PROFILE
Sharing the ‘Spirit of Life’ In a year of uncertainty, honoree Bill Boltz brings a jolt of clarity.
M
uch remains unclear about the 2021 fundraising season for City of Hope. A pandemic has disrupted the logistics — as well as the date — of the Hardware/ Homebuilding industry group’s traditional February gala. The virus has even curtailed visitation to the world-famous California disease treatment and research facility, around which the industry has rallied since deep into the last half of the last century. There’s no trace of hesitation, however, in the 2021 Spirit of Life honoree’s approach to his new role as fundraising leader. Bill Boltz, the Lowe’s executive VP of Merchandising and 38-year industry veteran, has a long acquaintance with City of Hope from his early days with Sears. And he has a deep appreciation of its mission. He is one of many whose life and family have been thrown into battle with the disease that City of Hope is committed to beating. Boltz spoke with HBSDealer about the industry’s unique position as a fundraising machine, and the importance of continuing to fight to find a cure for cancer, even during— especially during — a global crisis. HBSDealer: Why is this “Spirit of Life” role important for you?
Bill Boltz: It’s personal to me. I lost my dad to cancer, and my mom and sister are both cancer survivors, so it’s touched me in different ways. To watch the hardware and home improvement industry come together during these types of events and be able to raise millions of dollars to support it – it’s impressive. And the City of Hope has just gotten so many great folks involved. HBSDealer: Many of those great people at City of Hope events are often great competitors during the work week. Do you sense that the gloves come off for charity?
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Boltz: It’s great to see the industry come together for this common cause. It’s not unlike how the hardware and home improvement industry tackles natural disasters. We want to serve our local communities. But when you get competitors and suppliers and different folks in the same room, it’s pretty cool and unique. HBSDealer: On a 1 to 10 scale of competitiveness, this industry would measure a 10, would you agree?
Boltz: It would be a 10-plus. HBSDealer: Before the travel restrictions, you were able to visit the campus of City of Hope. What were your takeaways?
Boltz: Yes, I have visited City of Hope’s campus and was struck by just how peaceful it is and the passion of the doctors and staff. It’s one of those visits that you never forget. And that has stuck with me. When Kevin Courtney [City of Hope Senior Executive Director of Corporate Philanthropy] called and congratulated me for being the 2021 Spirit of Life recipient, I reminded him of my trip there and just how touching it was. And I think about it to this day. HBSDealer: How did you first become involved with City of Hope?
Bill Boltz: This year marks my 38th year in home improvement, and I got involved during the earliest days of my career while at Sears. As I was beginning my career in home improvement, I watched [former Sears Roebuck executive] Marvin Stern and many other home improvement leaders get recognized for this award, and I remember my very first City
FEBRUARY 2021 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER
By Ken Clark
of Hope event when we gathered in Chicago to celebrate with Marvin. HBSDealer: Recent past Spirit of Life honorees Brad Paulsen (HD Supply) and Giles Bowman (Home Depot) fall into the category of competitors, how do you feel about coming together for this outstanding cause?
Boltz: There have been many heavy hitters who have received this award. Bob Tillman, Robert Strickland and Louis G. Herring are all former CEOs of Lowe’s and are on the list and I believe these 3 individuals were the first honorees from the City of Hope. I’m honored that I’m able to carry that on for Lowe’s. And, as I said, it’s touched me personally because of what’s happening inside of my own family. So, I am excited about being able to make my presentation and get our vendor community rallied and the industry rallied around this cause again, in light of what’s going on with the pandemic.
Bill Boltz, executive VP of Merchandising, has had a long acquaintance with City of Hope.
HBSDealer.com
