People In The News

United Hardware announced that Chad Ruth has been named interim president and CEO. Doug Audette, the former president and CEO has stepped down to pursue other opportunities. As interim president and CEO, Ruth will be responsible for overseeing the overall strategy and operations of the company. Ruth served as United Hardware vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the past two years.

Cindy Howley, director of Kohler Stewardship, the company’s worldwide corporate social responsibility program, received the Robert P. Atkins Lifetime Achievement Award during the recent Crystal Vision Awards Breakfast in Las Vegas. During her career, Howley facilitated the investment of more than $80 million in Kohler communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Bliffert Lumber & Hardware manager Chris Hegeman has accepted a twoyear term as chairman of the board of the Wisconsin Retail Lumber Association (WRLA) , part of the Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA). In the post, Hegeman replaces Jake Buswell , operations manager of All American Do It Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.

Kodiak Building Partners and Ricci Lumber promoted Pat Moretti to president of Ricci Lumber. Moretti joined Ricci in 1977 in the hardware department stocking and merchandising and has been with the company for the past 45 years. In 1991, Moretti was promoted to general manager where he remained for 31 years until his recent promotion to president.

The Toro Company (TTC) announced that Angela C. Drake, who currently serves as TTC’s vice president, finance will succeed the retiring Renee J. Peterson as vice president and chief financial officer, effective March 10, 2023. Drake was appointed vice president, finance in 2022 after previously serving as vice president, construction from 2020.

Do it Best has named Allison Flatjord as the company’s vice president of e-commerce. She replaces Nick Talarico, who was recently promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing. Flatjord joined Do it Best in 2022 as the company’s director of e-commerce.

Stanley Black & Decker appointed John T. Lucas to senior vice president, chief human resources officer (CHRO). He will join the executive team and report to Donald Allan, Jr. , president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker. Lucas will be responsible for the company’s global human resources strategy and operations; talent management, including recruitment and leadership development; and compensation and benefits.

Roofing and building products distributor Beacon announced that Racquel Harris Mason has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective March 16. Mason currently serves as a member of the board of directors of NeilsenIQ, the consumer intelligence company.

Residential Construction/Sales

Monthly Retail Sales, not adjusted

months of housing starts and existing-home sales home centers and pro dealers (NAICS 444) and hardware stores (NAICS 44413) NAICS 444 (sales in $ billions) NAICS 44413 (sales in $ billions)

HBSDealer Stock Roundup

the percent-change performance of stocks based on Feb. 23 prices

BECN (BEACON); BLDR (BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE); BMCH (BMC STOCK HOLDINGS); MAS (MASCO CORP.); HD (HOME DEPOT); LOW (LOWE’S); SHW (SHERWIN-WILLIAMS); SWK (STANLEY); TSCO (TRACTOR SUPPLY); WY (WEYERHAEUSER);

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