give them a boost ?’ You know, maybe they’re really good counter salesmen, they’re really good outside sales people, but they want to do move into management. So we’re giving them some responsibility, and we’re very excited about that.

CHAD BANKSTON: In this industry, training often gets overlooked. I think the biggest thing is you gotta provide a growth path and a clear understanding upfront for younger employees.

If they don’t feel that buy-in from the beginning, if they don’t feel that they’re part of the team, then you will lose them within the first six months. So it’s key to give them a plan: ‘I’m gonna get you into inside sales and then move you up, maybe then outside

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Eric Borchardt is president of Simonson Lumber, a Kodiak Building Partners division in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

sales.’ Whatever it is, you’ve got to provide them with a path from the get-go and a clear vision. So they’ll know where they stand and how they fit in your company.

ON RECRUITING KEVIN FOGLE: One of the things that we’ve focused on is just finding good people. And that’s not just for young people, that’s everyone. So one of the things that we’re trying out is if you have good people, maybe they know good people. That’s why we introduced a referral program. It’s a pretty sizable —$1,500 if your first referral works out (payouts made in three parts, after 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days). For so many of the jobs that we have, the personality and fit is as important—if not more important—to us as the actual hard skills of the job. And so, we rely on our good people to try to help us find other good people. It’s a relatively small number of people who have taken advantage of it, but it’s a start.

CHAD BANKSTON: We’ve had really good success hiring people that we know personally, friends that I’ve had from college or people that we knew were good at their job in another industry.

They’ve been some of the best hires that we’ve had.

At another yard here in Georgia, I have a friend who has hired about 10 guys from his college fraternity, and every one of them is like a rock-star salesman. I was like ‘how did y’all do this?’ And It just goes to show that it’s not industry knowledge, it’s basically finding the performer and putting them in the right job.

ERIC BORCHARDT: It’s possible to make a lot of money in this industry. That’s a powerful recruiting message. For outside sales folks, if you want to make a quarter of a million dollars, you can do it in this industry—and you don’t have to have a four-year degree, necessarily. Of course, you have to have a go-getting attitude and be willing to work. There’s a lot of things you can do: design houses, build trusses. I mean, man, there are a lot of opportunities in this industry.

ON BENEFITS VINCE TAGUE: My grandfather used to like to tell people that when one of my aunts was born on a Tuesday, he was back to

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Kevin Fogle is manager of one of Bliffert Lumber’s locations in Wisconsin.

Nichole Mitchell is vice president, people and culture for Huntsville, Alabama-based Wilson Lumber.

work on Wednesday. That’s probably not the best kind of policy for corporate culture today.

So right around 2020 we had a hard look at what we were doing, and we decided to make a small step toward a maternity-paternity program.

NICOLE MITCHELL: This is our first year of implementing parental leave, And we started a little bit smaller with three days.

And that’s for both the mother and father. The mother gets her short-term disability and then the additional three days and then the father receives three days—and that’s also for adoption and for foster care. And it’s gone over really well.

And in addition to that, we added a holiday this year because we’re finding that time off is a value, especially for the younger generation, even more so than pay. So we added a flex holiday for employees to take at the time that they choose.

CHAD BANKSTON: I think for smaller companies, if it’s too expensive for you to offer these benefits—I understand, we’re in the same boat. But small gestures like a couple of hundred bucks for a baby shower can go a long way.

We threw a surprise baby shower for two expecting dads.

And I had no idea just how much camaraderie and love that they would get out of that. Everybody came in. We had gifts, balloons. It was decorated just like a mother’s baby shower. It might have looked odd for a building supply dealer. But, it went a long way.

ON COMMUNITY SERVICE VINCE TAGUE: We definitely have a community focus at all of our 14 locations. We make a pretty sizable donation out of every location to a food pantry every year and those locations have a say to which food pantry that goes to.

The other thing we do is, we have volunteer opportunities employees can sign up for. We’ll encourage 10 employees from all yards to sign up. It’s a great way for employees from other locations to get to know each other, too.

It’ll be like a four-hour Saturday afternoon volunteer shift at the community garden for instance. And then we offer a full day of vacation added for that as well.

ERIC BORCHARDT: We do something similar with Habitat for

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Vince Tague III is general manager for Tague Lumber, which operates multiple locations in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Humanity. Our employees can take eight hours of paid time and go help build on site, which is kind of cool because we’re also supplying most of the materials. So it’s kind of a win-win there.

NICHOLE MITCHELL: We have an arm of our business called Wilson Lumber Cares.

What attracted me to Wilson Lumber was the culture. And I see that not only from employees that work there, but also out in the community. I was out somewhere one day and somebody asked me where I work, and when I told them, they said, ‘Oh, that’s the company that cares.’ And so for an outsider to recognize what your company culture is, it just speaks volumes.

So there are several things that the company does. For example, this year, we’re partnering with Next Step Farms, which is an organization that teaches life skills to adults with special needs. Also, the company has adopted a village in Guatemala.

And so employees are able to visit, and go on one of three Wilson Lumber-sponsored trips per year. And so the company pays for the trip; you just have to get your immunization. Wilson Lumber Cares does help employees feel like they’re part of something bigger.

ON CULTURE NICHOLE MITCHELL: One of our core values is “challenge yourself to grow.”

Even if a person may not want to grow into a different role, like they may want to work as a driver and remain a driver. But we want you to continue to grow and be the best driver that you can be, and be better next year than you are this year.

ERIC BORCHARDT: All lumberyards do kind of the same thing.

So we work hard to differentiate our company with its culture.

So, during orientation, I come in for about 10 minutes and I say, ‘I don’t really care how good you are at your job. We just want you to be a good person. I want you to take care of the people in front of you and behind you in their jobs where they work so hard.’ And that message has been repeated back to me from people that have been with us now for six months or a year.

And they say ‘that’s awesome, because I like the people I work with.’ So, that message, especially with the younger generation, really resonates. They want to like where they work. They don’t just want a paycheck.

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

Januar y 2025

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Market Insights

Transformation under foot A Q& A WITH A ZEK’S NE W DIGITAL LE ADER

Tech should enhance efficiency, says Mohan.

he AZEK Company tapped Rakesh Mohan as the company’s new chief digital & technology officer.

His mission: to lead the advancement of the company’s technology capabilities through the development and execution of a forward-thinking digital and IT strategy.

He recently expanded on that mission — and all things tech, in a Q&A with HBSDealer.

greater value to their customers.

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alternatives to traditional wood.

Homeowners and professionals are increasingly turning to composites for their durability, weather resistance and minimal upkeep—much like how digital solutions provide efficiency and convenience. This trend reflects a broader evolution in building materials, where innovation and sustainability are driving the future of outdoor living.

Q: Are there any emerging technologies, platforms or software you feel are Q: What are some of your overblown and pertop objectives during your haps may decrease in first few months at AZEK? importance?

Mohan: As AZEK’s new chief Mohan: Today, there’s lot of digital & technology officer, my excitement around AI, but it feels priorities will focus on enhanc- Forward thinking: somewhat overhyped at the ing the customer journey and moment. Many companies are Mohan has his eye on the customer journey. experience for both B2B and struggling to identify meanB2C audiences, including dealers, distribuingful use cases, and as a result, I expect tors, retailers and homeowners. some disillusionment as they don’t immeBy leveraging technology, we aim to crediately see the benefits they hoped for. This ate seamless, personalized interactions that follows the typical hype cycle, where we make it easier to engage with our products, see a peak of inflated expectations followed access information and receive support. by a downturn in enthusiasm.

For our B2B partners, we’re focused on I believe we’ll experience a drop in AI’s helping them grow their businesses while perceived importance before companies being a strong and supportive partner. truly begin to harness its full potential and Ultimately, our goal is to ensure AZEK is integrate it in ways that provide real value. a trusted partner that enhances every step of the customer experience, making doing Q: Conversely, which tech will business easier and more efficient for all of become more essential for building our customers. materials companies moving ahead?

Mohan: Looking ahead, the entire suite of Q: What trends do you see shaping digital technologies will become increasingthe future of decking/outdoor living ly essential for building materials compaand the building materials world in nies. From e-commerce platforms and data general? analytics to supply chain management and Mohan: The building materials industry, customer engagement tools, digital soluparticularly in outdoor living, is undergoing tions will streamline operations, enhance a significant transformation, similar to the decision-making and improve the overall shift from analog to digital technology. Just customer experience. as digital tools have revolutionized the way As the industry continues to evolve, comwe live and work, composite materials are panies that embrace these technologies reshaping outdoor spaces by offering inwill be better positioned to meet market novative, sustainable and low-maintenance demands, optimize efficiency and provide

26 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

Q: How is the customer journey changing, and how do you foresee it shifting looking ahead?

Mohan: The customer journey is evolving rapidly, especially with the rise of a new generation of consumers who were born into a digital world. They expect every transaction to be digital and mobile-friendly, with minimal steps involved.

Looking ahead, we must adapt to this shift by ensuring that every touchpoint, from product discovery to purchasing and support, is fully digitized and optimized for mobile. No matter what industry we’re in, embracing digital technology is essential to engage and meet the expectations of this next generation of customers.

Q: What guidance would you offer companies that are struggling to get employees or customers up to speed on emerging technologies? And how do you implement this sort of change for folks who are perhaps skeptical or hesitant to adopt new tech?

Mohan: Helping employees or customers adopt emerging technologies is a common challenge, and in many cases, it’s because we as technologists haven’t done a good enough job communicating the benefits or making it easy for them.

Too often, we fail to clearly explain what’s in it for them or show how the technology can make their lives easier. If we focus on simplifying the experience and providing clear education on how these tools improve efficiency and convenience, adoption will follow.

Think about how Uber or DoorDash transformed entire industries—no one would have imagined getting into a stranger’s car, but because those platforms made life easier, they took off.

Similarly, once people see how emerging technologies can genuinely simplify their work or daily routines, they’ll be much more willing to embrace them.

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Market Insights

Executive moves at Orgill LONGTIME TR ACTOR SUPPLY LE ADER JOINS AS E VP

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rgill added a retail veteran to its leadership team with the appointment of Clay Jackson, who will become executive vice president and chief operating officer Jan. 20.

Jackson is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience at Tractor Supply Company.

Jackson will report to Orgill’s President and CEO Boyden Moore, who described retail experience as a valuable differentiator for Orgill’s executive team.

“We currently have more than half-a-dozen former retailers serving in executive leadership roles at Orgill,” Moore says. “We think this gives us a truly unique perspective on how to best serve our customers. It gives our team a better understanding of the challenges our customers face and how we can better help drive their success.

Clay Jackson Clay’s experience helping drive the growth and success of one of the best performing retailers in the industry will add even more perspective and real-world insights to our team.”

Moore himself spent several years leading Marvin’s Home Centers, based in Alabama. Along with the addition of Jackson to its leadership team, Orgill is also announcing several executive-level promotions, including:  Craig Cowart, who has been with Orgill since 2017 and

currently serves as chief operating officer for Central Network Retail Group (CNRG), is being promoted to senior vice president at Orgill. Cowart brings retail experience from his time working at CNRG, Fulcrum Building Group, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.  Francisco Feraud, who has been with Orgill since 2011 and has been leading Orgill’s international sales efforts, is being promoted to vice president – sales, international.  Laura Luotonen, who joined Orgill through CNRG’s acquisition of LumberJack in 2015, and has led Orgill’s accounting team since 2016, is being promoted to vice president – credit.  Jim Rivas, who has been with Orgill since 2020, and has been running Orgill’s wholly-owned subsidiary Tyndale Advisors since early 2024, is promoted to vice president at Orgill and President of Tyndale Advisors.

Rivas also brings retail experience to the role from his experience working at Friedman’s Home Improvement and Home Depot.  Jordan Tice, who joined Orgill in 2014, and most recently served within the company’s retail services team, is being promoted to vice president – assortment planning and dealer field operations.

Big deal in Colorado: BLDR adds Alpine BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE, INC. HAS ENTERED INTO A DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE ALPINE LUMBER COMPANY.

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ounded in Englewood, Colorado, by the Kurtz family in 1963 and subsequently converted to a 100 percent employee-owned and operated company, Alpine has 21 locations serving homebuilders and contractors in the Front Range of Colorado, western Colorado and northern New Mexico with a broad product range including prefabricated trusses and wall panels and millwork.

“Alpine has long-standing customer relationships and a proven track record of profitable growth in highly attractive markets,” said Peter Jackson, president and CEO of Builders FirstSource. “This

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acquisition aligns with our strategic pillar to deploy capital to high-growth investments, and it enhances our footprint in our West Division. The complementary nature of our businesses and shared cultures of delivering exceptional customer service will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees, and shareholders. I am looking forward to welcoming the Alpine team members to Builders FirstSource.”

Hamid Taha, CEO of Alpine, will remain with the business for a transition period to help ensure a successful combination of the Alpine and Builders FirstSource businesses in Colorado and northern New Mexico. Taha stated: “This transaction

rewards the long history of dedication by Alpine’s employee owners and positions the combined business to provide a wider range of product categories and superior service to our customers. We are thrilled to join the Builders FirstSource team, and I know we have a bright future together.”

Alpine reported TTM sales of approximately $500 million as of November 2024.

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to the company’s adjusted earnings per share in 2025 and will be funded through a combination of existing cash and credit facilities. It is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2025 subject to customary closing conditions.

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

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27

Independent Profile

Wilson Lumber cares, a lot

Wilson Lumber now employs approximately 365 people.

FAITH IS MOVING MOUNTAINS AT THIS AL ABAMA PRODE ALER.

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o paraphrase a popular axiom in Southern terms: Sometimes the Good Lord opens up a window when a door shuts in your face.

In the case of Huntsville, Ala.-based Wilson Lumber, a definitive “door slam” came courtesy of boll weevils in the 1940s, when the notorious pests ruined the cotton crop of a farmer named Clyde J. Wilson. Fed up with the onslaught of bugs upon his cotton fields in rural Winston County, Alabama, Wilson partnered up with his brother-in-law up the road in Huntsville to focus on a more resilient commodity both had access to at the time: timber.

“Grandad had a portable sawmill. They started cutting trees down and bringing them to Huntsville in 1949,” says Robb Wilson, Wilson Lumber’s CEO and third generation owner who’s been working in some capacity for the company since the age of 12.

By 1951, Clyde Wilson had bought out his brother-in-law (who, according to family lore, had a wooden leg and much preferred teaching to millwork), making Clyde the sole owner of the operation. From those humble beginnings, Wilson steadily grew, gradually expanding its offerings beyond lumber to paint, nails, hammers and all manner of building supply. As the company grew, so did Huntsville, which is now Alabama’s biggest city and continues to sprawl as one the U.S.’s top aerospace hubs.

28 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

As the company evolved over the decades—adding a door shop in 1971, a showroom in 1981, a truss plant in 1984, a second lumberyard in 1986, another truss plant in 2019, a second millwork plant in 2022—bedrock principles have remained.

Namely, putting people first and abiding

by Christian values. Today, the company has approximately 365 employees and annual sales exceeding $125 million.

“I’m sure granddad never dreamed Wilson Lumber would look like it does today,” says Robb. “But I think he’d be proud of the way we’ve grown the company and stayed true to the values that he instilled in us, to treat people how they want to be treated and to do the right thing.”

Faith-centric mission—and action Wilson Lumber is unashamed of its Biblical approach to business. Its mission

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statement: “To build a successful company that upholds Christlike principles and inspires people to grow,” illuminates that faith-centric approach.

The company even addresses the straightforward nature of the mission statement on its website, adding that it “might merit some explanation.” It does so thusly: “At some point in our lives and in our business we must ask the question, ‘Why are we here?’ For any business there is an obvious answer. ‘To make money, of course!’ Well, that is true and certainly is a reasonable goal. But we aim for more.”

For Wilson Lumber, “aiming for more” means doing unto others as you’d have them do to you (see Matthew 7:12 for more). That Golden Rule sentiment goes for customers and vendors, but it also pertains to employees and to anybody in need.

When asked how the company settled on this Christ-centered mindset, Robb explains: “God owns everything we have. If God does own Wilson Lumber, and we’re stewarding it, there should be more than maximizing profit. There must be some greater purpose. We have a real opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Robb says Wilson Lumber Cares, the company’s charitable arm designed to Robb Wilson in Guatemala. serve employees, the community and global ministries, was formed as a result of wanting to be “more intentional about helping people.” To do so, Wilson Lumber Cares selects a charity to partner with each year.

Every year, each Wilson employee receives 24 hours of volunteer paid time off to participate in Wilson Lumber Cares organized events with partners, whether local or global. And the employees certainly step up. More than 40 employees recently donated 300 hours’ worth of work for Next Step Farms, which offers programs for special needs adults.

The company’s generosity extends well beyond Alabama’s borders, too.

Wilson’s global partner is currently Awakening Hope, which helps folks in need in Guatemala. In coordination with Awakening Hope, Wilson plans three separate weeklong trips per year to assist a school in the village of Potrerilla, Guatemala. The school Wilson supports has grown from 19 to 40 kids. And 14 kids—who otherwise would not have had the means or opportunity to advance—have been able to progress on to secondary school.

Closer to home, the company maintains a benevolence fund for employees experiencing hardship. It also taps the services of Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) to help bolster employees’ spiritual health and mental well-being. CCA provides two chaplains, one for Wilson’s North Alabama operations and one for its truss plant in nearby Tennessee.

According to Wilson, employees are informed that all discussions with the chaplains are voluntary, and no employee is required to use the services of the chaplains.

Several social media posts reveal the positive attitudes of employees.

And according to Robb, this all ties back to culture, which provides a firm

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Wilson Lumber looks ahead while remembering its humble origins.

foundation for recruiting, retention and sustaining a healthy business. Robb says: “There’s nothing more important to recruitment than having a good culture.

That’s all there is to it. But if you’re trying to have a good culture so that you can recruit, well, it’s not gonna work. The reason you have a good culture is because that’s the right thing to do for people.”

He adds: “Treating people right, defining what culture should look like and then holding people accountable to that … holding managers accountable to that and then allowing them to hold you accountable to it. Defining that culture and sticking to it has been the greatest thing we’ve ever done here.”

Selection committee criteria Each year, Wilson Lumber Cares listens to presentations from 501c3 organizations to determine an ideal fit. The selection committee asks prospective charities: • What is the mission of your organization?

• What opportunities are there for Wilson Lumber employee involvement?

• How would Wilson Lumber Cares be able to impact your organization and the community it serves?

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People in the News Weyerhaeuser appointed Paul Hossain as SVP and chief development officer, effective Jan. 1. He will oversee the company’s Real Estate, Energy & Natural Resources segment, including its Natural Climate Solutions business, as well as Business Development and Acquisitions and Divestitures. Hossain Hossain currently serves as VP of Natural Resources and Climate Solutions for the company. He will be taking over for Russell Hagen, who is retiring at the end of 2024 but will serve as a strategic advisor.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Ace Retail Holdings, the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, and other retail hardware brands, promoted Tony Houk to vice president of store operations. In his new role, Houk will oversee all store operations across Ace Retail Holdings’ 250-plus locations. Houk Houk was previously the chief operating officer of Great Lakes Ace Hardware.

Maine-based Hancock Lumber has named Nick Christ as general manager of its Brunswick location. Christ has nearly 30 years of experience in lumber, hardware and building supply, much of which was spent at Home Depot. Christ started out at 19 working in the parking lot retrieving carts and eventuChrist ally earned a promotion to store manager in Rockland, a role he held from 2006 to 2016 before transferring to South Portland as store manager.

Simpson StrongTie’s Dankel honored The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association presented its Chairman’s Award to Roger Dankel, executive VP of North American sales for Dankel Simpson Strong-Tie. “It has been an honor and privilege to be involved with NLBMDA and serve our customers for 25 plus years of my career with Simpson Strong-Tie,” said Dankel, who retired at the end of 2024. “What a great industry and I am just blessed to be a part of it.”

Dankel spent over 30 years in the lumber and building material industry and has served as EVP of North American sales for Simpson Strong-Tie since January 2023. He previously served as president of North American sales of Simpson Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Simpson StrongTie Company, Inc. Dankel first joined Simpson Strong-Tie in 1993 as a field sales representative. He is a past NLBMDA board member and chair of the Manufactures and Services Council.

The NLBMDA Chairman’s Award is presented in recognition of individuals who have demonstrated dedicated service and made outstanding contributions to advancing the mission and goals of the NLBMDA.

Home Hardware Stores Limited, Canada’s largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer, has appointed Ian White as president and CEO. White is a career retailer with over 30 years of experience. For the past 10 years, White has held senior executive roles at Parkland Corporation, a global fuel, conveWhite nience and food retailer. Most recently, he held the position of president of Parkland Canada, where he had full operational accountability for all of Parkland’s Canadian retail, commercial, wholesale and M&M Food Market businesses.

Central States has named Arturo Towns as chief people officer. With a career spanning more than 25 years in human resources, Towns brings experience in strategy, talent acquisition and development to Central States, as the employee-owned company focuses on engaging employee-owners and advancing success.

Towns Towns’ career includes leadership roles at brands like Tyson and Simmons Foods, where he focused on safety, training, onboarding, employee engagement and enhancing company culture.

Orgill’s Director of Cybersecurity Peter Kim has been named one of Cyber Defense Magazine’s Top Global CISOs for 2024.

According to Orgill, Kim was selected among thousands of chief security information officers for companies around the world who were vying for the prestigious recognition. Judges Kim evaluated each candidate in search of the most innovative leaders with exceptional success in communicating with boards and senior executives, detecting and preventing breaches and data loss, ensuring regulatory compliance and building powerful risk reduction programs for their organizations.

House-Hasson Hardware has named Dave Doering as the company’s senior vice president of sales. Doering has more than 30 years of experience working at increasingly higher levels of responsibility in sales and product management. For the past 10 years, he was vice president/general manager of Retail Doering & eCommerce for IPS Corp., a private-equity-owned manufacturer of building materials and industrial products. At IPS Corp., among his major customers were The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, Ace, True Value, Menards, and Grainger.

30 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

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Pella Corporation appointed Emily Videtto as president and chief operating officer. She will report to Tim Yaggi, Pella’s CEO. While Videtto will continue to oversee sales and marketing, general management and innovation, her expanded responsibilities will include manufacturing, engineering and supply chain.

Beyond Pella, Emily serves on the board of Videtto directors for American Woodmark Corporation.

She is also the chair of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).

OMG, Inc. has named Noah Forrest as senior vice president and chief financial officer. In his new role, Forrest will work with the company’s senior management team to develop financial plans, fore casts and budgets. In addition, he will manage the company’s finance and information technology teams. Forrest has over 20 years of Forrest financial, accounting and strate gic leader ship expe rience, with Stanley Black & Decker and with Raytheon Technologies.

LP Building Solutions has appointed Leslie Davis to vice president, controller and chief accounting officer. In her new role, Davis will oversee LP’s accounting, internal controls and financial reporting. She will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with governance standards and managing both internal and external financial disclosures. Davis joined LP in 2020 Davis as assistant controller and was promoted to senior director of internal audit the following year.

SPAX Engineered Fasteners, part of Altenloh, Brinck & Co. US, has named Corey Lovett as a new team member. Lovett joins SPAX as a territory representative, based in Grand Prairie, Texas. He’ll be responsible for covering the territory of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Tennessee. With more than 10 years of experience in account Lovett management and sales, SPAX says Lovett excels in relationship building while sharing brand awareness and maximizing sales.

Do it Best has named Ty Sordelet as its new Vice President of Logistics. Sordelet brings over a decade of leadership experience in logistics innovation, supply chain optimization and operational excellence. Since joining Do it Best in 2022 as a director of warehouse operations, Sordelet has worked to drive process Sordelet improvements, optimize logistics strategies and deliver value to the company’s members. Previously, Sordelet was a pathways general manager at Amazon.

The Dunn-Edwards board of directors and the co-presidents of Nippon Paint have named Chief Operating Officer Monte Lewis as the new CEO, effective March 1, 2025.

He will replace CEO Karl Altergott, who is retiring from his role as president and CEO in February 2025 after 16 years with the comLewis pany. Having spent nearly 16 years leading the company’s sales organization, Lewis was promoted to chief operating officer in February 2024.

TAL Building Centers, a family-owned building materials provider in the Pacific Northwest, has named Gaven Gregory as its Vice President of Operations - East.

Gregory brings extensive leadership experience in retail and business operations, having held key roles at Valley Wide Gregory Cooperative, True Value, and The Home Depot. Previously, he served as division vice president at True Value, leading teams responsible for thousands of locations.

Most recently, he was executive vice president of retail at Valley Wide Cooperative.

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HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

Januar y 2025

31

Residential Construction/Sales

Monthly Retail Sales, not adjusted

13 months of housing starts and existing-home sales

home centers and pro dealers (NAICS 444) and hardware stores (NAICS 44413)

Total starts

NAICS 444 (sales in $ billions)

(in thousands, SAAR) November: 1,289,000

NAICS 44413 (sales in $ billions)

60

1800 1700

4 3.62

50

1600

3.82

40.4

39.8

1400

3.34

3.29

3 40

1500

3.46

3.68

45.1

41.9

40.7

39.7

2

30

1300

20

1200

1

1100

10

1000

0

900

N

J

D

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

SOURCE: COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

SEPTEMBER 2023

Single-family starts

OCTOBER

0

NOVEMBER

2024

AUGUST 2023

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

2024

SOURCE: MONTHLY RETAIL TRADE REPORT FROM THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

(in thousands, SAAR) November: 1,011,000 1400

HBSDealer Stock Roundup

1300

the percent-change performance of stocks based on Jan. 3 prices

1200 1100

30

1000

TSCO

900 800

20 N

J

D

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

ANNUAL CHANGE

600

N

SOURCE: COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

Existing-home sales (in millions, SAAR) November: 4,150,000 6

SHW

10

HD

MAS

DJI

0

5.5

BLDR

-10

5

LOW

BECN

700

SWK

WY

4.5

-20 -25

4

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

3.5

MONTHLY CHANGE

3 2.5

BECN (BEACON); BLDR (BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE); BMCH (BMC STOCK HOLDINGS); MAS (MASCO CORP.);

N

J

D

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

HD (HOME DEPOT); LOW (LOWE’S); SHW (SHERWIN-WILLIAMS); SWK (STANLEY); TSCO (TRACTOR SUPPLY);

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

WY (WEYERHAEUSER); DJIA (DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE)

Consumer Watch Unemployment rate

Consumer confidence

Gas prices

for the entire United States

indexed to a value of 100 in 1985

average price per gallon (regular)

8.0

10.0

0.0

90

14.0

4.0 2.0

100

12.0

6.0

4.2%

Current

$3.00

Prior month 16.0

November

$4.00

110

80

104.7

18.0

70 20.0

Prior year

120

December

32 Januar y 2025 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

$3.06 130

$2.00

Jan. 3

$5.00

SOURCES: LABOR DEPARTMENT, THE CONFERENCE BOARD, AAA

HBSDealer.com

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