HBSD-1022

OCTOBER 2022 Volume 48 No. 9

Meet the GenNext Five industry leaders for today … and tomorrow.

Efficient Service, Dedicated Operators

COMMITTED TO THE LAST MILE Our Fleet, Our Drivers

Orgill’s commitment to getting products into your store is paramount. Our modern, private fleet of 400+ trucks are all driven by Orgill employees. Not only do our drivers keep

things running smoothly, but our operational model controls our expenses and we pass these savings along to our dealers.

We’ll go the extra mile for you. Contact us today.

Fleet-Service Facts: • Low flat-rate stop-charges • Low minimum orders • No fuel surcharges • High driver-retention rate • The lowest net delivery cost in our industry

To find out more, call or visit: 1.800.347.2860 x 5141 | Orgill.com

10.22 18 Chris Moudy 84 Lumber Operations Manager Georgetown, Texas

INDEPENDENT PROFILE

16 The controlled chaos called hardware, at Slavens True Value.

ROOFING MATERIALS

24 What’s new overhead: Colors, durability and technology.

E-COMMERCE

26 Hammer time on the web, a shopping odyssey.

MARKET INSIGHTS

28 At the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas, a glimpse at truck automation.

30 Storm season isn’t over.

Here’s Home Depot Rental’s take on equipment.

COVER STORY:

18 GenNext Leaders Meet a handful of young movers and shakers in the hardware and building supply industry. They’re in technology, sales, operations and even ownership.

FROM THE EDITOR

8

Advice to youth, against the backdrop of a tight labor market.

TOP WOMEN

31 Clare Doyle and Masonite help people walk through walls.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 The $800 million Q&A with Ace.

11 Product Knowledge

10 Poll results: Can your business manage rising wages?

34 Quikrete Industry Dashboard

12 News Map

11 Breakfast of Champions at the LMC Leadership Summit.

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 200, Chicago, IL 60631. Subscription rate in the United States: $110 one year; $200 two year; $14 single issue copy; Canada and Mexico: $130 one year; $235 two year; $16 single issue copy; Foreign: $150 one year; $285 two year; $16 single issue copy; in all other countries (air mail only). Digital Subscription: $75 one year; $140 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 200, Chicago, IL 60631. Copyright © 2022 by EnsembleIQ. All rights reserved.

4

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

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

The Top 200 ProDealers Get the full list that tracks the leaders of the lumber business.

One of many special reports at hbsdealer.com/report

NOW !

E AV A I L A B L Saturday Highlights Sign up for the Saturday Edition of HBSDealer’s industryleading newsletter, including the Top Three Highlight Reel of the week’s biggest headlines.

Read the E-Book Coming mid-October, look for the newest addition to the HBSDealer E-Book series: the 2022 Fastener E-Book, with business highlights from industry leaders. Visit HBSDealer.com/report

Connect with us @HBSDealer

6

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

ENGINEERED FASTENERS

NOT ALL FASTENERS ARE CREATED EQUAL

O fi

Get the full story at SPAX.us/setsthebar

From the Editor Hardware + Building Supply Dealer An EnsembleIQ Publication 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60631 hbsdealer.com HBSDealer On The Web • HBSDealer Info Services

Career advice

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT (HBSDealer, Drug Store News, Chain Store Age) John Kenlon, jkenlon@ensembleiq.com, 212-756-5238

Ken Clark Editor in Chief

K

arla Robson, the manager of Slavens True Value Hardware in Cortez, Colo., has observed that our kids have been told that hardware is not a career. “Why would anyone say that to a kid?,” she asked.

Why indeed?

First of all, look at how much fun Robson seems to be having while managing the day-to-day chaos of a friendly hardware store – she’s the star of our Independent Profile on page 16.

And look at the fabulous careers in progress on pages 18-23 in our GenNext feature of future leaders. There’s a lot of gas left in the tank for these young executives, whose dossiers came to us after HBSDealer.com released an all-points-bulletin for future talent.

These are uplifting stories. But the challenge of recruiting and retention is real across industries in general. And it’s real in the hardware and building supply industry in specific.

Consider the recent Webinar hosted by HBSDealer: “The Impact of Rising Rates, Inflation and a Slowing Economy on Housing and Remodeling.”

Matt Saunders, senior VP of building products research for John Burns Real Estate Consulting added some color to what we all know is a very tight job market. “The number of unemployed per job opening, is close to the lowest on record,” he said. Plus “voluntary quits have been elevated as workers leave for greener pastures.”

(Listen to the webinar at HBSDealer. com/webinars.)

Meanwhile, look what’s the most commonly mentioned challenge described by dealers from the 2022 HBSDealer Industry Scoreboard Survey: It’s labor or staffing. The second most-mentioned challenge is the inextricably related supply chain. (Delivery trucks can’t drive themselves. At least

8

not yet. See story on page 28.)

So what can we say to our kids?

Happily, tons of programs industry-wide are supporting the mission of trade schools and skilled-trade training.

(As I type, an announcement from Harbor Freight crosses the wires about a million-dollar-plus donation to 20 teachers as part of the retailler’s Tools for Schools program.)

Additionally, companies like Curtis Lumber are spreading the word often and early at job fairs throughout its business range, winning young hearts and minds with whiz-bang technology and cool tools

EDITOR IN CHIEF Ken Clark kclark@ensembleiq.com, 212-756-5139 LBM EDITOR Andy Carlo acarlo@ensembleiq.com, 845-891-5108 HARDWARE EDITOR Tim Burke tburke@ensembleiq.com, 773-216-7880 ADVERTISING SALES

Midwest & Southeastern States ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Platter Grant agrant@ensembleiq.com, 773-294-8598 Northeast and Great Lakes States REGIONAL MANAGER Greg Cole gcole@ensembleiq.com, 317-775-2206 AUDIENCE

LIST RENTAL MeritDirect Marie Briganti 914-309-3378 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES/CUSTOMER CARE TOLL-FREE: 1-877-687-7321 FAX: 1-888-520-3608 contact@hbsdealer.com PRODUCTION/ART

SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Patricia Wisser pwisser@ensembleiq.com, 908-420-0863 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Colette Magliaro cmagliaro@ensembleiq.com ART DIRECTOR Bill Antkowiak bantkowiak@ensembleiq.com TOP WOMEN IN HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLY NOV. 8-9 2022, CHICAGO, ILL. WWW.HBSDTOPWOMEN.COM CONTACT: AMY PLATTER GRANT agrant@ensembleiq.com, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Watch Curtis Lumber recruit for the future at HBSDealer.com/video

Curtis Lumber’s Doug Ford, VP of sales and purchasing, pointed to stats forecasting a 14.1 percent increase in U.S. construction costs, and he pointed the finger at a significant lack of labor as a major cost accelerator.

“The lack of awareness around the opportunities and the many misconceptions about the trades are prohibiting our youth from a very rewarding and lucrative career,” he said. “We need to educate schools and parents about the pathways that are available into the trades.”

What do you say? Let us know at news@hbsdealer.com.

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Levi Smith, CEO, Franklin Building Supply Cally Fromme, VP of communication and culture, Kodiak Building Partners Steve Sallah, CEO, LBM Advantage Wendy Whiteash, EVP of culture, US LBM Holdings Tom Cost, owner, Killingworth True Value Brad McDaniel, owner, McDaniel’s Do it Center Joe Kallen, CEO, Busy Beaver Building Centers 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.

CORPORATE OFFICERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Ann Jadown EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Derek Estey EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Joe Territo

connect with us

REGISTER NOW! www.hbsdtopwomen.com

November 8-9, 2022 Fairmont Hotel, Chicago CHECK OUT OUR 2022 AGENDA TUESDAY, 11/8 4:00pm: Afternoon Tea: Mix, Mingle & Mentorship 5:30pm: Welcome Cocktail Reception 7:00pm: Dinner 7:30pm: Awards Ceremony WEDNESDAY, 11/9 7:30am: Breakfast 8:00am: Keynote Fireside Discussion with Maia Chaka 9:00am: SWOT Panel 9:45am: NextUp with Sarah Alter 10:45am: Allies & Advancement Panel 11:30am: Rising Stars Panel

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT 2022 SPONSORS!

For more information including sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Amy Grant 773.294.8598 agrant@ensembleiq.com

Gregory Cole 317-775-2206 gcole@ensembleiq.com

News + Analysis

An $800 million Q&A with Ace HBSDealer asked Ace Hardware Corp. about its $800 million supply chain investment over five years. Here’s the executive summary of the HBSDealer interview with Lori Bossman, chief supply chain officer at Ace (for more visit HBSDealer.com).

Can you tell us more about the RSCs? Bossmann: “We plan on opening four new RSCs in the next five years. Two of these RSCs, in Jackson County, Georgia and Visalia, California, are currently under construction.

Lori Bossmann, chief supply chain officer for Ace Hardware.

“We will begin shipping from the Jackson County, Georgia RSC in February 2023, and from the Visalia, California RSC in April 2023.

“With the opening of Visalia, we will be able to reach most of our Southern California retailers and consumers within one day, which is key to our digital strategy.

The next two RSCs that we open will fill in next-day gaps in the Midwest and West markets and allow us to get closer to our stores and the consumers.

“When all four new RSCs are completed, we will be able to reach 92% of our retailers and consumers within one day.”

Ace will expand its number of distribution centers under a five year spending plan.

even move volume, where possible, to give employees and management sufficient time to learn new technologies and processes.”

What challenges and positives do you expect along the way as you implement these investments?

Will the amount of investment be split across the three segments evenly, or do you expect more in, say, RSCs? How does that get shaped and decided?

Bossmann: “Opening new RSCs and implementing technology and automation always come with some risk. We plan these projects to the most minuscular detail and have contingency plans for each of these initiatives.

“We recognize the magnitude of the change, train employees extensively, and

Bossmann: “The majority of Ace’s supply chain investment will be in new RSCs and the automation to run these RSCs. “We plan capacity in five-year increments, identify where our space constraints may be, and review our investment requirements with executive management and the board of directors on an annual basis.”

POLL RESULTS

Is your business struggling to manage rising wages?

31%

Yes, extremely so

49%

Yes, moderately so

No

19%

Source: HBSDealer.com poll. N =157

10

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

Same day delivery in a red apron Lowe’s and Instacart announced that same-day delivery is now available from more than 1,700 Lowe’s stores nationwide.

Nearly 30,000 items can be ordered for delivery in as fast as an hour, said the firm, freeing up customers to spend more time sprucing up, decorating and making holiday memories this fall.

Lowe’s said it is one of the first retailers on the Instacart App to roll out sameday and scheduled delivery for large items, up to 3x3x5 feet and 60 pounds.

Lowe’s said it piloted same-day delivery via Instacart in select markets in February and is Instacart’s leading national home improvement partner.

Lowe’s now offers same-day delivery from stores across all 50 states and Washington D.C.

or next-day delivery on a variety of home improvement products.

In the story reported by HBSDealer, Stephanie Smith, senior vice president of supply chain for The Home Depot said, “The Home Depot is continuously working to give customers the most convenient shopping experience in home improvement. That includes providing a wide range of fast and reliable delivery options.”

Instacart is partnering with Lowe's to offer same-day delivery across Lowe's stores nationwide.

“We’re excited to open up this new fulfillment offering across the U.S. for customers to shop for all of their project needs,” said Shady.

With the move, Lowe’s follows chief rival Home Depot into the same day space. Home Depot teamed up with Walmart GoLocal last October as its first retail client to provide its customers with another option for same-day

That championship summit The LMC Leadership Summit brought in a diverse cast of champions to share advice for the LBM co-op’s current and future leaders. The Phoenix event in late September included presentations from:

Product Knowledge Product: Evolve Stone decorative stone Manufacturer: Evolve Manufacturing, Winchester, Va. Knowledge: “Nailed it.” That’s the slogan of this lightweight, DIY-friendly, stone-like veneer that can be face nailed with a finish nailer in the same fashion as traditional siding. The easy-to-install, mortarless system brings realistic stone aesthetics to interior and exterior applications. Comes in multiple patterns and colors including the Georgetown Run style shown here in “Phantom Shadow.”

MSRP: $9 to $15 per sq. foot.

Five-time Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey on “Setting Goals and the Strategies to Reach Them;”

Fun fact: You can see Evolve Stone on structures at Cabela’s, Sea World and Downtown Disney.

Dave Scott, six-time Ironman triathlon champion, took the stage to talk about “Success vs. Failure;” and Joshua Foer, a “mental athlete” and author who won the U.S. Memory Championship, shared techniques to boost memory.

Dave Scott shared championship advice to LMC leaders.

And that was just day one.

“The education is relative to the business in terms of setting goals for myself both personally and professionally, but also my staff,” said Brad Martineau from

Jackson Lumber and Millwork.

The annual LMC Leadership Summit is a part of LMC’s “21st Century Leaders Program,” which is designed to bring members together to learn and connect.

HBSDealer.com

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER October 2022

11

News Map: Openings, Closings & Acquisitions Illustration of retailers and dealers in various stages of coming and going. For more retail news, visit HBSDealer.com.

OPENING

12

CLOSING

ACQUISITION

WISCONSIN

ILLLINOIS

MICHIGAN

Tomahawk

Mount Carmel

Delton

Qualheim’s True Value celebrated a grand opening of the retailer’s third True Value hardware store in northeast Wisconsin. Qualheim’s also operates in Park Falls and Shawano.

R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. acquired Kieffer Lumber in Mount Carmel, Ill. The move gives R.P. Lumber, a family-owned hardware and building materials retailer, its 59th Illinois location and its 85th location overall.

Big C Lumber of Granger, Ind., acquired Delton Pole Building Supply Co. Of Delton, Mich. Delton Pole has been in business for 30 years, with a specialty in post-frame buildings, as well as materials for new home construction and home remodeling.

COLORADO

MISSISSIPPI

FLORIDA

Denver

Biloxi

Pensacola

Kodiak Building Partners has acquired Western Interior Supply based in Denver, Colo Founded in 1985, WIS acoustical materials in the Denver-area commercial building industry. It’s Kodiak’s first acquisition in the gypsum space since 2017.

Ellzey’s Hardware at the corner of Main and Howard Avenue closed its doors after serving the East Biloxi community since 1914. Co-owner Sandra Cannette, granddaughter of the founder, Curtis Ellzey Sr., told the Mississippi Free Press that she was ready to retire.

Tibbetts Lumber Co. agreed to acquire Pensacola, Fla.-based D & M Truss Co. “D & M gives us a very geographically-significant footprint to complement our existing Central Florida truss production,” said Kyle Hooker of Tibbetts.

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

OPENING DOORS TO INSPIRATION

Gel Stain Excellent adhesion to fiberglass and previously finished surfaces Concentrated to achieve beautiful, bold color Easy one coat application for a variety of projects

• Perfect for previously finished surfaces like cabinets and vertical surfaces

• Use on floors, trim, interior doors, cabinets, furniture, and general woodworking

• Achieve intense, uniform color in a single application

• Highly pigmented, thick oil-based stain • Available in 24 popular trend colors

COME JOIN OUR FAMILY myoldmasters.com |

(800) 747-3436

|

Independent Profile As the sign says: Karla Robson is the ‘Chaos Coordinator’ of the Colorado store.

once a week I use Google to identify an item I’ve never heard of,” she added.

Along with customer service, another challenge is employee recruitment and retention, she said.

“We can find retired folks who are bored and want part time,” she said. “These folks are great. They know how to do many home projects. They are not great when it comes to carry out. Let’s face it, my 79-year-old plumbing guy does not need to be packing out a water heater or even a toilet for that matter.

But he is a great resource to customers, because he knows so much,” said Robson.

At the other end of the age spectrum, the under-20 group are whiz kids with computers and are great at carry out, but product knowledge and phone skills can be lacking, she said.

The hardware manager offered some tips to help get through the daily chaos of hardware operations.

“Patience, Patience, Patience. I don’t think the young folks are incapable. I think they have not been taught politeness, and simply saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please,’ and PRODUCTS PLUS PEOPLE (IF YOU CAN FIND THEM) asking how to help someone,” she said.

LE AD TO SUCCESS. By Tim Burke They have not been taught how to approach a customer, said arla Robson, the manager of Slavens True Value Robson. “They have not “Patience, Patience, in Cortez, Colorado, has been an employee of the approached anyone — ever Patience. I don’t think hardware store for 36 years.

— they text everything. They the young folks are “I have a sign outside my office that says, ‘Chaare so used to living with incapable. I think they os Coordinator,’” she said. “I feel confident that if I were to constant entertainment, they have not been taught leave this job, my resume would include this title.” don’t understand to offer politeness, and simply The hardware manager thinks they have always worked in an help, offer suggestions, and saying ‘thank you’ and environment of controlled chaos, but in the last few years the disdon’t be too pushy.” ‘please,’ and asking ruptions seem to have multiplied on both sides of the hardware Through it all, Robson is how to help someone.” aware of the importance of store equation: Products and people.

No two days are alike, but the Slavens’ manager describes nurturing the next generation —Karla Robson, a ‘day in the life’ at her hardware store. of hardware store pros. “They manager, Slavens True Value “In a nutshell — a day in my life is trying to source products, and know they can go down the ordering said products. I am no longer as concerned with price as years ago. Now street and get another job — everyone’s it’s just, ‘does someone have it?’ Order all they have — it might be our last chance.” hiring,” she said. “We are raising the genIn a “typical day” if there is such a thing, Robson comes in and does some eration who will take over for us; we need daily paperwork; looks at the sales numbers and customer count from the them to succeed.” previous day; takes time-off requests from employees; and hopes for appliAnd another thing: “We cannot keep the cations from prospective employees — she usually doesn’t get any. kids we have working here,” she said. “BeShe spends her time seeing who is sick, or off, and tries to work the schedule cause they have been told they must go to around those folks, not overworking the few wonderful flexible folks she has. college, and ‘hardware is not a career.’ Why Then the busy manager runs views, looking for outs, and sourcing their three would anyone say that to a kid?” main vendors: True Value, Orgill and Blish-Mize. (Multiple sources increases We all need help with one thing or anothflexibility, but also increased complexity, she said.) er, she said, hardware is a team sport.

“We got such an influx of customers during Covid; and they seem to con“If you can afford to, hire fewer, at a hightinue to shop. They have found the ‘perfect’ item online — and now expect er wage. Hopefully they will stay with you. the rest of us to know what it is, and have it in stock,” said Robson. “Probably And if at all possible, let folks buy in.”

At Slavens True Value, chaos is under control

K

16

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

Collated Cortex: Now available for Trex® Enhance!

Collated Cortex®, already available for the most popular composite decking boards, is now available for all Trex Enhance® board colors. This offers a beautiful finished look while speeding up installation and saving time.

FastenMaster's exclusive Spotter Installation Guide is specifically designed for fastener placement in the Trex® Enhance board, ensuring a proper connection into the legs of the board profile.

For more information visit FastenMaster.com NEW Spotter Installation Guide Designed for installation of Trex® Enhance board Compatible with all other Cortex offerings

FastenMaster.com

800·518·3569

FastenMaster® and Cortex® are trademarks of OMG Inc. Copyright © 2022 OMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trex , Enhance® , Select ®and Transcend ® are either federally registered trademarks or trademarks of Trex Company, Inc., Winchester, VA. ®

COVER F E ATURE

Meet the GenNext Five industry leaders for today … and tomorrow.

By The HBSDealer editors 18

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

T

he hardware and building supply industry has a reputation as demographically challenged, especially when it comes to the age of those making decisions.

But on the following pages are five representatives of what we call GenNext — the future generation of industry leadership. They come from all segments and bring varied skills to their positions. But they share a passion for the industry and showcase the kind of opportunities that ambitious professionals can find in this industry.

The stories of these five leaders were discovered through email solicitations and reaching out to stakeholders everywhere. Obviously there’s more to GenNext than contained on the following pages.

But you have to agree, this is a good start.

If you see leadership potential, let us know at news@hbsdealer.com. It’s a people business, and we intend to spread the word.

HBSDealer.com

ADAM GUNNETT DIRECTOR OF IT, BUSY BEAVER

A

DANIEL BRICKER PANEL DEPARTMENT MANAGER, LBM ADVANTAGE

D

aniel Bricker is LBM Advantage’s Panel Department Manager.

Bricker, 38, leads a team of five associates, manages five Northeast reload locations, and negotiates and oversees contract programs. And in doing so, Bricker has solidified himself as a leader not only among his peers but also within the industry.

At the buying group’s New Windsor office in Upstate New York, Bricker is often called upon to lead the charge when starting new projects and consistently employs process improvement strategies that have increased efficiencies. A recent example is his automation of contracting with mills.

Bricker also serves on several committees at LBM Advantage, including NextGen — a professional development program geared towards youthful, emerging leaders at the buying group — along with the Forest Products Committee.

The panel department manager says he determines success by the value he brings to customers. Apart from that, he measures success by the development of his colleagues.

Bricker says he strongly believes in an engaged staff and works closely to ensure their short and long-term professional goals are reached.

“At LBM Advantage, we strongly believe in data-driven decisions and take a quantitative approach to our market strategy, Bricker said.

“We proactively target the marketplace; we are not a reactive forest products division or cooperative.

We accomplish this goal by leveraging our member’s collective volume by facilitating large-scale block buys to lower their costs.”

HBSDealer.com

A career in the LBM industry wasn’t originally on Bricker’s radar. But as a college student, a career involving financial markets appealed to him during a summer internship on Wall Street.

After graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and with six years of retail experience, Bricker was hired at ENAP (the predecessor of LBM Advantage) and found the competitiveness of commodity trading satisfying. He quickly moved higher within the organization, first as an assistant trader, then trader, followed by Panel Department Manager.

“A career in the LBM Industry can be really satisfying.” — Bricker “A career in the LBM Industry can be really satisfying,” Bricker says.

During his tenure, Bricker says his greatest challenge has been market volatility over the past few years. Bicker notes that unprecedented swings in prices have taught him many lessons and added perspective, which will aid him in the years to come.

Aside from the many wonderful people in the industry, Bricker says he found commodity trading rewarding because it is competitive, face-paced, and analytical.

To those considering a future in the industry, he says “go for it! The industry is filled with tremendous people, manufacturers, builders, and retailers.”

LBM Advantage is one of the nation’s largest lumber and building cooperatives with over 500 members and over 1,200 locations in 43 states.

dam Gunnett is the director of IT at Busy Beaver Building Centers, which earlier this year opened its 25th neighborhood home improvement center.

The new store features an array of state-ofthe-art technologies — and a robot.

Automation comes in the form of Badger Technologies’ autonomous robot equipped with Badger Retail InSight software, which scans the entire store every day and alerts management to out-of-stock and misplaced products. The firm also uses Pricer electronic shelf labels.

“Technology is a key imperative in our mission to be the favorite home improvement center in the communities we serve,” said Gunnett.

“We relentlessly look for innovative ways to increase efficiencies and empower our associates to provide legendary customer service.”

Gunnett talked about when he first started in hardware.

“In 2015, I entered the hardware industry as an entry-level IT technician for Busy Beaver. I had to hit the ground running as we implemented a new Point-of-Sale and ERP system within my first six months of starting. This forced me to quickly learn about nearly all aspects of the hardware business.”

He commented on what he like about the hardware business.

“The uniqueness of the hardware business is what I love and has kept me engaged. Customers typically enter our stores with a problem or a project. I am still amazed by the number of different problems that have been introduced by customers and subsequently the number of solutions that have been offered by our staff.

I appreciate that every day can offer a new, unique challenge,” said the IT director.

What’s the best advice Adam has heard? “‘You can’t tell who is swimming naked until the tide goes out.’ These words of wisdom took on a new meaning during the pandemic. Busy Beaver was as well prepared as a retailer could be leading up to Covid and we were able to be nimble and adapt to the quickly changing times.”

“We relentlessly look for innovative ways to increase efficiencies and empower our associates to provide legendary customer service.”

— Gunnett

October 2022

19

800.444.7313 fastenerconnection.com

CHRIS MOUDY

COVER F E ATURE

OPERATIONS MANAGER, 84 LUMBER

H STEFANIE COUCH DIRECTOR OF SALES, AMERICAN BUILDERS SUPPLY

B

efore the pandemic, when the HBSDealer Top Women program was in its infancy, the organizers went looking for names of people who were committed to advancing the industry and the role of women in it. One name quickly emerged: Stefanie Couch.

Her career began at her father’s retail lumber yard in North Georgia where she worked through college.

“The best sales advice I have ever received came to me throughout my time working with my dad in our local lumber yard,” she told HBSDealer. “He always told me to run your business with your customer and their needs in the forefront of your mind. Always do the right thing even if it is difficult or inflicts you pain in the short term — and it will come back to you tenfold.”

That approach helped her grow sales more than 10x during her six years as an inside sales rep for millwork at Boise Cascade. And after a couple of promotions, she recently took on the role with the Florida prodealer American Builders Supply—part of the Kodiak Building Partners family of companies—as director of sales for central Florida.

So far, so good, she says.

“Immediately after beginning the interview process, I knew ABS was different because they have a culture that embraces innovation and change,” she said.

“The entire team was welcoming, and I felt right at home from the moment I got here. The value added by ABS helps their customer have a competitive edge.

I am also excited about the opportunity to lead a women’s leadership initiative at ABS and grow with the organization.”

22

In addition to promoting the role of women in the business, she’s a firm believer in building lasting relationships between supplier and customer.

And the foundation of that belief runs back to her family business.

“It is a choice for our customers to decide to initially choose and continue to do business with us. We should make sure it is a pleasure for them to make that choice over and over,” she said. “Sales in general, but especially building industry sales, is personal and relationships are paramount. Never let a decision that feels good for you today hurt your customer relationship and trust in the long run.

“Two decades after learning this lesson from my dad, it rings more true now than ever,” she added. “The more I see and learn, the more I know sales is about understanding people and what they care about. If it is important to them, it should be important to you.”

e originally intended to work in another industry that was “impacted significantly” by the pandemic, says Chris Moudy.

“Fortunately, I was called by 84 Lumber for an interview and ran with it from there."

Since that job interview, and being hired by the Eighty Four, Pa.-based prodealer, Moudy’s career has taken off.

After beginning as a Manager Trainee in 2020, he was promoted to a manager position within four short months. And in March, Moudy was recognized as 84 Lumber’s 2021 Rookie of the Year while serving as the co-manager of the dealer’s Clovis, Calif., location.

Now an operations manager in Georgetown, Texas, the 27 year-old says he tries to focus on being a better associate, leader, and person every day.

“I evaluate my own performance, starting with what I did well and building on that and then shifting my focus to the areas of opportunity and putting together a course of action to improve,” Moudy says. “I allow myself to cherish the small victories, but I quickly shift gears to what needs to get better to be the best version of myself for 84 Lumber, and for everyone I interact with.”

Moudy points out that 84 Lumber “does such an amazing job of outlining what is possible with this company.

“Anyone from anywhere can make an amazing

“The best sales advice I have ever received came to me throughout my time working with my dad in our local lumber yard. He always told me to run your business with your customer and their needs in the forefront of your mind. Always do the right thing even if it is difficult or inflicts you pain in the short term — and it will come back to you tenfold.”— Couch

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

career for themselves as long as they are willing to work hard. 84 provides all of the tools, the training, and the dreams. You just have to wake up, show up, and care,” Moudy says.

Now working in the Austin, Texas market, Moudy says the population and demand for housing have “exploded” during and after the pandemic. The operations manager works with home builders day in and day out to service their needs, including a customer base that is 95% residential construction.

“With the growing demand and success of the housing market here in Austin, it has not been without growing pains,” Moudy points out. “Each and every day we start and end our day making sure we do everything in our power to ensure we can supply the much-needed materials to our customers and home builders.

The biggest issues this industry runs into are transportation and material shortages.”

Despite obstacles, Moudy says hard work always pays off in the end. “You can take a drive in your hometown and see the tangible impact you are having. You can see the homes, businesses, and communities built by either your hands or the materials you provided,” Moudy explains. “You can go to bed every night knowing you’re making a difference, and leaving things better than how you found them."

“This industry provides one of the few fundamental human needs in order to survive and grow,” Moudy added. “People will always need shelter, and lumber, in particular, is the only 100% renewable resource.”

“...I allow myself to cherish the small victories, but I quickly shift gears to what needs to get better to be the best version of myself for 84 Lumber, and for everyone I interact with.” — Moudy

HBSDealer.com

ERIC SMITH OWNER, PETERSBURG HARDWARE

O

wner Eric Smith says one thing you can count on in hardware: Each day’s plans change.

Eric Smith started with Petersburg Hardware in 2004 working for his future parents Dennis and Sherry Bishop. He was initially hired to take a dying side of the store, cellular phone sales, and make it grow.

Eric spent countless hours growing what was a small kiosk in a hardware store into one of the top dealers in Southern Indiana.

Five years ago, Petersburg Hardware co-owners Dennis and Sherry, along with their daughter Robin Smith and her husband Eric, expanded a 5,500 square foot, tri-level convenience style store into a 28,000-sq.-ft. shopping destination.

“Yes, we are a large store, but we still keep the small-town values and hospitality,” related Robin Smith.

Family owned and operated since 1995, ownership was transferred to Eric and Robin Smith early in 2021.

“Our biggest success for employees is being a family. We care about what each person is going through in and out of the store.

“We focus on the environment that our customers see. If we are supporting our employees, it leads to positive energy on the floor with customers,” said the Smiths. “Our employees want to talk to customers and put our best foot forward.”

What does Eric like about the business?

“First, I genuinely like to help people, whether it’s finding the right product or just advice which

“...I love a good challenge, and I love to help people figure something out. Last but not least, I enjoy seeing and working with my wife Robin every day.”

—Smith leads to the next thing, problem solving. I love a good challenge, and I love to help people figure something out. Last but not least, I enjoy seeing and working with my wife Robin every day,” he said.

Also, what does he find challenging?

“The most challenging part of the business is how quickly plans can change. In a matter of seconds, your plan or goal can completely change. Sometimes it can change several times. You have the day planned out, and within the first five minutes your day is changed,” he said.

“It can be completely pushed back 2-3 days due to shipments, customers, employees, or weather. Some days I feel like I am battling a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. You just keep hammering at the next project, next issue and next challenge that arises,” said Smith.

What’s the best advice Eric has passed along?

“The top two things I try to teach my employees are: One, always under-promise and over-deliver. Your customer will always be happy; and two, it’s ok to tell the customer ‘I don’t know’ but the key is to tell the customer immediately ‘I will find that out for you.’”

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER October 2022

23

Roofing Materials

What’s new on the Roof “A roof over your head” is arguably the most important, basic aspect of housing and shelter.

HERE’S A LOOK AT SOME OF THE L ATEST PRODUCTS AND PROGR AMS WHEN IT COMES TO SHINGLES AND ROOFING IN BOTH RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR /REMODELING. By Andy Carlo

DaVinci Roofscapes, a division of Westlake Royal Building Products, has introduced a new single-width composite slate roofing tile. Province Slate, a 12-inch wide tile with a fixed 8-inch exposure evokes a historical nature with an authentic slate appeal.

Modeled after actual slate, the tiles have a natural, non-repeating beauty that complements a variety of home styles. The Class A fire-rated and Class 4 impact-rated tile can also be used on commercial projects. The durable slate tiles resist severe weather, high winds, insects, algae, and fungus growth. Each tile has rear-side nail marking templates, an enhanced backside rib structure, and self-aligning edges for ease and speed of installation. The new Province Slate tiles are available in six of the most popular colors requested by DaVinci customers: Slate Gray, Slate Black, Smokey Gray, Castle Gray, European, and Brownstone. WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com

Available in various designs and colors, PABCO Roofing Products shingles are made for any price range and application. This includes new construction or the replacement of an existing roof. The most popular line of shingles made by PABCO Roofing Products remains the Premier architectural laminated shingle. This high-value shingle is manufactured to meet UL790 Class A Fire Resistance standards, comes in ten attractive color options, and offers Algae Defender to help protect against algae growth and unsightly black streaks. PABCO Premier shingles from PABCO Roofing Products are ideal for roofs throughout the western United States. They include a limited lifetime warranty for the original homeowner and a 30year, fully transferrable limited warranty for subsequent homeowners. PABCO also offers an upscale Prestige shingle along with its top-of-the-line Paramount shingles.

Pabcoroofing.com

24

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

CertainTeed Landmark PRO, known for its reliability, durability, and Max Def colors has added even more high-definition colors to its lineup. Landmark PRO shingles are now available in Espresso, Coastal Blue, and Red Oak Max Def colors. CertainTeed said it researches hundreds of pigments to create unique color blends that produce rich, sophisticated, vibrant, and deep colors that combine unmatched aesthetics with industry-leading protection to offer a beautiful and durable roof that will last for decades. CertainTeed Landmark PRO is engineered with two laminated layers to replicate the dimensional appearance of a wood shake roof and is backed by a 100-plus year legacy of performance. All Landmark PRO shingles include CertainTeed’s lifetime-limited warranty.

Certainteed.com/landmarkpro

TAMKO Certified Contractors can now benefit from two new features designed to give them more professional roofing-industry solutions for accelerated business growth. TAMKO Building Products launched Homeowner Leads Solution with an automated integration in The TAMKO Edge portal, including product samples and literature that are shipped directly to their address. The new features are provided at no cost to TAMKO Certified Contractors. The “Locate a Contractor” feature on TAMKO. com, gives homeowners interested in a TAMKO roof the ability to directly request a quote from TAMKO Certified Contractors in their area. Automated communications then make it simple for contractors to follow up on these potential job leads while digital management of the leads makes it easy to track progress directly from their accounts in The TAMKO Edge program. TAMKO.com/Edge

HBSDealer.com

© 2021 GAF 4/21

Offer infinite wind speed coverage

For more homeowner confidence Only one roofing system qualifies for WindProven™ — the wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. Just install GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology, plus four required GAF accessory products. Your customer gets outstanding wind coverage, and you get rave reviews. Find out more at gaf.com/windproven 1

We protect what matters most 1

™

15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, see the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty.

E-Commerce

Hammer time: Who has faster delivery HOME DEPOT AND LOWE’S R ACE TO DELIVER A HAMMER TO MY HOME.

By Tim Burke

I

wanted a hammer.

I wanted it delivered to my home.

I wondered who would get it to me faster, Home Depot or Lowe’s.

So, I went online to both retailer’s websites, signed up for an account on each, provided my credit card information on each, and prepared to drop the flag on my own private home delivery race.

Both stores were in neighboring suburban locations to my home, both less than 10 minutes away.

The Great Hammer Race: Pre-race

The Lowe’s website sign-up was easy. After entering my personal information and credit card information the site asked me if I wanted double security authentication to protect my credit card. I did. The Home Depot website did not offer this. But it was also easy to sign-up and add all my info.

Next, I typed in “Hammer” in the search bar for both Home Depot and Lowe’s.

At Lowe’s, the screen flashed bold “337 results for ‘hammer’” and provided images across the top by brand, and a vertical list below for scrolling. Four items down I saw a plain wooden handled claw hammer for $5.98. It was made by WorkPro. At Home Depot, the screen simply said “Hammer” and below in small print that I had to hunt for, it showed the words “80 Results.” It also provided images of hammers by brand and then bigger images of hammers, with a plain wooden handled This wooden-handled claw hammer arrived first, in the conclusion of what I was calling The Great Hammer Race. Photos by Tim Burke.

claw hammer right in the first spot on the left, where everyone’s eye goes first. No scrolling needed. It was priced at $5.97. It was made by Stanley.

The Great Hammer Race: Coming out of the gate

At the Lowe’s site, I clicked on the selection box and my claw hammer went into the Lowe’s shopping cart.

The order summary said delivery would be in two days; the item would be shipped to my home; shipping was $5.99 for an “Estimated Total of $11.97.”

In the Order Summary column on the right side of my computer screen the website had now added an estimated sales tax of $1.23 for a total of $13.20.

I clicked a “Continue” button to the payment form where I was prompted to enter my CVV number. I received a Lowe’s thank you note.

At the Home Depot site I selected my Stanley claw hammer and added it to the cart. The site immediately showed me a pre-selected box that said, “Free delivery tomorrow.”

I clicked on an orange checkout button which took me to a screen to confirm my email, then to a page where it confirmed my address and showed the total would by $5.97 and reiterated delivery was free.

It also gave me another delivery option to get “delivery today” for the additional cost of $8.99.

I clicked on “delivery today” and my total price changed to, including .58 cents sales tax, $15.54.

But there was a catch. Delivery could be as late as 8 p.m. (I didn’t need a hammer at 8 p.m.) Also, I had to be home to accept the delivery. But I was going to be gone from my home all evening. So, I decided to pass on the “today” option.

Note: There was no button to undo my delivery choice. I had to go back out to the main page and start all over again.

But I got back to the “Secure Checkout” page and placed the order. I received a Home Depot thank you.

The orders were placed at Home Depot and Lowe’s for my hammers. The race was on.

The Great Hammer Race: Running the race

Two email updates came that evening.

First Lowe’s sent me a message saying, “It’s on the way,” in big blue letters and a note about when

26

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

the order was placed, the order number My hammer. and that my payment was successfully I brought the box inside processed. and slit it open and I had my The email also showed my order claw hammer. Home Depot description and the method of shipping. had delivered in one day as It read: “FDXGND.” indicated — slightly more A little later I received an email from than 24 hours after ordering Home Depot with the message: “Your order online — and free of shiphas shipped,” letting me know it was on the ping charges. way, along with an orange button where I There was an email a This hammer arrived at my home in two days, as could click to “View Tracking Details.” few minutes later letting the company had indicated it would. Both retailers On that page it showed the message, me know my order was delivered on what they said.

“Expected delivery on Wednesday.” And delivered. But I knew that. it noted, “the carrier: FedEx Express.”

On the second day, also I went off to bed not giving it another thought. about noon, I received an email from Lowe’s letting me know, “Your order has arrived,” and just as indicated, it was delivered in two days.

The Great Hammer Race: Outcome Early the next morning, before 8 a.m., I received an email from Now I had two new wooden-handled claw Home Depot letting me know “my order is out for delivery.” hammers without a scuff yet!

The email included a link where I could track my delivery.

The race was over. But I learned something Hitting the button took me to a new page where the words, “Your extra: One day delivery or two days, you can order is on the road,” couldn’t have been any clearer at the top. never have enough hammers around for all the At 20 minutes to noon, a box arrived. And there it was: home repairs we all do.

FRIEND

• • • • Raises the subfloor height to reduce trim gaps

100

M

Fro

m

Lightweight construction

ate

M ade

ria ls

O

LY

EC

6mm

BETTER VALUE & PERFORMANCE THAN CORK, WOOD FIBER, RUBBER OR PLYWOOD!

% Re

ed c ycl

Sound Reduction

Insulating Value

Reduces gaps between trim & floors Acoustical & impact noise barrier Adds insulation & energy efficiency Easy install, cuts with a utility knife

Premium Acoustical & Insulating Fiber Board

PROUDLY

CALL (888) 474-0510 OR EMAIL marketing@mpglobalproducts.com & GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE TODAY!

HBSDealer.com

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER October 2022

27

Association Report

Dealers consider truck automation FROM THE L AT E XPO IN TE X AS, AN AUTO-PILOT OVERVIE W. By Andy Carlo Frisco, Texas — How close is the nation to automated commercial vehicles transporting goods across the nation’s highways?

According to Jeremiah Kuntz, senior manager of government relations for Aurora, automated tractor trailers are already traveling down the roads of Texas, Pittsburgh, and the San Francisco Bay market.

“They are driving down a Texas highway as we speak,” Kuntz told an audience of LBM executives at the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas 136th Convention & Expo, held here at the Omni Frisco Hotel.

While the technology is still being fine-tuned and includes safety CDL drivers on board the Pittsburgh-based company’s trucks, Kuntz says Aurora’s vehicles should be driverless by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Leverage a New Buying Power for Building Materials

Aurora is currently testing automated delivery vehicles in several markets, including Texas.

Aurora is currently partnering with several major companies as it tests both automated commercial vehicles and passenger cars, including FedEx, Uber, Uber Freight, and U.S. Express.

Citing figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kuntz said there is currently a shortage of about 80,000 drivers and that number could balloon to 130,000 by 2030. As a result, even if the automated truck industry sees a sizeable increase, it’s likely it will not be stealing driving jobs.

The Aurora representative, a seasoned trans-

120+

No-adder vendors to help grow store sales

1,700+

Lumber dealer members to leverage as a buying group for better terms

20+

Categories including Lumber and Building Materials, Drywall, Insulation and more!

Scan at left to learn about our assortment, pricing, expertise and service!

Or visit: emeryjensendistribution.com

28

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

HBSDealer.com

portation executive who served as an advisor to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, also notes that there are numerous safety benefits including eliminating human error.

For example, Aurora’s automated vehicles travel at a speed of no more than 65 miles per hour while remaining in the right lane of highways. The vehicle’s Firstlight Lidar system also automatically monitors traffic ahead by as much as 350 feet. In fact, the mission statement of Aurora is “safely, quickly, and broadly.”

Presently, Aurora vehicles are manufactured by Paccar, Toyota, and Volvo. The software and automation are installed by Aurora but eventually, the company’s manufacturing partners will deliver the full package once the program is fine-tuned.

While the LBM industry has the notorious reputation of being slow when embracing new technology, most dealers in the audience appeared to like what they were seeing during the presentation.

Jim Bishop, chairman of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and owner of Vesta Lee Lumber in Bonner Springs, Kan., said the technology is unavoidable in the near future.

“There is no doubt that driver automation is coming,” Bishop told HBSDealer. “But it needs to be proven technology first.”

Robert Debs, vice president of Dallas-based Nation’s Best Holdings with more than 30 locations in 10 states, said he found the technology to be “phenomenal.”

HBSDealer.com

“If it’s rolled out successfully, I can see it used massively in this space and industry,” Debs said.

Megan McCoy Jones, president and CEO of San Marcos-based McCoy’s Building Supply, zeroed in on the safety aspects of the program.

“We might be a long way away from perfecting this technology but who doesn’t want safe transportation,” the McCoy’s CEO said. “Clearly there is a driver shortage and we would not be pulling employees out of their positions."

A few dealers questioned what the price tag might be for an automated truck and said they imagine the price would be too high for many dealers.

In the meantime, adjustments to the final program are ongoing. In addition to having CDL drivers who act as “guardian angels” on board the automated vehicles, personnel at headquarters also continuously monitor each ride. For now, the industry will have to wait and see the system perfected among other issues such as how insurance companies will handle policies on automated trucks. That has yet to be determined, according to Kuntz.

“It’s definitely part of the future but it’s more about a ‘what if’ concept right now,” Bishop said.

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER October 2022

29

Market Insights The right equipment and proper preparation can mitigate storm damage.

’Tis the season

for storms

HOME DEPOT RENTAL SHARES STORM-SE ASON STR ATEGY By Tony English

T

he weather, like business, can be highly unpredictable. That is another reason to prepare, especially during hurricane season. Home Depot Rental’s Tony English describes the company’s storm-season strategy: Hurricane season can be devastating and experts are once again predicting an active 2022 season. Pros need to be prepared — whether that includes prepping current job sites, bulking up inventory, or helping with mitigation efforts after the storm. At The Home Depot Rental, we are committed to making sure our Pros are ready for anything, and that includes having quality equipment available throughout storm season.

The Home Depot Rental takes pride in the tools we offer our Pros, and disaster recovery gear is no exception. We have a full fleet of water restoration and remediation equipment ready when you need it.

Blowers, dehumidifiers and water pumps can all be imperative after a big storm. By partnering with some of the best brands in the business, we provide both Pros and consumers with access to high-quality, dependable tools and equipment to get the recovery job done.

Accessible rental solutions can be critical after a large storm, and we make it a point to bolster inventory in areas that typically get hit the hardest during hurricane season. This includes offering fully stocked disaster relief trailers to provide additional product support to our local communities. These trailers are strategically stationed throughout the hurricane belt, making them quickly deployable in an emergency.

30

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

The Home Depot has two different trailer types to support our customers in need: 14’ Water Restoration and Remediation Units, which come equipped with carpet blowers and a mix of compact and large dehumidifiers, and larger 53’ Disaster Response Units, which include the same water mitigation products as the smaller units plus water pumps, generators, chainsaws, carpet cleaners and more. Regardless of the type of storm, we want to help communities in their time of need.

Storm preparation is just as important as remediation, which is why we stock our rental centers with the equipment we know Pros are going to need to get their job sites in order. Boarding up windows, tarping roofs and removing potential hazards can all be necessary precautions taken to ensure minimal damage during unpredictable weather. We offer boom lifts, electric saws, nailers, trailer rentals and more, making sure that our Pros are properly equipped for storm prep — even when they don’t own the proper tools themselves.

As always, we give Pros the option to rent tools online and pick up in store, as well as to have large equipment delivered directly to their job site. When disaster strikes, we’ll work with our stores in the affected areas to ensure they’re well-stocked with storm recovery equipment. We constantly monitor the weather during storm season making sure we are prepared to help whenever that time comes.

Tony English has served as Senior Director of Merchandising for The Home Depot Rental since 2011.

He is responsible for capital allocation, fleet growth and strategy, supply chain, and marketing management.

He resides in Fort Mill, S.C.

HBSDealer.com

SAVE THE DATE: HBSDealer’s Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply gala is slated for Nov. 8-9 in Chicago.

Opening doors MASONITE'S CL ARE DOYLE

By Ken Clark

I

t’s part mission statement, part marketing slogan: “We help people walk through walls.”

And it’s also a mindset that helps Masonite Corp. maximize the impact of its community grant initiative, which has awarded more than $115,000 to 36 community organizations during its first year.

At the center of the program, and one of its most prominent champions, is Clare Doyle, the Tampa, Fla.-based door manufacturer’s chief sustainability officer. In an interview with HBSDealer, Doyle shared her view of the power of hyper-local corporate giving that’s informed by employees throughout the corporation.

“Everybody knows The United Way, right?,” Doyle said.

“Everybody knows the Red Cross, but not everybody knows of a woman in Haleyville, Ala., who puts together backpacks with food for kids to take home on the weekends. And that’s an example of one of the organizations that we’re supporting.”

In the last quarter, Masonite granted over $23,000 to organizations that you might not know, but that are immensely important to those touched by their work. Among them: Friends of the Children—Tampa Bay, which commits to long-term mentorship to children at risk of falling behind.

American’s Grow a Row, whose mission is to provide healthy produce to people in need, and The Specialty Fit Foundation, providing Special Olympic training and other coaching for those with developmental disabilities.

The culture of giving permeates the company, she says, and it is centered on the idea of “helping people walk through walls.” Employees get involved in the process, nominating organizations that are worthy for donations, and in many cases, watching the local results unfold.

“It’s not just a program where Masonite writes a check and it goes into a hole,” Doyle said. “Our team can see the impact, they can feel the impact, and they can be part of it.”

She added: “Oftentimes, the small actions in the local community, they stay there. And the purpose is really more powerful when people understand exactly what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.”

Doyle has been Masonite’s chief sustainability officer for one year. Coming from the chemical industry, she joined Masonite six years ago to run its compo-

HBSDealer.com

Masonite volunteers pitch in at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa.

nents business—that’s the molded skins and the cut stock that eventually becomes the residential and architectural products. She was put in charge of the company’s European business in 2018, and came back to take on her current role last year.

“Everything I’ve done in my career has led to this role,” she said. “There’s no one path to sustainability. I don’t have a degree in public policy, but what “You can’t really talk I’ve done is learned how about sustainability to build support and without talking create businesses. You about DEI. The two do that by listening and are separate and identifying your stakedifferent, but they’re holders and understanding what’s important and very much linked what to push forward.” together.”

And embedded in the —Clare Doyle, mission of sustainability, Chief Sustainability Officer, Masonite Corp. she said, is the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion. “You can’t really talk about sustainability without talking about DEI,” she said. “The two are separate and different, but they’re very much linked together.”

She described Masonite’s effort towards diversity as carefully measured and encouraged across the board. “It’s not just gender,” she said. “And it’s not just: ‘Oh, here’s a resume.’ We look at all the elements. We’re looking to find those highly qualified candidates that we might otherwise miss.”

The ideas of sustainability and diversity have a way of enriching not only the community, but the corporation that embraces the ideas, she said.

“Purpose-driven organizations have better employee retention, better financial returns,” she said. “It’s this idea of if you do well, you can do good, and by doing good, you do well, and that’s the virtuous circle.”

HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER October 2022

31

People In The News

From left: Johnson, Markley and Talarico

Do it Best announced the retirement of one of its senior executives and the promotion of three others. Effective Oct. 31, Steve Markley, executive vice president of operations will retire. At that point Dent Johnson will serve as the executive vice president of operations and Nick Talarico will serve as the executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Jason Stofleth will become the vice president of merchandising.

The Home Depot named Molly Battin senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Battin joins The Home Depot from Delta Air Lines, where she served Battin as SVP and global brand marketing officer.

The Kohler Co. CEO David Kohler has taken on the additional role of chair of the board, following the passing of his father Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., executive Kohler chairman, on Sept. 3, at age 83. “I learned so much from my father, including a tireless strong work ethic, leading with candor and humility, and always driving to innovate,” said the new chair.

Thompson

32

Home Hardware Stores Limited announced that Marianne Thompson has been appointed to the new role of Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Marianne will

be responsible for Home Hardware’s overall commercial strategy with a focus on driving business growth and expanding market share. Prior to joining Home Hardware, Marianne was Senior Vice-President of North American Sales at JELD-WEN Windows and Doors. She also held executive positions with Alexandria Moulding, Supplier Pipeline and Colonial Elegance Inc. Maxwell Munger will manage a new ABC Supply branch in Redding, Calif. Munger joined ABC Supply in 2020 as an inside sales associate at the company’s RoseMunger ville, Calif. location and later served as the branch’s delivery services manager. The new manager has been in ABC Supply’s Branch Management Training Program since 2021.

Window and door maker Andersen Corp.’s board of directors approved Chris Galvin, the company’s current president and chief operating Galvin officer, to succeed the retiring Jay Lund as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Galvin has held leadership roles across all areas of the company during his 20 years there, including corporate finance, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain operations and general management.

Scherer Bros. Lumber Co., a 92-yearold, third-generation family owned prodealer in Minnesota, announced that Chief Operating Officer Mark A. Scherer Scherer has been promoted to the role of president and COO. Peter Scherer will vacate the president’s role and will remain chairman and CEO. Based in Brooklyn Park, Minn., Scherer Bros.

Lumber Co., has served the Twin Cities area since 1930.

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

According to CNBC, Lowe’s has eliminated the position of chief marketing officer, with former marketing head Marisa Thalberg leaving the company as a result. Lowe’s has Thalberg shifted control of the marketing department to executive VP of merchandising Bill Boltz. Thalberg, who reported to Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison, came to the company in February 2020.

Greg Evans, owner at Redwoods, Inc., has been selected by the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas membership as its 2021 Dealer of the Year. Evans served as President of LAT’s Board of Directors Evans from May 2020 to June 2021 and continues to engage as a Director and LUMPAC trustee. “As an LAT member, my work always feels relevant and impactful,” he said.

Also at the LAT, Chris Agness, vice president at Lumber Insurance Services has been selected by the membership as its 2021 Associate of the Year. Agness Agness serves on LAT’s Board of Directors, is Associate Vice President of the Executive Committee and Co-Chairs LAT’s Membership Committee.

ECI Software Solutions announced that it has named former Blue Prism and Infor executive Chip Coyle as chief marketing officer.

Coyle will be responsible for building on ECI’s Coyle global marketing and demand generation strategy, overseeing its execution across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and bringing ECI’s brand vision to life.

Before his position at Infor, Coyle spent 18 years with Oracle in progressively expanding marketing leadership roles.

HBSDealer.com

REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

32,250

47,300

Average Unique Total Qualified Subscribers

Average Monthly Website Users

25,778

40,512

Unique E-Newsletter Recipients

Audience (Unique Identified)

200

Average Number of Webinar Registrants

TAKE AIM TODAY! www.hbsdealer.com

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

(in thousands, SAAR) Aug.: 1,575,000

NAICS 44413

(sales in $ billions)

50

1800

4 3.90

48.2

1700

40

1600 1500

(sales in $ billions)

44.9

41.2

43.6

3.58

44.9

3.84 3.57

3.54 3.25

3

39.6

30

1400

2

1300

20

1200 1100

1

10

1000

0

900

A

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

JUNE

A

SOURCE: COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

2021

Single-family starts

JULY

0

AUGUST

MAY 2021

2022

JUNE

JULY

2022

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

(in thousands, SAAR) Aug.: 935,000 1400

HBSDealer Stock Roundup

1300

the percent-change performance of stocks based on Sept. 29 prices

1200 1100

10

1000

0

800

DE A

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

ANNUAL CHANGE

700 600

BLDR

BECN

900

A

SOURCE: COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

Existing-home sales (in millions, SAAR) Aug.: 4,800,000 7

LOW

-10 -20

HD

DJI

WY

TSCO

SHW -30 -40

6.5 6

-50

5.5

SWK

-60 -20

5

-15

-10

-5

0

4.5

MONTHLY CHANGE

4 3.5

BECN (BEACON); BLDR (BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE); BMCH (BMC STOCK HOLDINGS); DE (DEERE & CO.);

A

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

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

12.0

4.0

80

34

Current Prior month

120

Prior year

16.0

3.7%

18.0

August 0.0

$4.00 $3.00

14.0

6.0

2.0

100

20.0

60

108.0

$3.78

September

Sept. 29

October 2022 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER

140

$2.00

$5.00

SOURCES: LABOR DEPARTMENT, THE CONFERENCE BOARD, AAA

HBSDealer.com

westernforest.com

DEFINING A HIGHER STANDARD ™ OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT Western Forest Products provides architectural appearance solutions that make your clients projects beautiful. As one of North America’s largest Western Red Cedar suppliers, we’re here to meet all your specialty lumber needs.

CATCHING MORE SPIDERS IS A NUMBERS GAME. RESCUE!® Spider Traps are uniquely designed with features that lure more spiders deep into the trap, so your customers can put an end to their problem, fast. Learn more at rescue.com/BookNow.