30 The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association shares a progress report.
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It’s our famous line: “It takes a little more to be an All Star.”
And sometimes, it takes an unusual path.
Consider the case of our on-thecover retailer, Glenn Ubertino, who along with his wife, Kim, owns the oozing-incharm Zoller Hardware in Cashiers, North Carolina. Zoller is one of our 50 STIHL Hardware All Stars—one from each state—presented in our cover story that begins on page 17.
When asked to describe the store, Glenn began with the phrase “built from scratch,” which happens to be the book title of the authoritative history of The Home Depot, where Glenn worked for 20 years in merchandising roles of steadily increasing responsibility.
Ken Clark, Editor-in-Chief
“He spent over an hour with me and loved the store—and the merchandising,” Ubertino said. “He also constructively pointed out a few things we could improve on.”
Before his career as a merchant with the world’s largest home improvement retailer (and later as an Of ce Depot senior director of merchandising), Ubertino grew up in a mom and pop. Along with mentors like Marcus, Blank and Farrah, Ubertino points to his mother, Maryellen, as an inspiration.
“My mom would often tell me that God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason,” he said. “I have always been mindful of this and I do listen more than I speak.”
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Cashiers is a mere three-hour drive from Atlanta, but the store is a world removed from a big box warehouse format. Zoller Hardware is nestled among the white pine forest atop the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. Its log-cabin exterior is home to mountain-themed items and Amish-made furniture, along with hardware staples. Inside, you can warm up to a cozy stone replace.
“I learned from the best in the business having spent 20 years with The Home Depot,” Glenn said. “I worked alongside retail legends such as Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank and Pat Farrah, who inspired me in many ways.”
Marcus himself paid a visit to Zoller Hardware about 10 years ago.
Listening to customers led to the creation of the Ubertino’s ancillary retail businesses: the Bird Barn and the Cashiers Kitchen Company.
“Zoller Hardware does a fantastic job at creating eye-catching and inviting spaces that t the mountain setting of their market,” says Do it Best Territory Sales Manager Drew Banyas.
The Ubertinos credit the people in the aisles.
“We have the best people working for us—employees that have been with Zoller for 10, 15 and 25 years,” Glenn said. “We support them and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.”
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
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
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When The Home Depot acquired SRS
Distribution — in an $18 billion deal that closed in June 2024— some industry observers wondered: Does Lowe’s have a pro-market-friendly deal up its sleeve?
That question was answered in April, when Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s announced a deal to acquire Artisan Design Group for $1.325 billion. The pro market factored heavily in Lowe’s early description of the bene ts of the acquisition, as the company said it better positions the company to capitalize on the expected housing market recovery.
ADG is a leading nationwide provider of design, distribution and installation services for interior surface nishes, including ooring, cabinets and countertops, to national, regional and local homebuilders and property managers. Headquartered in Dallas, ADG operates 132 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 3,200 personnel across 18 states. Lowe’s bought the business from The
Sterling Group, a middle market private equity rm.
ADG will expand Lowe’s Pro offering into a new distribution channel within a highly fragmented, approximately $50 billion market, according to Lowe’s.
“With more than 18 million homes needed in the United States by 2033, we expect new home construction will be a major driver of Pro planned spend for the next decade,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO.
“The acquisition of ADG allows us to build on our momentum with Pro planned spend and is expected to expand our total addressable market by approximately $50 billion. With its strong, customer-centric operating model, ADG has become an industry leader with bestin-class customer satisfaction scores from the top builders in the U.S. We look forward to welcoming the ADG team to Lowe’s, and, through our combined capabilities, enhancing our offering to our expanded Pro customer base.”
Product: GatorBar
Manufacturer: Neuvokas Corp. of Mohawk, Michigan
Knowledge: Reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar product is carving out market share by offering a rust-free, lightweight, high-performance alternative to steel rebar. It’s far lighter than steel, code listed, doesn’t corrode and all at a price that meets or exceeds that of steel. All of GatorBar’s materials are American-sourced, and the product is manufactured in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
Fun fact: Much of the braintrust behind GatorBar studied at Michigan Technological University, which holds the world record for the largest snowball (circumference of 21’ 3”).
“We are thrilled for ADG to join forces with Lowe’s,” said Steve Margolius, ADG’s CEO. “Our leading position in ooring, cabinets and countertops, combined with Lowe’s scale and category breadth, will allow us to continue on our growth trajectory while providing an even more differentiated and comprehensive offering to the builders and property managers we serve today.”
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
“Since initially partnering with co-founders Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph in 2018, Sterling has been proud to support ADG during a period of signi cant growth and expansion,” said Johann Friese, director at The Sterling Group. Under Sterling’s ownership, ADG had completed 15 acquisitions, each of which was founder or entrepreneur owned.
For years, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company cultivated high hopes for its cannabis-related divisions. Now those plans are going up in smoke, sort of.
A little background: The Marrysville, Ohio-based lawn and garden giant created the Hawthorne Collective in 2021 as a vehicle to invest in areas of the cannabis industry that are not pursued by its Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary, which sells cultivation supplies like lighting, nutrients and other materials for cannabis growers and hydroponic cultivators.
Now, the Hawthorne Collective is being moved into a separate and independent company as Scotts focuses on its core lawn-and-garden business and distances itself from the volatility of the regulation-sensitive cannabis sector. Scotts said it will look to separate The Hawthorne Gardening Company from Scotts by the close of scal 2025.
“The Hawthorne companies were intended to capitalize on the legal cannabis sector, but the ability to achieve sustained growth within this industry has been challenged by four years of unkept promises resulting in total inaction at the federal level on cannabis-related issues,” said CEO Jim Hagedorn.
There’s still the possibility to light up its cannabis-focused investments in the future, the company said. Scotts retains an option to reacquire The Hawthorne Collective or its assets should cannabis legalization and other measures to positively impact the industry be approved at the federal level.
Tractor Supply Company has launched Tractor Supply Rx, the company’s pet and animal pharmacy offering. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based farm-and-ranch giant allows customers to shop for pet and animal medications, enroll in automatic delivery through the Autoship program and access pharmacy advice at TractorSupply. com/Rx.
The program is integrated with the retailer’s Neighbor’s Club loyalty program.
“With three out of four of our 38 million Neighbor’s Club members owning a pet or animal, we have continually sought ways to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for all of their needs,” said Rob Mills, executive vice president, chief technology, digital and corporate strategy of cer at Tractor Supply.
Tractor Supply, which owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, signed a deal to acquire Allivet, an online pet pharmacy, in October 2024.
“Through our swift integration of Allivet, we can scale this digital business into our stores to provide a compelling animal health offering wherever our customers choose to shop,” Mills added.
The $11 billion deal is done. Here is QXO founder Brad Jacobs, commenting on the completion of QXO’s acquisition of Beacon Roo ng Supply.
“Acquiring Beacon is a major step forward in our strategy to make QXO the leading tech-enabled company in the $800 billion building products distribution industry,” said Jacobs.
“We’re excited to welcome Beacon’s talented team and, together, apply our proven playbook to accelerate growth, expand margins and create an unmatched customer experience.”
All of Beacon’s more than 530 locations, along with its trucks and equipment, will shift to QXO branding “as quickly as possible,” according to the company.
as a door assembly shop in Tifton. Short & Paulk currently employs around 100 full and part-time employees.
HPM Building Supply is Hawaii’s leading source for building materials, offering pre-engineered wall panels, custom metal roo ng and pre-hung doors. Founded in 1921 and now with 18 locations (including a distribution center in Washington state), the company carries more than 2,200 product lines.
When Hailey xture L.L. Green’s Hardware relocated to a new 14,000 sq. ft. store in 2023, locals of all ages pitched in to help sort products and set displays. That sort of community spirit speaks volumes about the store–and the helpful folks who work there. “L.L. Green’s never lets you down and they consistently go above and beyond. It’s a pleasant atmosphere where staff are helpful, professional and genuinely seem to love their jobs,” said one reviewer.
R.P. Lumber
R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. has grown its retail presence to over 80 locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, Iowa and Wisconsin. The company also operates two components manufacturing facilities and a kitchen & bath design center. R.P. Lumber was founded by Robert and Donna Plummer in 1977 in Staunton, Ill., and is now based in Edwardsville, Ill.
Von Tobel
Von Tobel, an employee-owned company, was founded in 1905 and now serves customers throughout Northwest Indiana,
West Central Indiana, Chicagoland and Southwest Michigan at three locations. The company says it “champions a culture of teamwork and integrity, ensuring both our company and our communities not only grow but thrive.”
When Spahn & Rose sold its rst lumber in Waverly, Iowa, Theodore Roosevelt was president. Since then, the company has survived national economic calamities, two world wars and plenty of change. Throughout, though, the foundation on which the company was built has stayed the same: high-quality products and high-quality employees.
Cottin's
Family owned and operated since 1946, Cottin’s Hardware & Rental is a Lawrence institution, offering a full range of home improvement essentials alongside niche categories locals love (like beekeeping and brewing supplies). Owners Tom and Linda Cottin have served the University of Kansas college town and its thriving arts community for 35 years.
Falls City Lumber continues to rev up success in Louisville.
Founded in Louisville in 1985, Falls City Lumber specializes in redwood, cedar, ber cement, PVC trim, decking products, columns and railings. “We pride ourselves on our incomparable ability to offer quality lumber and specialty products at a very competitive price,” the company says.
Vanessa Melancon Pierce and Lauren Melancon Guidry purchased a 75-year-old hardware store in their hometown of Cut Off and opened the 23,000 sq. ft. Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies in 2018. Their active Facebook page promotes everything from craw sh sacks, Swamp Buckets and Mardi Gras décor to religious items, arts, crafts and boutique gifts.
A fourth generation, family-owned company, Hammond Lumber is a leading lumber and building materials retailer in the northeast with 22 locations and over 900 employees across Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 1953 by Skip and Verna Hammond with a single mill, the company now saws more than 6,500,000 board feet annually.
Kent Island True Value
Since 1979, Kent Island True Value in Chester has thrived in a unique market on Chesapeake Bay. Part of a bustling boating and crabbing community, the store provides marine supplies, crab pots, nets and cooking equipment. The store actively supports service members and their families with a 10% military discount.
Koopman Lumber
Koopman Lumber has sprouted from the roots planted by Peter T. Koopman in 1939 in Whitinsville, Mass. Today, Pete’s grandson, Dirk, Dirk’s sister Denise and her husband Tony lead over 200 employees at 11 locations throughout the Bay State.
There aren’t many privately held companies that operate more than 40 stores. Gill-Roy’s Hardware is one of them. This All-Star —founded by Gibert Morgan and Roy Trevarrow in Flint, Michigan—has been growing for 80 years. Gil’s grandson Rob Morgan carries on the Michigan institution (plus one store in Georgia).
Koch’s Hardware Hank
Third-generation Owner Neil Larsen and his brother-in-law Basile Meixell oversee Koch’s Hardware Hank, a 25,000 sq. ft. gem in Milaca opened in 1947. The metro-style, one-stop shop offers a full range of home improvement products and saves locals a trip to St. Cloud’s or Minneapolis’s numerous big boxes.
Since 1938, East Mississippi Lumber Co. has been Starkville’s go-to for hardware supplies. Located near Mississippi State University, East Miss serves everyone from DIYers and pro contractors to game-day tailgaters. Known as the STIHL capital of Starkville, East Miss serves the Golden Triangle’s manufacturing, agriculture and business services industries with a STIHL tool for every job.
Westlake Ace - Brookside
Set in the fashionable Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Westlake AceBrookside was founded in 2021. Not exactly an ideal year to debut a retail store, but the Brookside location has emerged victorious and thriving from the COVID era. “We are honored to deliver the Ace Helpful Promise every day to the Brookside community,” said John White, the store’s GM.
With three Montana locations—Bigfork, Somers and Lakeside—Sliters Lumber & Building Supply makes a P.A.C.T. with customers. It promises professional service, a can-do attitude, commitment to customers and community, and trustworthiness. Sliters (rhymes with sliders) Owner Andrew Sliter’s great grandfather Everit Slater was a founder of the town of Bigfork.
A 100% ESOP shop, Omaha-based Mead Lumber fosters a culture of accountability and teamwork. With 15 locations in Nebraska and over 40 across the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, the 115-yearold company has made signi cant investments that are enhancing its retail hardware and e-commerce presence — through store remodels, updated layouts, expanded product assortments and modernized xtures.
Tague Lumber
Even for All Stars, world records are rare. But Tague Lumber set the Guinness World Record for “knocking on wood” in 2024. (Google it.) The company is better known for serving the Philadelphia metro area through seven high-quality locations, including a Tague Design Showroom in Malvern.
Jerry's Paint and Hardware
Jerry’s Paint and Hardware owner Rob Ferraro made an investment in solar-power—98 electricity-generating panels in all— that paid for itself in ve years. Today, the Narragansett All Star operates on 99% solar energy, saving over $1,500 per month. The company’s knowledgable, friendly service is paying even bigger dividends into its fourth generation.
Paradise Home Center
At 30,000 square feet, Paradise Home Center in Union is the Palmetto State’s largest small-market home center — hence the motto: “You need it? We got it.” Thirdgeneration owner Dan Berry places heavy emphasis on education and is known to recognize excellent customer service on the spot with a Spot Award.
Thune True Value Hardware
Thune Home Appliance Center doesn’t just sell appliances. They service them. In fact, co-owner Tommy Cooper is a factory-trained service technician. The store doubles as Thune True Value Hardware, with roots in the Mitchell, S.D., community that extend back more than 90 years.
Germantown Hardware
Operating in the shadow of Orgill’s Collierville headquarters, Germantown Hardware is part elite-level hardware store and part retail laboratory for Orgill and its CNRG division. Recent experiments include integrated eCommerce, product information management (PIM) system and even a robot assistant from Badger Industries.
Bralys Hardware
This schoolhouse rocks. A vintage 1938 Palestine, Texas, elementary school building
Over the past half century, Wilco stores have grown and evolved from ve small branches to 25 larger locations throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. The All Star stores bring service and value to the farm-and-ranch communities of the Paci c Northwest. How could they not? Wilco’s structure is that of a farmer-owned co-operative.
is the home of Bralys Ace Hardware. The grilling room is in the gym/cafeteria, the aisle signs are all repurposed chalkboards, and the man cave shines bright with the school’s original stage lighting. Plus, four certi ed STIHL technicians are onsite.
You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy Choice Hardware & Home Center in Nephi, Utah. But it doesn’t hurt. Owner Daniel Peel recently completed a major retail renovation, with a notable expansion in cowboy hats, Western apparel, and riding gear—a big draw during Nephi’s annual Ute Stampede Rodeo.
Pets are welcome at Village Hardware True Value in Williston, Vermont, as well as at sister store Waterbury True Value. Actually, they’re encouraged. In addition to a sizable Pet Supplies category, the all star store offers an in-store dog grooming area. It also hosts a monthly Pawp-Up Pawrty adoption event with Passion 4 Paws Vermont.
All Stars often go where they’re needed most. Such was the case with Rexroad Supply Co. in central West Virginia. From their original store in Gassaway on the banks of the Elk River, owners Clint and Michelle Lunceford recognized an underserved community 90 miles away in Alderson, winning the loyalty of the community.
Three generations have been working to build a strong reputation for Charlie’s Hardware in Mosinee, Wisconsin. A STIHL dealer since 1972, Charlie’s does outdoor power equipment at an all-star level—from gas and battery handheld consumer & commercial products, Zero Turns, battery and gas walk mowers, and they're taking the robotic iMow program in 2025.
The timing was right for the formation of A.D. Martin Lumber Co. in 1954 — just in time for the uranium/oil boom to hit the Wind River Basin. All Stars take advantage of good timing, and the Martin family pounced, growing the business into four Wyoming locations that serve builders, contractors and DIYers.
The
There’s nothing else like it on TV: The Rundown with Randy’s Hardware Youtube show brings you inside the characters at Randy’s Hardware’s four Virginia locations. "It's been a lot of fun and we've received great feedback from our customers and the community,” says Christian Herrick. “They call us ‘YouTube stars’ and like to poke fun at us for all the shenanigans we get into.”
Successful
Don’t
Don’t miss Odessa’s
As spring selling season heats up, building pros and consumers alike are thinking about outdoor living projects. Envision Outdoor Living Products, makers of decking, railing cladding and more, shared the following emerging trends.
1 Outdoor living evolves.
Overall, outdoor living is continuing on the path started before the pandemic. As the desire for more outdoor spaces continues to grow, it’s evolving to be even more purposeful.
Homeowners want spaces that re ect their needs and lifestyles, and they’re being thoughtful about planning the layouts of their decks, patios and gardens. This is translating into dedicated spaces for entertaining and relaxing and even a willingness to personalize with unique appliances (like pizza ovens, smokers and griddles), decking patterns and décor.
2 Indoors meet outdoors.
Creating seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors has been popular for some time, in part due to the growth of multi-panel windows and doors and the growing ability to match or coordinate ooring with decking materials. This trend has expanded in recent years to include the infusion of indoor comfort into outdoor spaces. A common deck-design trend at the high end involves decks being separated into “rooms” using decking patterns, planters or rugs, and in lighting, entertainment and smart-tech options that mix ambience, convenience and security.
The desire to create “home sanctuaries” is stronger than ever among consumers. Meditation and quiet areas may become more popular, and homeowners
are incorporating those ideas into the design and shielded from weather and noise. Water and re features can play a role, too. In addition, interest in homegrown vegetables, whether a full- edged garden or planters on the deck, is also on the rise.
4 Railings are no longer an afterthought.
Deck railings aren’t always part of the initial design conversation — but they should be. Beyond just the safety and boundaries they provide, deck railings can add their own “wow” factor to an outdoor living space. Whether in a bold color that pops, a material that preserves or enhances sweeping views, or accessories
In scal year 2024, The Home Depot’s “outdoor garden” merchandise department generated $10.308 billion in sales.
That gure has held steady in the past three years, representing 6.5 percent, 6.7 percent and 6.4 percent of the retail giant’s total net sales in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Lowe’s and Home Depot classify their departments differently. Lowe’s reported $6.526 billion in sales for its “Lawn & Garden” product category in scal 2024. Lowe’s separate “Seasonal & Outdoor Living” product category saw full-year sales of $7.370 billion.
STAT WATCH:
2024 Outdoor Garden sales at Home Depot: $10.3 billion, up 0.3% from 2023.
like drink rails and gates that add function and air, the right railing options can have an important impact on deck design.
Today’s vast range of decking and railing options means more choices for consumers — but also potentially more confusion.
Manufacturers are recognizing this and delivering the same amount of options but with naming conventions and decision trees that ease selection. A growing number of online/interactive design tools, in which buyers can see how decking and railing choices will look on their actual homes, also are simplifying this process and mitigating buyer’s remorse.
With labor shortages still a major concern, products that are more ef cient to install can help keep crews moving. Pros and DIYers alike have more options than ever for hidden fasteners that deliver a seamless look, as well as for railing kits that help eliminate over- or under-ordering while saving assembly time on site.
With climate concerns top of mind, expect consumers to pay closer attention to native plants and xeriscaping options meant to reduce the need for irrigation and maintenance. And in some areas, such decisions may no longer be optional. As the threat of wild res continues to escalate in many parts of the country, it’s becoming more important to design exterior spaces that aim to reduce risk. This may include creating a defensible space around the home, choosing re-resistant plants and carefully considering the placement of rewood storage and propane tanks, among other strategies.
and lumberyards across the US
Summer is nearly upon us, which means outdoor fun in the sun. Unfortunately, that also means it’s time for bugs, critters, varmints and other hot-month hazards to come out of the woodwork.
That’s why “safety” is the name of the game for this month’s product roundup, which features a collection of intriguing, new items in the world of pest control, outdoor living, PPE and more.
Xthings recently debuted cloud-to-cloud integration for its ULTRALOQ smart door locks. Beginning with the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingperint, the integration enables smart home service providers to easily control and communicate with ULTRALOQ devices and manage their door locks and other devices from a single application.
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint offers ve-in-one unlocking technology, including ngerprint recognition, passcodes, voice control, mobile app access and backup mechanical keys.
Belgard has rolled out the nationwide availability of its newest line of porcelain pavers, called “November.” According to Belgard, November offers a durable, low-maintenance option for elegant outdoor living spaces.
Belgard says November’s design is inspired by nature to offer a clean, re ned look that can appeal to a contemporary design or a classic aesthetic.
The November paver line comes in a 24-inch by 24-inch size for cost savings and faster installation time. November is stain- and scratch-resistant, non-slip and designed to retain its visual appeal through Colorfast Technology. The new product is now nationally available in four color options— Rain, Wind, Warm and Land.
Airgas has launched its RADNOR line of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed speci cally for women. Airgas says this collection, which ranges from gloves, re ective vests to ame-resistant coveralls, are all designed with a focus on t, function and style. Jay Worley, Airgas chief operating of cer, commented: “Our new RADNOR women’s PPE line is a direct response to feedback from our customers and associates, while tapping into a signi cant growth market. We’ve designed this collection with women in mind, ensuring proper t and optimal performance without compromising style.”
Rectec has launched a new pellet grill, the X-Fire Pro. Heated with natural wood pellets rather than gas or propane tanks, the X-Fire Pro uses dual mode cooking and adaptive sear control to deliver the open lid cooking experience of a traditional gas grill, while also allowing grillers to cook classic low and slow recipes.
The X-Fire Pro includes two meat probes, a user-friendly control panel, a 6-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and access to Recteq’s U.S.-based customer service team.
Radians is expanding its safety lineup with 14 styles of powder-free disposable gloves meant to protect people and products from contamination, chemicals and injuries. The new lineup includes nitrile and latex gloves in various thicknesses ranging from three MIL to 14 MIL.
Ideal for precision tasks, Radians’ latex gloves offer elasticity, a snug t and tactile sensitivity. The comfortable gloves keep hands clean and reduce the transfer of germs or bacteria.
Automatic Trap Company has launched the TerraTrap Ground Squirrel Trap Kit, a California Ground Squirrel pest control system. This new pest control product delivers an environmentally safe, ef cient and self-resetting solution to help golf courses, farmers and businesses in Western states manage ground squirrel populations without the use of toxic chemicals. It also reduces labor time as the traps are self-resetting and the Ground Squirrels are effectively removed by natural scavengers like owls, ravens, vultures, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, skunks and more.
Milwaukee is expanding its personal protective equipment lineup and introducing two new protective bump cap products. The company says they’re designed to offer enhanced head protection while maintaining a stylish, baseball cap-like appearance.
Bump caps are designed for environments where hard hats or helmets are not required, but users still need head protection from impacts that could result in bumps, abrasions and punctures. It’s ideal for professionals in MEP, HVAC, remodeling, automotive, facility maintenance and repair, per Milwaukee.
Unlock your door –with your palms!?
Lockin has rolled out its Veno series smart locks. These high-tech devices utilize “Venokey Palm Vein Recognition” technology to deliver fast, touch-free and fail-proof unlocking in just 0.17 seconds with 99.9 percent accuracy, per the company.
Beyond biometric precision, the products are enhanced by 60GHz radar sensing technology, which detects user approach in advance, activating the system for seamless, hands-free unlocking. The Veno series also features comprehensive security features, including smart auto-lock, anti-tamper detection, an anti-peep password system, vacation mode, and local data processing.
By HBSDealer Staff
It’s been a busy season in Washington, D.C, and that goes for the lumber industry.
Here’s an update and highlights of key issues as related by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association.
International trade
On April 2, the White House announced blanket tariffs on nearly all global imports. Notably, the administration granted an exclusion for
lumber imports, which the NLBMDA views as a major win for the industry. While there remains a long road ahead, and the tariff issue remains unclear, NLBMDA said it will continue to promote stability and long-term certainty in the lumber and building materials supply chain.
In January 2025, NLBMDA and its coalition partners sent a letter to the White House and Secretary Scott Bessent emphasizing the need for regulatory relief from the Corporate Transparency Act. Under the act, small businesses faced a pressing deadline to le bene cial ownership information (BOI) reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Failure to do so would have resulted in a daily civil penalty of $591 per day of noncompliance—or even a criminal conviction that could entail a ne of up to $10,000 or two years of imprisonment.
Whether you need to deliver a skid of blocks to a jobsite or move a 16,000 lb. load of steel, Sellick has the forklift that is right for you. We have been engineering and manufacturing rough terrain forklifts for over 50 years and our nationwide dealer network offers superior support for all your parts and service requirements. Call toll-free or e-mail us today for all your material handling needs.
For now, all domestic reporting companies are exempt from CTA BOI ling requirements. A nal rulemaking is expected later this year that will nalize the new interpretation of the CTA.
NLBMDA championed advocacy for the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year and has received bipartisan support and of cial introduction in the Senate. This legislation aims to make meaningful strides toward protecting regions most susceptible to wild res.
NLBMDA says its work with the 119 th Congress is just beginning. Congress returned to Washington in early May for a four-week session that will include the drafting of a robust reconciliation package. NLBMDA is working with lawmakers and staff to ensure that pro-business, growth-oriented tax provisions are extended.
The reconciliation bill may also serve as the legislative vehicle for the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA), which would signi cantly increase the supply of housing in the United States. The AHCIA was reintroduced only a handful of days after NLBMDA members visited Washington to advocate and build support for the reintroduction of the legislation.
“Congress has an opportunity to deliver meaningful federal policy that would strengthen the residential construction sector,” the NLBMDA said.
By HBSDealer Staff
May is National Military Appreciation Month, and several companies are stepping up their support for those who’ve served. Among them:
Home Depot is giving back by expanding its tax-free shopping bene ts through partnerships with the Army & Air Force
A parking spot at a Bridgeville, Pa., 84 Lumber is reserved for Purple Hearts.
Exchange Service and the Navy Exchange. This program, which initially covered large appliances, now includes nearly all online products.
Home Depot says over 34 million eligible Exchange customers can bene t.
“We are honored to extend these bene ts as a way to give back to military shoppers and their families,” said Jordan Broggi, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience. “This program is designed to offer signi cant savings and support for those who have served our nation.”
Pennsylvania-based 84 Lumber is doubling its in-store discount for military veterans, active-duty service members and rst responders to 20 percent off merchandise for the month of May at all locations across the country.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Appreciation, and we’re incredibly proud of how this initiative has grown into a meaningful expression of
our gratitude for those who serve,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber.
In addition to doubling discounts, 84 Lumber is sponsoring the National Memorial Day Concert, which will air live on Sunday, May 25.
ABC Supply Co., Inc., Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), AJ Foyt Racing and Santino Ferrucci are teaming up at the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented to drive support for veterans.
The company is setting an ambitious goal to raise $4 million to provide support for severely injured post-9/11 vets. Now through May 31, ABC Supply will match the rst $1 million donated.
This is the fourth year ABC Supply is hosting this campaign and its fth year as a platinum sponsor of HFOT. Last year, the campaign helped raise $5.2 million.
“It’s incredible to see the growing support for our veterans each year,” says Mike Jost, president and chief operating of cer at ABC Supply
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Lumberyards were a distant abstraction to Katherine Cornelius when she was studying graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. But not too distant. The Cornelius family business —TAL Building Centers of Vancouver, Washington—was always a presence in the background.
Today, as marketing director for the independent prodealer with more than 30 locations across four states, Cornelius brings a fresh perspective to an industry that’s not traditionally known for visual innovation.
And her professional experience as a designer and creative director has served her well.
“Some of the smartest people I’ve met were in art school,” she says. “Graphic design is about analyzing complex ideas and distilling them into something clear and compelling. It’s really about communication—and that skill translates to any industry.”
That skill found a natural home at TAL Building Centers when a position opened up about four and a half years ago, Cornelius explains. “It made sense—I could do what I love, but for something my family built.”
While most lumberyards stick to a traditional “trucks and gravel” aesthetic, TAL’s Pendleton, Oregon, location took its design to a new level. The store features bright colors and a massive word cloud painted on the exterior—an eye-catching nod to the company’s core values and community.
“Design has always been important to our family, and we wanted to do something that was exciting, that looked different and brought attention to our store,” Cornelius said. “Everybody deserves great design, even in places they might not expect it.”
The response? Overwhelmingly positive.
“People really appreciated that we were investing not just in inventory and products but also in their community,” she says.
Another element that sets TAL apart is its family of legacy brands—14 in all.
The company’s story began with the iconic Tum-A-Lum Lumber brand in Pendleton founded by Cornelius’s stepmother’s great-grandfather in Walla Walla, Washington, in 1906.
Each brand has deep roots in its community, and Cornelius embraces the marketing challenge of maintaining multiple identities, such as Badger Building Center, Best Built Builders Supply and a dozen others.
The TAL Tribune recognized “Incredible Women.”
“We’ve really leaned into local branding,” she said. “We highlight the owners’ stories, their roles in the community, and their history. There are challenges to that approach, but we believe it’s worth it.”
Cornelius acknowledges that the industry remains male-dominated, with women comprising an estimated 17% of the workforce in the eld, though that number varies by source and segment. “I think any position at our company can be held by a man or a woman,” she says. “And we’re increasingly seeing more women.”
TAL recently spotlighted four of its top female leaders in its internal newsletter, The TAL Tribune. “It’s a project I’m very passionate about,” says Cornelius. “Their stories were incredible—re ecting on challenges, growth and where the industry is headed.”
“I think we’re very lucky at TAL that we have very strong women leaders in lots of different positions.”
TAL’s independent, family-owned structure gives it a meaningful advantage, she says. “Our mission statement is we help build better communities,” Cornelius said. “That resonates, and that’s part of our DNA.”
When asked about the best career advice she’s ever received, Cornelius credits her father, TAL chairman Bill Cornelius. “He always says, ‘If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward.’ That idea—of staying curious, asking questions, and always looking for the next opportunity— has really shaped how I work.”
“I think we’re very lucky at TAL that we have very strong women leaders in lots of different positions.”
—Katherine Cornelius
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