Issuu

Volume 231 • Issue 3 • September/October 2026 • hardwareretailing.com

Serving Hardware, Home Center & Building Material Retailers

Published by the North American Hardware and Paint Association

Young Leaders, Big Impact NHPA Young Retailer of the Year Honorees Are Moving the Channel Into the Future Page 22

2026

SEPT/OCT ISSUE SPONSOR

Have Questions? Contact Cody Goeppner at cgoeppner@YourNHPA.org

Your Daily Dose of Microtraining NHPA’s RetailWise Plus, an AI-powered program, delivers 365 two-minute lessons in English, Spanish and French-Canadian. Built for independent hardware, paint and lumber retailers, it fits seamlessly into your store’s day—no long classes, no complicated schedules. Strengthen skills, service and team culture, one lesson at a time.

WHAT’S NEW

“Two minutes may seem short, but when that time is intentional and focused, it becomes incredibly powerful. These micro-lessons help retailers strengthen their teams without pulling them off the salesfloor.”

365+ Microtraining Videos 14 Educational Categories 100% Device Accessibility Seasonal & Quarterly Updates

Subscribe Today! Scan the QR Code to sign up for RetailWise Plus or visit YourNHPA.org/retailwise.

Cody Goeppner Director of Education and Training, NHPA

Volume 231 • Issue 3 • September/October 2026 • hardwareretailing.com

Serving Hardware, Home Center & Building Material Retailers

Published by the North American Hardware and Paint Association

Young Leaders, Big Impact NHPA Young Retailer of the Year Honorees Are Moving the Channel Into the Future Page 22

NAIL SELECTION MADE EASY

Your nail aisle shouldn’t confuse customers or slow down sales.

Color-Coded Categories | Built-In Product Education | Easy-to-Shop Display

A Smarter Way to Sell Nails

Most nail displays are hard to ship and easy to ignore. BuildRight® fixes that problem with a system designed for how customers actually buy. Reduces Confusion

Color-coded and descriptive packaging helps customers find products fast

Speed Up Selection

Actual-size graphics and clear windows eliminate guesswork

Increase Basket Size

Packaging encourages add-on purchases such as hammers

Help Staff Sell

Educational signage gives associates confidence and direction

800.444.7313

constructionscrews.com

January 2023 | HARDWARE RETAILING

CONNECTIONS

COMING IN OCTOBER

EXECUTIVE STAFF CEO Bob Cutter PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Scott Wright CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dan Tratensek

1025 East 54th St. Indianapolis, Indiana 317-275-9400 NHPA@YourNHPA.org YourNHPA.org OUR MISSION

The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) helps independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers, regardless of affiliations, become better and more profitable retailers.

Harnessing Holiday Sales In this digital-only issue of Hardware Retailing, take a closer look at what the holiday selling season will look like for retailers in 2026. Glean insights from retail experts on how shoppers will navigate the season and read best practices from fellow retailers on how to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN Ash Ebbo, Clement’s Paint, Austin, Texas IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Ned Green, Weider’s Paint & Hardware, Rochester, New York DIRECTORS Christian Herrick, Randy’s Do it Best Hardware, Jackson, Virginia Michelle Meny, Meny’s True Value, Jasper, Indiana Jeremy Peterson, Family Hardware, Florida Katie Prus, Abbotsford Paint and Decorating, British Columbia, Canada Michael Sacks, FLC Holdings, LaGrange, Texas Emily Wood, Wood’s Ace Hardware, Bolts & Brews SECRETARY-TREASURER Bob Cutter, NHPA

Hardware Retailing (ISSN 0889_2989), Copyright© 2026 by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA), is published eight (8) times per year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September/October, November/December) by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, 1025 E 54 St, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Subscription rates: Hardware Retailing (Payable in advance): U.S. & possessions $50/year. Canada $75/year. All other countries $110/year. Single copy $7. The Annual Report issue can be purchased for $30. Business and Editorial Offices: 1025 E 54 St. Indianapolis, IN 46220 Accounting and Circulation Offices: The North American Hardware and Paint Association, 1025 E 54 St., Indianapolis, IN 46220. Call 317-275-9400 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hardware Retailing, P.O. Box 16709, St. Louis, MO 63105-1209.

STATE & REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS MIDWEST HARDWARE ASSOCIATION Jody Kohl, 201 Frontenac Ave., P.O. Box 8033 Stevens Point, WI 54481-8033 800-888-1817; Fax: 715-341-4080

NHPA CANADA SUPPLY-BUILD CANADA Rebekah Doerksen, Executive Assistant Direct: 204-953-1692 | Cell: 204-990-3536 Toll-Free: 1.800.661.0253 ext. 103 102-226 Osborne St. N. Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V4

CIRCULATION, SUBSCRIPTION & LIST RENTAL INQUIRIES CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Richard Jarrett, 314-432-7511, gcscs8@gmail.com

CONTENT AND PRODUCTION

317-275-9400, editorial@YourNHPA.org EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Lindsey Thompson, lthompson@YourNHPA.org MARKETING MANAGER Olivia Shroyer NEWS & DIGITAL EDITOR Jacob Musselman, jmusselman@YourNHPA.org CONTENT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Annie Dameworth, adameworth@YourNHPA.org SENIOR DESIGNER Autumn Ricketts PRODUCTION & DESIGN ASSISTANT Samantha Mitchell SALES & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Freda Creech

NHPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Joanne Lawrie, Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS SERVICES David Gowan

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

SALES DIRECTOR OF MEDIA SALES Austin Vance, avance@YourNHPA.org | 574-340-1908 REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Jordan Rice jrice@YourNHPA.org | 217-808-1641 REGIONAL SALES MANAGER—CENTRAL Jake Cutter jcutter@YourNHPA.org | 317-363-0776 REGIONAL SALES MANAGER—WEST Dan Beck dbeck@YourNHPA.org | 518-852-9624

ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS

800-772-4424, NHPA@YourNHPA.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & TRAINING Cody Goeppner, cgoeppner@YourNHPA.org TRAINING MANAGER & EDITOR Jesse Carleton, jcarleton@YourNHPA.org MEMBER SERVICES & EVENT COORDINATOR Christina Kane, ckane@YourNHPA.org

BETTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS Bottom Line.

Discover what thousands of independent retailers already know. Our support goes beyond the initial sale. Learn how we’re better for your business.

Scan the QR code to see how much better it can get.

Volume 231 | Issue 3 September/October 2026

CONTENTS

HardwareRetailing

DEPARTMENTS Taking Care of Business........................................................... ...........................................................06 Dan Tratensek, NHPA Chief Operating Officer

Editorially Speaking.......................................................................08 .................................................................... Lindsey Thompson, NHPA Editor

Industry Viewpoint......................................................................... ......................................................................... 10 Curtis Gillman, NHPA Strategic Consultant

Partner Viewpoint............................................................................ ............................................................................12 Kevin Ehinger, LBM Business Unit Leader, ECI

Trends...........................................................................................................14 ........................................................................................................ Sponsored by New Products...................................................................................... ...................................................................................... 16 Newsmakers.......................................................................................... 66

Calendar....................................................................................................68 .................................................................................................

A New Generation of Industry Excellence

Last Word.................................................................................................70 ..............................................................................................

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Proving that the future is bright, this year’s class of eight Young Retailer of the Year honorees is a shining example of young leaders. Meet this year’s honorees and read how they are making a difference in their operations, their communities and the channel.

A Lasting Impact

The Young Retailer of the Year program celebrates a milestone anniversary this year, with three decades of recognizing the future of the industry. Catch up with past honorees and learn how the award positively impacted their professional and personal lives.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Takeaways That Matter

The curtain has closed on the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference but the practical best practices attendees gained are already making an impact back home. Discover all the highlights from the event.

OPERATIONS

Appeal to the Temporary DIYer

With a desire to DIY and the spending power to do so, renters are an untapped audience for many independent retailers. Learn how to appeal to renters with the right products and know-how.

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

COVER STORY

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fostering Positive Relationships

At its Spring Meeting, the Hardware Marketing Council presented NHPA with a scholarship check for the Retail Management Certification Program. Read how the collaboration between the two organizations is helping to strengthen the independent channel.

OPERATIONS

Adhesive Aisle Movers

Learn how one retailer uses hands-on training, smart product placement and endcaps to attract customers and get sales in the adhesives category to stick.

CONNECT

dant@YourNHPA.org

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Dan Tratensek

Where to Focus Future Growth A

“I think it is important that all retailers begin to take a closer look at these KPIs because the importance of driving metrics in these areas is critical to holding onto profitability.”

fter passing the midpoint in the year, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to the industry on multiple occasions about the “state of the industry.” Everyone is curious on how overall retail is performing and what the last months of the year might have in store. And while I certainly don’t have a crystal ball, one point that I have made again and again in my presentations is that growth is simply going to be harder to come by this year and over the short term. When I say this I mean both top line growth and bottom line growth. On the top line, we are working against a lot of macroeconomic headwinds like affordability, interest rates and global conflict that are making organic expansion more difficult for many businesses. On the bottom line, independent retailers are facing many of the same challenges that have been present since the pandemic—wage inflation, increasing cost of goods and lower traffic counts. All of these challenges have conspired to drag net operating profits at independent retailers down for the past three years. While the average net profits retailers are posting today are still higher than pre-pandemic averages, the year-over-year declines we are seeing are troubling. With operating profits declining, we are also seeing progressive retailers shifting their focus onto new key performance indicators (KPIs) that better correspond to some of the challenges at hand. I think it is important that all retailers begin to take a closer look at these KPIs because the importance

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

of driving metrics in these areas is critical to holding onto profitability. For example, taking a closer look at, and building growth plans around, KPIs like sales per employee, conversion rate, inventory turns and sales per square (or linear) foot directly attack the areas where retailers are experiencing the most pressure. As with any plan built around KPIs, the most foundational best practice for any retailer is to know where they stand relative to the performance of others in the industry. This is where the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s Cost of Doing Business Study comes in. The 2026 study will be available later this month so retailers have access to all the information they would need to start building their KPI improvement plans. If you aren’t familiar with the Cost of Doing Business Study or need help understanding how to access or utilize this information, I highly recommend you reach out to the team at NHPA who will be more than happy to help you get started. With the industry still middling along and external factors still weighing on growth, it is more critical now than ever to start planning how you can grow no matter what the economy throws at you.

Dan M. Tratensek Chief Operating Officer

REMODELERS & CONTRACTORS TRUST TITEBOND

for caulks and sealants that exceed industry standards. Our comprehensive line of caulks and sealants includes multiple technologies for various applications, along with a custom color-matching program. Professionals depend on Titebond for outstanding results on job sites and in their homes.

GET REWARD FOR THE TITE marketing@franklininternational.com YOU'RE ALRE Titebond.com | 1.800.347.4583 BUYING. TITEBOND × CONTRACTOR REWARDS

Elevate your work and get rewarded. Every qualifying Titebond purchase earns points toward tools, gift cards, electronics, travel, and more — enrollment is FREE at ContractorRewards.com. 01117_9081TF

CONNECT

lthompson@YourNHPA.org

EDITORIALLY SPEAKING

Lindsey Thompson

Excellence Above Perfectionism T

“These past honorees also provide a prime example of what it means to pursue excellence over perfectionism—always giving your all, looking beyond yourself and using setbacks as learning opportunities.”

he last few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of pursuing excellence more than perfection. Both a blessing and a curse, perfectionism has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been concerned about not just doing things well, but doing things perfectly. These tendencies come in handy as I’m editing our publications and creating content for you all, but are also exhausting because I’m constantly putting myself down for not being perfect. Through a perfectionism lens, I see any mistakes as character flaws rather than learning moments and just part of being human. I read somewhere recently that “excellence is the healthy pursuit of continuous growth and personal standards, while perfectionism is a debilitating attempt to achieve flawlessness driven by a fear of failure and external judgment.” That hit me hard in the best way possible. I always want to give my best but sometimes that means it won’t be perfect, and that’s OK. That’s excellence. Because I make a mistake doesn’t mean I am a mistake. Those missteps are opportunities to try again, grow and mature in the process. I bring all of this up because this issue is where we honor our Young Retailer of the Year honorees, and when I think of people pursuing excellence, these honorees are at the top of the list. This year’s NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honorees,

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

who you can meet on Page 22, share tons of examples of how they have excelled. They could also each tell you stories of trying and not quite getting it, but letting that be a learning experience and not a roadblock. In my conversations with the honorees, taking a leap of faith was a recurring theme, and each honoree has set their sights on growth and success, not for their sake, but for their operations, communities and the channel as a whole—that’s excellence! As it is the 30th anniversary of the Young Retailer of the Year program, in this issue, you’ll also hear from past honorees (Page 34) who share what the award meant to them personally and professionally and pass along words of wisdom to this generation of leaders in the channel. These past honorees also provide a prime example of what it means to pursue excellence over perfectionism—always giving your all, looking beyond yourself and using setbacks as learning opportunities. Please join me in congratulating these incredible retailers and thanking them for reminding me of the importance of excellence over perfectionism.

Lindsey Thompson Editor & Director of Content Development

YOUR ADVANTAGE IN EVERY AISLE. For more than a century, House-Hasson has supported independent hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards across our region. We understand the realities independent retailers face and our job is to make that easier, with support you can reach directly, pricing and programs that strengthen your bottom line, and a selection shaped by what your customers need. From hands-on guidance to flexible solutions built around your business, we’re here to help you stay profitable, solve challenges quickly, and keep your store moving forward. If your business grows, so do we—and that’s the measure we care about most.

OPERATIONS

Examining the Customer Experience INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT

Discover how to meet customers at the most critical moments at hardwareretailing.com/customer-experience-angles.

When the Whirlwind Takes Over S

ometimes the real problem isn’t ignorance, it’s exhaustion. Day-to-day operations can consume so much time and attention that meaningful improvements feel impossible. Leadership teams become trapped in what Chris McChesney, Sean Covey and Jim Huling describe in their book, “The Four Disciplines of Execution,” as “the whirlwind”—the constant stream of tasks, interruptions and urgent issues required simply to keep the doors open. In that environment, even obvious improvements can feel overwhelming. But ignoring operational weaknesses doesn’t make them disappear. It only ensures they will grow quietly in the background.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but in many cases the answer comes down to better division of labor, cross-training and intentional delegation.”

The whirlwind is inevitable. The real question is: What are you doing to manage it? The grass still needs to be mowed. Inventory still needs to be stocked. Customers still need to be served. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but in many cases the answer comes down to better cross-training, division of labor and intentional delegation. Too often, retailers rely on their most experienced and highest-paid employees to handle tasks that should be owned by entry-level team members. Your store manager may be the best person in the building at cutting keys or repairing screens, but those are not the best uses of their time. In “The Four Disciplines of Execution,” the authors introduce the concept of “Wildly Important Goals” (WIGs): the few critical objectives that must be achieved to drive meaningful progress. The challenge for independent retailers is creating an environment where the frontline team can confidently manage the whirlwind, allowing leadership to focus on those WIGs. When that shift happens, something important follows: With repetition and ownership, frontline employees don’t just maintain the operation, they improve it. Over time, they become faster, more capable and more consistent, often exceeding the proficiency of the leaders who once handled those same tasks.

Curtis Gillman Founder Legacy Retail Advisors

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

About Curtis Curtis is a retail consultant and owner-operator with over 20 years of experience in the independent hardware and home improvement channel. He is the founder of Legacy Retail Advisors, where he works with independent retailers to improve operational performance, strengthen teams and plan for succession. His approach focuses on disciplined execution, KPI-driven management and intentional leadership development.

CONNECT

Send Curtis a Message curtis@legacyretailadvisors.com Curtis Gillman

Year-Round ear-Round Pe Performers Built for every season. Ready for anything.

ACCESSORIES Essential components for a complete system.

BUILT TO LAST Durable construction for long-term reliability. READY FOR ANYTHING Solutions for sump, sewage, water well, and utility needs. TRUSTED QUALITY Backed by proven performance and expert support. PEACE OF MIND Dependable products that help protect what matters most.

Moving water. Delivering peace of mind.

PUMPS Sump, sewage, water well, and utility pumps engineered for dependable performance.

HYDRANTS Heavy-duty hydrants built to handle the toughest demands.

Every season throws a new set of challenges at the homeowner. From sump and sewage to water well and utility, ECO-FLO pumps offer the assurance of year-round reliability.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE about our full line of products. Find out more at

ecofloproducts.com

Scan the QR code to learn more about ECI Software Solutions.

Most Popular Overall Choices for Doors

Most Purchased Types of Cabinet Hardware

27% Hinges

Handles

40% Locks

45%

36% Hinges

Knobs

Hinges

Locks

Handles

Knobs

42%

Knobs

48% Drawer Pulls

55%

Most Purchased Exterior Door Hardware

Common Hardware Purchases Among Contractors The top products purchased in the exterior hardware category include:

38%

Doorknobs

36%

Door Locks

36%

Door Handles

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

33% Hinges

23% Door Stops

About the Company An industry pioneer known for its iconic and unmistakable yellow bag of concrete mix, The QUIKRETE® Companies was founded in 1940. Over the last 85 years, The QUIKRETE Companies has strategically acquired leading brands that allow us to be a single source of supply for nearly every element of any construction project. Our brands have earned a reputation for quality, consistency and performance, making us a reliable choice for commercial and residential building, repair and rehabilitation products. As we continue to contribute to the growth and health of our country’s structure and infrastructure, we truly are What America’s Made Of®.

FOR EVERY STEP

SERVICES AND TOOLS DELIVERED AT PERFECT FILL RATES At Hardlines Distribution Alliance, we work tirelessly to deliver tools, services and communications to help you make connections that lead to growth. With accounting, merchandising, marketing, and advertising services, our distributor members, vendor partners, and retailer customers know they will always have the resources they need, whenever they need them. And, with an ever expanding offering of value-added services, HDA offers a dependable source of tools to help successful businesses thrive, from everyday supplies to digital event management. We’re with you, every step of the way. Learn more about HDA by contacting Katie Bravo, Advertising & Communications Manager, at 303.792.3000 or katie.bravo@hdaworks.com • Find us online at www.hdaworks.com

SAVE THE DATE HDA Vendor Partners

Join us for the Executive Planning Conference at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa • Tucson, Arizona

November 10-12, 2026

wwww.executiveplanningconference.com

PRODUCTS

Retailer Recommendations NEW PRODUCTS

Send a note to editorial@YourNHPA.org about products you can’t keep on the shelf. Include your name, your business name and why you love it.

Wood Repair Compound

The DRY Flex 16 from Repair Care International is an emergency wood repair compound for large areas of decayed or damaged wood, such as windows, doors, stairs or furniture. It can be used to repair gaps and cracks and can be sanded and painted after 16 hours. Repair Care International | repair-care.com

Sunglasses

The Midnight Original 2.0 from Pit Viper features polycarbonate HDPV polarized lenses to enhance vision and reduce eyestrain. The frame includes adjustable earpieces and lens angles, as well as rubberized contact points for grip. Pit Viper | pitviper.com

All-Purpose Solvent Kit

The Oatey Purple Primer and All-Purpose Medium Cement Handy Pack is a two-pack for joining ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe. The primer cleans and softens the pipe surface while the medium-bodied cement fills gaps and creates a solvent-welded connection. Oatey | oatey.com

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Cleaning Paste

The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste is an abrasive household cleaner in a paste form that removes stains, grime and buildup from sinks, countertops and cookware without harsh chemicals. The Pink Stuff | thepinkstuff.com

LEARN MORE

Dependable Cable Ties, Proudly Made in the USA. Mayhew Cable Ties combine unmatched quality, durability, and versatility. Designed for numerous applications, our cable ties ensure peak performance under even the toughest conditions.

Quality:

Twice the Strength UL Approval Type 21S Made in the USA Mil-spec SAE-AS23190A

Variety: Standard Line Cable Ties Heat Stabilized Cable Ties Assorted Color Pack

Choose the Best. Choose Mayhew.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Outdoor Grill

The Navigator 850 from Pit Boss is a gas grill with a stainless steel main burner system with 850 square inches of cooking space, integrated side shelves, a built-in thermometer and porcelain-coated grates. Pit Boss | pitboss-grills.com

Call 800.725.2346 or Visit paladinpointofsale.com

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Pressure Canner

The Pressure Canner from ForJars is a heavy-duty aluminum canner designed for preserving low-acid foods. It features a locking lid system, pressure gauge and adjustable weighted regulator for maintaining accurate pressure levels. The canner includes stay-cool handles and works on gas or electric stovetops. It also features a two-year warranty with registration. ForJars | forjars.co

Portable Generator

The iQ5200 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator from Generac is a portable generator that provides backup power for jobsites and recreational use. It runs on gasoline or liquid propane and delivers up to 5,200 starting watts. Features include pushbutton electric start, a quiet enclosed design, an LED display, USB charging ports and COsense® carbon monoxide protection. Generac | generac.com

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

THE ART OF ® MERCHANDISING

Drill Bits Set

The DMD-T29 Metal Demon™ Drill Bits Set includes pieces for mild, hardened and stainless steels and comes in a set of 29 pieces in a thermos. Diablo Tools | diablotools.com

Adjustable Deck Support

The Level Up Deck Joist Support Kit comes in a 12-pack that attaches to wood joists to build plank decks. The kit eliminates the need for digging concrete footers, saving time. One pack builds up to an 8-by-10-foot ground-level deck. Each pedestal holds up to 750 pounds. Bison Innovative Products | bisonip.com or 800-333-4234 HOOKS | SHELF MERCHANDISING | LABELING WWW.TRIONONLINE.COM | 800-444-4665 ©2025 Trion Industries, Inc.

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

Doug Young RONA

Pierre Battah

October 20 & 21, 2026 FA I R M O N T C H ÂT E A U L A U R I E R O T T A W A ,

O N T A R I O

Celebrating 30 Years of Connecting the Home Improvement Industry Join us in Ottawa to celebrate Hardlines’ 30th anniversary— three decades of bringing the home improvement industry together. This milestone event is your chance to stay connected, make new connections, and learn from industry leaders shaping the future of home improvement.

Limited tickets available. Register now. hardlinesconference.ca

PIERRE BATTAH LEADERSHIP

Sophie Marai ENVIRONICS ANALYTICS

Peter Norman NORMAN ECONOMIC STRATEGIES

Chris Parsons RETAIL REWIRED

Dan Tratensek NHPA

Ashley Pasch JLS BUILDING MATERIALS

Nicolas Couture COUTURE TIMBERMART

Kyle Schell SCHELL LUMBER HOME BUILDING CENTRE

Dealers receive 30% off tickets. Contact jillian@hardlines.ca for the coupon code.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

TITLE SPONSOR

LBMAO THE LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

More speakers to be announced soon. Visit hardlinesconference.ca for further information.

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Fresh Faces of

Leadership Meet the 2026 NHPA Young Retailer of the Year Honorees BY

L I N D S EY

elebrating three decades of exceptional retailers under the age of 35, the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year Awards program highlights the efforts of young retailers. NHPA’s Young Retailer of the Year program identifies and promotes the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers. Honorees are recognized in three categories—multistore, under $3 million in sales and over $3 million in sales—based on a number of criteria, including professional milestones, community engagement, continuing hardware industry education and extracurricular activities. Cody Goeppner, NHPA director of education and training and 2020 Young

T HO M P S O N

Retailer of the Year honoree, says the recognition was a turning point for him as it highlighted the hard work he had poured into his career and introduced him to a broader community of forward-thinking and passionate retailers. “As someone who grew up in my family’s hardware store and spent years as a retailer myself, I know firsthand how much heart, grit and innovation it takes to succeed in this industry,” Goeppner says. “It truly is full circle and an incredible honor for me to support and celebrate the next generation of leaders. This program shines a spotlight on the people who are shaping the future of independent retail, and based on this year’s class, the future is bright.” Meet this year’s honorees and discover the positive impacts each is making in their operations, communities and the channel.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

M U LT I ST O R E

HALEYCHAPEL Chief Operating Officer, Timberland Ace Hardware

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? Being named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree is humbling, especially because this industry is full of people who are just as deserving of recognition. What has meant the most to me is the number of people who took the time to support my nomination and write letters on my behalf. Having leaders and peers I respect speak highly of the way I show up and lead was incredibly meaningful. Retail is ultimately a people business and more than anything, this recognition feels like a reflection of the people I’ve been lucky enough to learn from, work alongside and grow with over the years.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? My dad (who is also the owner of our company) has been one of the biggest influences in my journey. I’ve always been strong-minded and ready to step into responsibility, but he created an environment where I was able to grow through real experience. He gave me a long leash to make mistakes, fumble, course correct and ultimately develop my own leadership style. There were also times he recognized my capability and capacity before I fully saw it and pushed me accordingly. He’s naturally gifted with visionary instincts and the ability to see possibilities, but he also models balance, self-awareness and the importance of continuing to understand yourself as both a leader and a person. We share a competitive drive, excitement for growth and a strong desire to pursue excellence in our company. There’s always been a loving push between us that has shaped how I approach growth, leadership and accountability.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? Early on, one of my biggest challenges was simply learning the business with very little firsthand experience.

Honestly, I still feel like I’m learning every day, and I imagine that’ll never stop. I was fortunate to grow up in a family business and be offered opportunities early, but with that also came the responsibility of demonstrating I could create real impact and earn credibility through action. What helped most was being in an environment where mistakes weren’t treated as failures, but as part of the process. I was given room to figure things out, be challenged and move on without being defined by those moments. That shaped my confidence as a leader and more importantly, the way I try to develop other people.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? Retail is still, and always will be, a people business. Consumer behavior changes constantly, and we recognize that we don’t hold all the answers or need to reinvent the wheel. We pick up the phone, ask questions, surround ourselves with other successful retailers and listen. Some of the best ideas, strategies and adaptations come from our network, and I count myself fortunate to be in circles that care about collective success and genuinely want to share and collaborate. That’s a big reason why I’ve invested time in groups like Progressive Ace Leaders and serving as the Montana Dealer Group leader. Those relationships keep me curious, and I get to hear what’s working in other markets, adapt ideas to fit our business and communities and sometimes share what’s working for us as well. At the same time, we’ve worked hard to remain a modern hardware company, whether that’s improving our technology and internal processes, strengthening our online presence, maintaining strong inventory depth and breadth, embracing services like DoorDash or continually refreshing and reinvesting in our stores. I think

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Learn more about Haley at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

the retailers who continue to thrive through evolving consumer behavior are the ones willing to advance their businesses with an open mind while staying deeply connected to their values.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? What keeps me passionate about the independent channel is the balance of independence and collaboration. Through the Ace cooperative model, we have full rein to run our business in a way that reflects our people, our communities and our values, and that’s very important to me. At the end of the day, most of us didn’t get into hardware retail because we have a deep passion for snow shovels or Scotch tape. There are far easier ways to earn a living, but we stay committed to the industry because we have servant hearts, love building teams and solving problems and enjoy being a positive part of someone’s day. I also think the co-op model uniquely positions us to thrive. We maintain local ownership and autonomy while benefiting from the scale, data, vendor relationships, innovation and support of a much larger organization. We get the best of both worlds.

M U LT I ST O R E

TAYLORCOLE Retail Development and Marketing Support, Cole’s Hardware

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? I am honored to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree. This recognition shows the strength and dedication of our entire team. I would not be where I am today without the group of people who show up every day committed to serving our customers, communities and each other. This is a recognition of the culture we have built together, and it motivates us to continue to elevate our standards.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? Growing up in a family business, I’ve had the opportunity to build strong relationships with family members both inside and outside of work. Through my journey, my dad has been a key role model and mentor. He’s taught me the importance of hard work, having a great moral compass and taking care of people, whether they’re employees, customers or

family. I’m thankful for his 40-plus years of business knowledge and experience, along with his dedication to teaching and carrying on the legacy.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? Early on, one of my toughest challenges was stepping into a business with a strong legacy, which my dad and uncle are a significant part of. I quickly realized that I had some big shoes to fill. I learned early on, it wasn’t about trying to be someone else, it was about leading in my own way. I overcame this challenge with the realization that I’m not alone. I find confidence and trust in our team’s knowledge, experience and willingness to help.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? The retail landscape and consumer expectations are changing rapidly.

Learn more about Taylor at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

We have a well-rounded team that brings many different perspectives to the table. We all have different areas of expertise and expectations, as both customers and retailers. Our business relies on input from every level in the organization. We continue to focus on our customers’ experience to ensure a seamless interaction, both in-store and online, and embracing new technology to elevate our standards, while continuing to be flexible and reliable.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? The people are what keep me passionate about the independent channel, whether that’s our team, other retailers or the communities we serve. This industry provides the opportunity to connect and build long-lasting relationships. Supporting our team members in their growth and experiencing the positive impact in our communities encourages me to carry on our family legacy.

This recognition shows the strength and dedication of our entire team. I would not be where I am today without the group of people who show up every day committed to serving our customers, communities and each other. September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

M U LT I ST O R E

JEFFKUENNING Co-Owner, Western Ohio True Value

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? It is an absolute honor to be named Young Retailer of the Year. It makes all of the crazy hours and late nights worth it. However, I view this more as a family award than I do a personal award. None of it would be possible without the groundwork and footsteps that my parents and older brothers laid for me. For me, it’s not about personal achievement, it’s about the 73 years of grinding my family has done. It is also about the 120 people in midwest Ohio that assist us as a family and are out there working every day to better the business.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? I would say my father was my biggest mentor. He was so good at letting us boys grow and shine in our own ways. He knew when to let us fail and when to stop us before we got there because he knew we would learn the best from our failures, just as he did when growing the

business. After my father passed away, all three of my brothers in the business have continued to help me in countless ways in my growth.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? One of my hardest challenges that I faced was having to navigate employees who have seen me grow up from a toddler or an immature high school kid and the bridges that I burned along the way. For some of those people, I was able to earn their trust back, but for some, it took me leaving the company and working somewhere else and getting outside experience to earn that trust back. It was a difficult obstacle to navigate, and I am still fighting some of it.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? We are adapting every day to current trends and current marketing strategies.

I view this more as a family award than I do a personal award. None of it would be possible without the groundwork and footsteps that my parents and older brothers laid for me. 26

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Learn more about Jeff at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

The policies and strategic plans that we used 20 years ago no longer work in this landscape. We are trying to continue to grow and expand our e-commerce platform to reach the younger generation, but that is by far our biggest challenge right now.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? Two things keep me going in the independent channel. The first is the customers who continue to come in asking for help and want to use the independents. They don’t want to go to the big box where they can’t get help. They trust us and trust that they will get the correct information from us. My passion comes from helping a customer all the way through their project and seeing the end result of their project. The other thing that keeps me passionate is the other independent store owners and the relationships we have built with them over the years. Seeing them be successful and swapping ideas with each other is a lot of fun.

M U LT I ST O R E

SUMMERVASQUEZ Store Manager & Project Manager, Matt’s Building Materials

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? It is such an incredible honor to even be considered for this award. When I received the call informing me of the nomination, I was sitting with my daughter. The moment I shared the news with her, I saw a look on her face that I will never forget—a look of pure pride. In that instant, this recognition became so much more than an award. Seeing her eyes light up and knowing she was proud of me was one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever experienced. It reminded me that our children are always watching, learning and growing from the examples we set, and I love being able to show her that hard work, dedication and perseverance truly matter. Life may not always reward us immediately. There will be long days, challenges and moments when the effort feels unseen. But if you continue to work hard, stay committed and believe in yourself, your efforts will eventually shine through.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? Working in a family business, I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout the years who have played a vital role in my development. However, the one person who stands out because he had no obligation to invest in me, yet chose to do so anyway, is David Castillo. As my manager when I first started, he became much more than a supervisor; he became a mentor, a teacher and someone whose guidance helped shape the person I am today. His leadership never focused solely on the job itself—he took the time to teach me lessons that would help me succeed long after the workday ended. When I reflect on my accomplishments, I know they are not mine alone, but were built by the encouragement, wisdom and

experience that people like David passed down to me over the years.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career was being a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I started working at 16 years old and, through hard work and determination, quickly advanced into an assistant manager role. While I was proud of that accomplishment, it also came with challenges. There were times when customers, and even fellow employees, underestimated me because of my age, my gender or both. I often felt that sometimes I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged and that I was capable of leading, making decisions and contributing meaningful knowledge and experience. Those moments were not always easy, but they taught me resilience, confidence and the importance of believing in myself even when others doubted me. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage me, I used them as motivation. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, grow and demonstrate what I was capable of accomplishing. I remained committed to improving myself, expanding my knowledge and giving my very best every single day. Over time, I learned that respect is not always given immediately—it is earned through consistency, dedication and the willingness to persevere.

Learn more about Summer at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

but also with online retailers. One thing that consistently stands out, especially in our community, is our customers’ desire for personal interaction and genuine conversation. We strive to maintain open lines of communication so customers feel comfortable sharing concerns, asking questions or suggesting products they would like us to carry. By listening to their feedback and building strong relationships, we are able to better meet their needs while creating a positive and welcoming experience.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? One of the reasons I am passionate about the independent channel is our ability to pivot and adapt quickly to meet the changing needs of our customers. We are not bound by the rigid structure often found in large corporations, and we have the flexibility to make decisions that directly benefit the customer experience. This freedom allows us to respond more efficiently, provide personalized solutions and address customer concerns in a timely manner.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? We have relied on a great deal of trial and error over the years to be able to serve our customers to the best of our abilities. We must remain competitive not only with other brick-and-mortar businesses

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

UNDER $3 MILLION IN SALES

GRANTRAYNOR Store Manager, Town and Country

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? I want to thank my team; it’s because of them I can do what I do. I can trust them to keep things running when I’m not there and make the right decisions.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? I started my career with Town and Country in September 2015 as a floor sales associate and was promoted to a store manager in less than two years because of my focus on customer service. After learning the business quickly, I took over the McGee Crossing store for Town & Country when I was just 21 years old, and at that time, the store was viewed as something of a leap of faith. It was a new location, and while there was optimism, there were also uncertainties. Fast-forward nearly a decade, and that same store is now one of Town & Country and CNRG’s top-performing locations in return on sales.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? We focus on what really matters: the people who walk through the door. Every customer is greeted, listened to and treated with respect—whether they’re spending $5 or $500. If a customer needs something the store doesn’t have, my team will find a way to get it. If they aren’t sure what they need, we will walk them through it until they do. That culture of service has created a loyal following, and many of our customers are greeted by name when they come in. I try to be thoughtful about what goes on the shelves. In a smaller footprint store, space is everything, so I try to read sales trends and rotate out slower movers to make room for better-performing items. I’m not afraid to make tough calls if it means serving customers more effectively and driving results. My store is developing into more of an urban area, so I am monitoring the trends and adjusting my offerings to align with new business.

My deep belief that customer service should always come first keeps me passionate. That sounds simple, but in today’s world of self-checkouts and automated help desks, it’s actually pretty rare. 28

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Learn more about Grant at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? My deep belief that customer service should always come first keeps me passionate. That sounds simple, but in today’s world of self-checkouts and automated help desks, it’s actually pretty rare. I train my team to go the extra mile, even when they don’t make a sale. I have even talked a customer into buying a less expensive item than they came in for, not because it makes the register ring louder, but because I want them to be happy with their purchase and come back next time. After Hurricane Florence hit western North Carolina, I didn’t want to wait for someone else to step in, so I went straight to my district manager and asked if we could donate supplies for the cleanup effort. For the days leading up to the storm, we ignored the closing hours of the store and stayed open until the last customers were served. Many customers who did not get off work until later in the evening were fortunate and grateful for the service we provided then.

OVE R $ 3 M I L L I O N I N S A L E S

SHANNON DAVIS MORROW Business Manager, Tweedy Lumber & Hardware

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree?

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them?

Being named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree is truly one of the greatest honors of my life. I pour my heart into this business every single day, and there are times when you wonder if the hard work is making a difference. This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it validates the effort, dedication and passion I’ve invested over the years.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Because I didn’t grow up in the hardware and lumber business, I had a steep learning curve and knew I needed to gain knowledge quickly if I wanted to succeed. I made it my mission to learn every aspect of the business, from operations to customer service and everything in between. That commitment to learning has helped me grow, and every day I continue to learn something new.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? Without a doubt, my parents have been the biggest influences in my life. They have faced challenges, overcome obstacles and built many successful businesses through hard work, perseverance and determination. They taught me what it means to work hard, treat people well and always put family first. The values they instilled in me will forever guide both my personal life and my career.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? I believe the best thing a retailer can do is listen. Our customers tell us every day what they need, what they value and how their expectations are changing.

Learn more about Shannon at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

By staying connected to those conversations and being willing to adapt, we can continue providing the products, services and shopping experience they’re looking for. While retail is constantly evolving, personal relationships and customer service will always be at the center of what we do.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? The sense of community is what keeps me passionate about independent retail. Over the years, I’ve built meaningful relationships with customers, employees and fellow retailers, and those connections make this work incredibly rewarding. I love helping customers bring their projects to life and seeing those projects through from start to finish. Independent retailers offer a level of personal service, trust and community connection that simply can’t be replicated, and that’s what makes this industry so special.

Independent retailers offer a level of personal service, trust and community connection that simply can’t be replicated, and that’s what makes this industry so special. September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

OVE R $ 3 M I L L I O N I N S A L E S

SEANDOWNEY General Manager, West Whittier Paint Co.

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? I had told myself all year that I just had to apply before I turned 30. I kept telling myself, “It’ll be the 30th anniversary, I’ll have just turned 30 at the conference, they have to let me in.” When I found out I actually made it, I was pleasantly surprised, but I didn’t really tell anyone. I told my girlfriend and my office manager, but that’s about it. I didn’t even tell my family right away. It was just this thing that felt peaceful and happy, and I wanted to hold onto those feelings for myself for a bit. When the award was announced publicly, I was actually most happy and surprised to hear the congratulations from my friends and connections in ALLPRO. They knew what it was, so it felt the most genuine. I’ve seen my peers win this award year after year and was always so impressed by them, so it kind of feels like I made it, too.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? I grew up in the store, like most of us, but I didn’t have it set out in front of me. In fact, my parents encouraged me to do literally anything else, but here I am, sucked back into the void of the family business. I come from a long lineage of stubborn independent operators. Some might say that I fit that mold, but I don’t see the resemblance. Regardless, it put the store in a unique position of life passing it by. After decades of very little change or updates, the store was primed for some stubborn person to come along and shake things up. When I became general manager, I essentially had to go it on my own and trust my gut.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? It’s Fall 2019, I’m 23, feeling 30 and back at the paint store. Am I doing sales? Am I updating systems? Am I out of my mind? Yes. We were still using dot-matrix printers, faxing more than emailing and working off a POS system that predated Windows.

After some early uphill battles, I got us on VoIP phones, got everyone into the MS Office environment, and we now have Wi-Fi! That was just the beginning. I learned WordPress and built a website that met our needs, redesigned aisles and added pallet shelving. I implemented a new POS system from pretty much nothing, since nearly all of the data from the old one was non-transferable. And something I’m probably most proud of: I’ve given our employees raises that are definitely more competitive and much closer to what they’re actually worth. I did pretty much all of this guerrilla style. I was dropped in here with no plan and no guidance other than “work on bettering things we don’t have the time for.” But every time I had an idea or wanted to change something, it was met with a lot of resistance and pretty much denied. So, I got creative. I realized if I wanted to bring us into the 21st century, I had to stop waiting for permission. I started executing these changes on my own dollar and my own time, pushing updates through independently and putting my own neck on the line. I decided I was either going to fix the store or get fired trying, and it worked. There was a lot of training, a need for reassurance and skepticism from the team. But we’re still here, and over time, I’ve earned the trust of everyone. Now that we have our systems in place and the wind in our sails, my next steps are to update the store experience, something that hasn’t been done here since the 80s. We are doing a facelift of the outside because a paint store should look freshly painted and not like you’re walking into an abandoned warehouse. We are also going to attempt to reset the inside—just don’t tell my employees that yet. Along with this, we’re actively working on an e-commerce site so that, at the very least, people can price shop us and know that we exist. To add to the early chaos, I butted heads with our office manager early on. At the time, she had been with us for over 55 years, and I think she saw me as a naive, overzealous kid trying to

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Learn more about Sean at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

change everything she worked so hard for. She actually more or less retired because of the friction, but this year, she celebrated her 90th birthday at the store with her friends, family and longtime coworkers. She and I have made genuine amends, and she more than approves of everything I’ve been doing now that she has seen I haven’t destroyed the business—so far.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? First and foremost, it’s about staying as price-competitive as possible, and then ensuring today’s chronically-online consumer actually knows we exist. I actually haven’t started paid advertising online, but the website is live and it’s at least driving some traffic to the store. At the very least, it shows we’re a legitimate business and not just a 2006 HTML page.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? Spite. Those free trips to the ALLPRO shows. And honestly? A little more spite. The independent channel can be a real disaster sometimes, but every now and then, the stars align and we can all enjoy ourselves.

OVE R $ 3 M I L L I O N I N S A L E S

FÉLIX-ANTOINE MOISAN

Director of Operations, Jean Denis Limitée Home Hardware

What does it mean to you to be named a Young Retailer of the Year honoree? For me, receiving this award represents a high level of recognition of the retail industry by my peers. At 28 years old, this is an unexpected event in my young career as a businessman. Winning an award of this magnitude becomes a motivation to propel myself towards a better and more prosperous future. The visibility achieved by this honor gives me confidence in myself, our team and our entire family business. To have been chosen to win this award makes me very proud.

Who has been a key mentor or influence in your journey? My grandfather, Jean-Guy, for his entrepreneurial journey of over 53 years and managing the family business as a third-generation owner. My grandmother, Louise, showed me her way of working and her dedication to customer service, as well as her vision of the job: “work is not fatal.” She worked at the family business until she was 80 years old. I work with my mother, Sophie, every day; she teaches me to be rigorous in the execution of my work, be proud of the work we do and know how to maintain a high standard of quality in customer service. My mother often says: “take nothing for granted, every day it is to start over.” My father, Philippe: his joviality, good humor, patience and daily discipline inspire me to become a better manager.

What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them? I’ve been working at the hardware store since I was 12. In the summer, as a student, I loaded bags of earth into clients’ cars. From these first work experiences, I learned the basics of customer service. Over time, I gained experience and knowledge in all departments—cashier, paint clerk, merchandising, delivery

person and product assembly. During my college studies in sales management, I was able to put my knowledge of merchandising to good use by optimizing space, visual presentation and department redevelopment. Another challenge was the complete redevelopment of the cash desks to create a queue and improve traffic in the hardware store. With the realization of this project, I proved to my parents and the whole team that my ideas and future merchandising projects could bring more sales. In any change, the biggest challenge is to ask humans to adapt to change. I learned that you must not only sell your idea, but prove in the realization of the idea the added value of the project.

How are you adapting to changes in consumer behavior, especially in today’s retail landscape? The digital age in which we live is accelerating consumer trends at a faster rate than ever before. We must constantly listen and be attentive to the consumer’s needs. I often say that you can’t blame the consumer if they’re not there. As an entrepreneur, it’s our job to be there to meet consumer needs. We must be constantly evolving because it is our duty to offer an attractive, up-to-date and effective experience. Nowadays, consumers have a lot more choice when it comes to shopping. Whether in-store or online, the offer is large and the competition fierce. For our family business, we need to make improvements that make a difference. For example, displaying our inventory online for the last 18 months has been a great improvement. When customers see that we have it in store on the website, they know that they can have their goods quickly. In the last decade, there has been a change in how we reach out to our customers with the advent of social media. We created our Facebook page more than 10 years ago and started

Learn more about Félix-Antoine at YourNHPA.org/yroty.

making content. Customers want to see us and hear from us. They want practical advice, to see our new products and trust in our expertise and the products we recommend. We have built a community over time, and our social media is our best communication tool to be in contact with our customers at home, day after day.

What keeps you passionate about the independent channel? Being part of an independent chain is the best option in my opinion, to benefit from several advantages of a banner while having the flexibility to develop our business according to our market and the effort we want to put into it. Among the advantages of being part of Home Hardware is access to more than 45,000 products, including private brands and exclusive deals in addition to national brands. The assortment of products, the marketing program and the website are all winning elements for the success of our store. Being a Home Hardware dealer, a 100% Canadian banner, meets the expectations of our customers, propels us as a merchant and has brought us success for 26 years.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Inside the Independents Awards Gala The 2026 Young Retailer of the Year Honorees were recognized as part of the Independents Awards Gala at the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference.

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Proud Sponsor of the Young Retailer of the Year Program

847-269-8617 info@americanhli.com

2026 NHPA (Young Retailer) 1 PG AD.indd 1

8/6/26 10:35

After Award THE

Reflections From Past Young Retailer of the Year Honorees BY

LINDS EY

T H O M PSO N

he North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year program is excited to celebrate 30 years of honoring up-and-coming retailers making a big impact in the independent channel. Since 1997, over 200 young retailers have been recognized, and Hardware Retailing had the opportunity to catch up with past honorees to hear what they’ve been up to since being named a Young Retailer honoree, how the award positively impacted their careers and the ways they are continuing to influence their operations, communities and the channel.

34 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Diana Newton

2018 HONOREE

President, South Bay Hardware and Vice President, Bay Hardware and Lunada Bay Hardware

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? Being selected as a Young Retailer in 2018 is one of the most meaningful honors of my professional life. I consider this award as more of a testament to my team in what we accomplished together, as well as to Do it Best for their support in our operations. The recognition deepened my relationships throughout the industry and broadened my perspective across co-op lines. It also reinforced my commitment to hardlines retail education and leadership development. I firmly believe the next generation holds tremendous potential to strengthen and evolve our industry, and this honor inspired me to help foster that future. The experience opened doors I never anticipated, including currently serving on the board of directors for Do it Best Group, and connected me with mentors, peers and opportunities that have shaped my life trajectory in unfathomable ways.

Ryan Buck

What advice would you give to young leaders today? Lean into and embrace every challenge and frustration. These are the moments that shape you most as a leader. Setbacks, and even a few failures, are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to grow, learn and build resilience. Don’t be afraid to take thoughtful risks as meaningful progress rarely happens without them—unless you light a match, you are not going to burn the business down! Just as importantly, recognize the wins along the way and be sure to celebrate them with the team who helped make them possible. Leadership is not a one man (or woman!) journey; applauding those shared successes is what builds locked-arms teams and lasting momentum. Get connected with local organizations and attend industry training sessions offered by NHPA and your co-op; you never know who you're going to meet or what you will learn. It may be you who positively impacts someone else's life.

2020 HONOREE

Dealer/Owner, Buck’s Home Building Centre

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? When I won the award, I was a year into my ownership of our company, which had two stores. Currently we have expanded to four stores with nearly 100 employees. I think the timing of the award for me was representative of the journey. It was a representation of the previous 15 years of work and dedication, along with the present time and moving forward in the future. It was an accomplishment that solidified myself as a leader, while celebrating the long-standing tenure of our business and celebrating the success

of our teams to get us to the operation we had become at that time to what we have become today. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? Winning the Young Retailer award brought me into a small circle of past award honorees and has created relationships that are still strong today. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? Growth through acquisition, while leveraging our buying power to maximize margin, increasing gross profit dollars.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Jonathan Miller

2015 HONOREE

Principal and Partner, Miller Hardware Company

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? It has made a tremendous impact on my career, most notably in the relationships and resources it exposed me to within NHPA. Between the Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP) and roundtable experiences, our company has realized significant gains through collaboration with industry colleagues. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? I did not anticipate the friendships and education that continue to come 10 years later. What advice would you give to young leaders today? Take time to reflect on the energy and ambition you have at this very moment.

Ryan Clouse

Keep that core memory and be intentional at providing opportunities for the generation coming behind you. Combat complacency—the specific model you are practicing today is not sustainable. Get up, seek improvement and take advantage of every opportunity to listen to others. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? Independent retailers need to become true community members. We need to differentiate ourselves from corporate outlets through real partnerships—place your team into nonprofit board seats, afford them time to further education locally and call your technical college and ask how your business can best support local trades growth.

2023 HONOREE

Owner and Operator, Clouse Family Ace Hardware’s and Roger’s Family Foods stores

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? Winning pushed me in a direction where I saw that what I’m doing matters and made me double down on myself. It wasn’t so much that it was a magical door opener and all my problems were gone, but it became something where I invested in myself to not only keep going but work a little harder. Winning also gave me a little bit of clout; my brother was also an honoree, so there were big shoes to follow. It opened up the door to have better conversations and develop new connections in the industry. What advice would you give to young leaders today? Don’t doubt yourself just because of lack of experience. I never saw myself as a true leader per se, so when we hired a leadership coach to guide us as a company, one of the biggest takeaways I still live to this day is the idea of presenting leadership all day, every day.

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

When it comes to being successful in any part of your life, you have to have a strategic plan with real goals and then be consistent just to keep showing up—excellence is not an act, it is a habit. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? There’s a little bit of a wave of change that we’ve seen in the past couple years of quality over quantity. From a product standpoint, quality is one of the things we’re pushing for, looking for better brands. On a personal level, the world’s become so disconnected, it comes down to making an impact in any way that you can. My role in the business has changed, and I am no longer on the salesfloor all the time, so what I’ve learned to do is take care of my team. In turn, they take care of their team and everybody has everybody’s back all the way down the line, all the way to our customers. That personal touch is the biggest impact we can offer today.

Alan Bryant

1999 HONOREE

Owner, Bryant’s Ace Hardware, H&L Lumber Co. and Oakhurst Rock and Landscape Supply How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? The impact to my career following the Young Retailer of the Year was nothing short of positive. I was amazed at the network I was able to quickly build within the industry following the award. After receiving the honor, I made sure to attend as many industry THEN functions as I could with our vendors and what was then NRHA. I had already been working with True Value NOW Company on some advisory boards, but following the award, I had the opportunity to network with more of the leadership team at True Value, which allowed me to parlay into a position with the True Value Marketing Council in 2005, a position I held until 2010. It was a really positive move for me and my career, being able to network with and grow relationships with the senior team at True Value. The crowning jewel came in 2012 when I was elected to the Board of Directors for True Value Company, a position that I held until 2021 when I eventually resigned while I explored the possibility of leaving True Value and joining Ace Hardware.

Since joining Ace Hardware, I have been active with the leadership team at Ace, and have been working closely with the conversion team as an advocate of the benefits of becoming part of the Ace family. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? I truly believe the good fortune that has come my way is a direct result of being honored as a Young Retailer of the Year. I also gained confidence within myself and my abilities and quickly learned of the importance of building a network of associates within our industry, many of whom have become and remain lifelong friends. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? One of the biggest opportunities I see for the year ahead revolves around technology and how that can be incorporated into our industry. Thanks to online retailers and larger big-box stores, our customers have gotten used to a new, easier way of shopping—buying online and picking up in-store, curbside pick up, rewards programs, QR codes that relate to in-store educational opportunities and immersive shopping experiences that draw customers into the store. I believe that customers are looking for experiential shopping, not simply walking into a warehouse and filling carts with boxes that are mass stacked in the aisles. I feel like stores that don’t adapt to stay relevant will get left behind.

Jay Donnelly

2021 HONOREE

Owner, Flanagan Paint & Supply

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? The recognition gave me confidence early on that I was on the right path and helped validate the independent model at a time when big box and corporate competition felt overwhelming. It also expanded my peer network in a meaningful way by connecting me with other operators who were facing similar challenges and thinking long term about the future of independent retail. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? The biggest, unexpected outcome was the responsibility that came with visibility. It pushed me to be more intentional about leadership, mentorship and involvement in the broader channel. When people look to you as a young leader, you realize quickly that your decisions, culture and values matter beyond your own four walls.

Katie Prus

What advice would you give to young leaders today? Stay close to the work and the people. Growth, technology and scale matter, but relationships are still the foundation of independent retail. Listen more than you talk, stay curious and do not lose sight of why independence matters to your customers and your team. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? The biggest opportunity is doubling down on differentiation, especially service, expertise and local relationships. Independents can move faster, be more human and truly partner with customers in ways large competitors struggle to replicate. There is also a real opportunity to embrace smarter use of data and technology without losing the personal touch that makes independent retail special.

2023 HONOREE

Manager and Part-Owner, Abbotsford Paint and Decorating Center

THEN

NOW

In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? I have jumped on quite a few boards and committees since 2023, including co-chair of the Canpro Meeting committee, which plans and executes our yearly meeting and buying show for the Canpro group. I am a part of the Canpro Purchasing committee and chair of their NextGen committee and involved with ALLPRO’s NextGen committee, along with fellow 2023 YROTY honoree Michael Gleason Jr., who has just been appointed as chair of the committee. I also sit on the NHPA board of directors, and I am extremely grateful to be on that board surrounded by incredible business owners and looking forward to learning a lot from everyone. What advice would you give to young leaders today? For all 2026 nominees, first of all congratulations on this recognition! This award was a fantastic award to receive and made me feel like I was on the right path for once. Take honor in the nomination that people out there truly see what you are doing and especially see what you are doing for the independent channel. The independent channel is crucial for community support both coming and

40 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

going, so remember when you are selling paint and hardware items, every dollar you are making—as well as the dollar your customers and clients are spending—is staying in your community and doing better things. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? For 2026, economy-wise and seeing what our clients have been up to, I see this as a year of bringing back the DIYer. I think we will have more people painting their own homes, attempting lime wash and painting their cabinets. They are going to look to us, the independent channel, to give our clients the best advice, the best tools and the best products to complete the job on their own. I am not worried about a potential drop in spending from consumers because I do think they will all come to us for what they need for their project. Make sure to be giving lots of printed information for consumers to make the best decisions. Hand out those brochures and make sure your customers have easy access to reviews. When people are watching where their dollar goes, five star reviews help immensely.

2017 HONOREE

R.J. McDaniel Owner, B&B Hardware

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? It was an amazing experience that I was able to share with my late father who I had worked alongside since I was 14 years old. At the event itself, I was able to get to know other honorees, which opened connections within the industry. Over the years I have been involved in roundtable groups with other Young Retailer honorees, and in these meetings we brainstorm, connect and discuss ideas about business. These connections have been a crucial part in expanding my business. What advice would you give to young leaders today? I would tell them to enjoy the accomplishment but use the award to its fullest potential in creating new relationships with other recipients, vendors and corporate leaders. The opportunity to be with like-minded people and connect should not be wasted. The award winners should introduce themselves to everyone they can—it means something to put a name with a face—to get insight on new products and programs. I think it’s crucial to expanding and running a better business. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? It made me realize that I need to set the bar high for self expectations. I continue to set goals for the business and personally to help grow. I never

THEN

accept what I have accomplished and continue to challenge myself to better myself and the business. The award opened the door to many vendors knowing me by name and allowed me to get insight on new products and programs. It’s crucial to continue to expand and better the business through products and assortments. Receiving the award itself gave me an internal drive to push myself and set the bar high for my store and my team. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? I believe many independent stores have goals to keep pushing customer service and the “hometown” feel in today’s world. Online business and big boxes have taken this away, and we acknowledge there is a shrinking footprint for independents, but customers still love having the person-to-person interaction and community ties. While we have added our inventory online and offer same day pickup through Do it Best, we also thrive on our specialized services like key cutting, pipe threading and chainsaw sharpening; services you can’t buy online. My plan for 2026 is doubling down on customer service, providing those specialized services you can’t buy online and promoting our business within the community that has supported us for over 60 years. Good old customer service will prevail.

NOW

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Huong Luu

2025 HONOREE

CEO, Luu Color Center

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? Taking over and rebuilding a business in an industry where I had no prior experience came with a lot of imposter syndrome. It’s something I still feel from time to time. Being named a Young Retailer of the Year offered meaningful reassurance early in my leadership journey. It helped me see beyond my own operation and connected me with a community of peers and mentors who shared their experiences openly. That support accelerated my growth, strengthened my confidence as a leader and reminded me that learning as you go is not a weakness, it’s part of the journey. In what ways did the award open doors you didn’t anticipate? One of the most unexpected outcomes was the increased responsibility to lead beyond my own business. The recognition opened doors to incredible industry conversations, peer

Karena Reusser

mentorship and leadership opportunities that required me to think more strategically about how my decisions and actions could positively influence others in the channel. What advice would you give to young leaders today? My advice would be to stay curious, remain humble and embrace discomfort. The award isn’t a finish line; it’s a responsibility and a commitment to uphold values and integrity. Use the platform to listen, learn and lead with intention. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? The biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel is in continued differentiation of service, local relevance and talent development. Independents who invest in people, leverage technology thoughtfully and stay deeply connected to their communities will be well positioned for success.

2003 HONOREE

Store Director, Modern Home & Hardware

THEN

NOW

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? It was the launching pad for me and made me feel like there was a place in the industry for me. I was introduced to so many people who I would have never met, especially within my wholesaler. I would go on to be on the Do it Best board for nine years, which was a phenomenal experience. I was motivated to expand our store and update the operation to be an exciting and premier destination in our county for shopping. My brother added a complete sporting goods section in our store, we added a Little Caesar’s Pizza in 2012 and I earned my law degree in 2018, so we now also offer a law

42 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

practice in the store as well. We love that we can fill so many needs in our community. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year? It’s going to have to be relationship driven, because that human component will always be a critical link that technology can’t provide. People want to feel cared about, valued and needed. I think that is the biggest opportunity for independents—to have those relationships. What advice would you give to young leaders today? Show up when you don’t want to, keep the doors open when you don’t want to and keep going on those days that are hard. Dig in and keep going!

2006 HONOREE

Jeremy Melnick

Founder, LJB Advisors, and Former Owner, Gordon’s Ace Hardware

THEN

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? The award gave me credibility, not only with the co-op, but with vendors and outside organizations. They would search for me online and see I was a Young Retailer honoree, which gave me credibility.

What advice would you give to young leaders today? One, be humble. There’s a lot of great people within the industry, so always be willing to learn, ask questions and network. Second, keep doing the things that have NOW got you here; don’t rest on your laurels or the fact that you’re a Young Retailer but keep doing all the things that got you here.

2006 HONOREE

Tyler Nowochin

Dealer/Owner, Nowco Home Hardware How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career? I remember reading a Young Retailer of the Year article about 20 years ago, closer to when it was new, and remember thinking “That’s my goal, that’s what I’m going to work towards, and I’m going to cater all of my decision-making and such towards winning this award.” Winning the Young Retailer honor became a goal I was working toward and to receive the award the year before I aged out was very satisfying. Since then, I think it’s more of the idea behind recognition of young people in THEN the industry period that I appreciate more than anything. I love seeing like-minded younger people working together and the community created.

NOW

What advice would you give to young leaders today? Don’t let the award be the end all be all. Never stop pushing to do better, to lead your team better and set higher goals. Use the Young Retailer award as a leapfrog to the next step.

WHY BUYERS LOVE BUGSTIK

™

EXTEND YOUR REACH

NO SPLATTER LEFT BEHIND

HANDS-FREE DISPOSAL

Attach a broom handle for tough-to-reach spaces.

Adhesive grooves trap bugs without the mess.

Discard the BugStik™ pad with a single push.

ALL STIK. NO ICK. ™

CATCH BUGS HANDS-FREE WITH THE ALL-NEW BUGSTIK ™ The all-new BugStik™ from RESCUE® was designed to help people catch bugs on sight without getting their hands dirty. With an ergonomic handle and an adhesive pad, it’s clean, fast, and easy to use. See it in action at RESCUE.com/BugStik

WATCH DEMO VIDEO

January 2023 | HARDWARE RETAILING

44 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

Uniting the Industry 2026 IHI Conference Fuels Growth Through Collaboration, Innovation

epresenting all wholesalers and distributors and coming from all across North America, attendees of the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) left with new ideas, renewed connections and a reinvigorated spirit to strengthen their operations. Hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware Conference, the IHI Conference took place at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and delivered practical education, meaningful networking and fresh perspectives on the issues shaping independent home improvement retail. Jammie Joseph traveled to his first IHI Conference looking for the future. Joseph is general manager of Paradise Lumber & Hardware on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Locally owned and serving the island community for more than 25 years, the business operates a hardware store and lumberyard while also supplying contractors, homeowners and neighboring Caribbean islands through its export operation. With a retail career that has taken him from Walmart and Lowe’s to management positions in The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Joseph says the IHI Conference offered something he couldn’t get anywhere else: direct conversations with peers facing many of the same operational challenges. For Joseph, the opportunity to exchange ideas about technology, best practices and retail operations made his first IHI experience this year one he’ll build on in the years ahead.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

“My whole purpose going to IHI was to learn more about AI and how I can integrate that into the store,” he says. “The networking was also really great.” For the team at AL&M Building Supplies, their first IHI Conference delivered exactly what they hoped: practical ideas they can put to work back home. Co-owner Alison Korell says AL&M Building Supplies has served the communities of Sealy and Columbus, Texas, since 1891, and views itself as a partner to its customers throughout every project. Attending the IHI Conference for the first time, Korell and AL&M regional operations manager Edith Almeida say the conference provided valuable insights. “The panel on using AI in home improvement retailing was eye-opening for me,” Korell says. “It pointed out to me so many areas where I could improve—and improve quickly and easily.” Almeida sees value in collecting ideas that can grow over time. “We can extract little pieces of what we could take home and apply,” she says. “It could be baby steps to something even bigger.” For Korell, another highlight was reconnecting with industry peers and learning from conversations between sessions. “It’s just outstanding for me,” she says. “To be able to come to IHI and see friends and colleagues and catch up and learn is excellent.”

Making Meaningful Connections

During two dedicated networking periods, IHI Conference attendees explored the Partner Pavilion, discovering new products, innovative technologies and solutions from industry vendors and service providers. The exhibit hall buzzed with conversation as retailers exchanged ideas, viewed product demonstrations and strengthened connections with suppliers and industry peers.

Questions about upcoming efficiency standards and regulatory changes dominated conversations at the A.O. Smith and Reliance Water Heaters booth, says retail sales manager Fon Wixon. While many of the changes won’t take effect until 2029, Wixon says retailers are already hearing about them and want to understand what they mean for inventory, customers and future product offerings. For Wixon, the IHI Conference provided an opportunity to hear directly from dealers, learn what information they’re missing and help them begin preparing well before the new requirements arrive. “There’s a lot of change in our industry,” Wixon says. “They’re hearing about it. They want some of that new information because there are a lot of changes in efficiencies and government regulations that are changing.” For Harley Schreiber, regional manager with Hy-Ko and Midwest Fastener Corp., one of the biggest advantages of the Partner Pavilion was the opportunity to have the kinds of conversations you can’t have at busy trade shows. Schreiber says retailers spent much of the event asking about changes in the marketplace, including product availability and what’s currently in stock. Just as valuable, he says, is having the time to discuss those questions face to face. “You don’t get a chance to spend face-to-face time at the bigger shows with these people,” Schreiber says. “This a lot more intimate setting.” Loss prevention dominated the conversations at the Watcher Total Protection booth in the Partner Pavilion, according to president Nathan Looman and vice president Laura Freeman. Freeman says retailers continue to express growing concern over theft and are looking for practical solutions as shoplifting and organized retail crime remain persistent challenges. For Watcher, the IHI Conference has consistently been about building

46 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

relationships. Now attending its third IHI Conference, the company says the event has helped connect it with retailers who later became customers. Looman also notes that IHI’s technology focus makes it a natural fit for companies introducing technology-driven solutions to independent retailers. The Partner Pavilion also hosted NHPA’s Retailers’ Choice Awards, where all of the winning products were displayed. A panel of independent retailers browses the show floor at spring buying markets, including wholesaler and distributor shows and NHS Concept to Commerce, looking for products they think would perform well in their operations. This panel chooses the Retailers’ Choice winners based on what products they think will be best-sellers in their stores.

Learning From the Industry’s Leaders

Attendees gained practical knowledge, discovered industry trends and gleaned leadership insights from the IHI Conference’s breakout sessions covering four tracks: employee engagement; retail operations and technology; marketing, merchandising and management; and executive leadership. In the session “Operational Agility: Building Retail Operations for an Ever-Changing Market,” NHPA’s president Scott Wright led a panel discussion with Black Mountain Consulting principal Bob Levitan and LJB Advisors founder Jeremy Melnick. The trio explored the foundational elements of modern retail operations and how independent businesses can design systems that adapt to change rather than react to it. “I know it’s going to sound odd, but I would focus on the financial statements and make sure you’re liquid,” Melnick says. “Once you have your equity found, then you focus on getting your inventory set and focus on your customer service. It’s the basic fundamentals.”

Bloom Retail founder Mike Aylen shared two sessions on margin management and the ways retailers can gain margin in all different areas of their operations. “People say to me, ‘What’s the easiest way to know if a store is losing margin?’ and I say, ‘Go into their back room.’ If there is stuff everywhere, they’re losing margin,” Aylen says. “So a well-organized storeroom is a huge thing to have.”

Timely Topics to Take Home

After lunch each day, attendees converged to the main stage for the general session. NHPA COO Dan Tratensek took a comprehensive look at the current state of the independent home improvement channel, highlighting key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. During the session, Helmets to Home Improvement Panel: From Hero to Hardware, NHPA editor and director of content development Lindsey Thompson brought together three Helmets to Home Improvement honorees: Outsider CEO Sam Mackey, Porters Building Centers COO Alex Porter and Cox Hardware & Lumber vice president and inventory manager Taylor Cox. They shared their stories of military service, the transition to the independent channel and how the military shaped their views on leadership. “Imagine the perfect employee, somebody who knows how to be on time, is mission-focused and respectful and has the tools and training to accomplish almost anything given—that’s a military veteran,” Cox says. “They’re just great employees.” Moderated by NHPA president Scott Wright, the session Aligning

Strategy, Structure and Opportunity for Growth explored how independent home improvement retailers can position themselves for sustainable growth by aligning business strategy, organizational structure and emerging market opportunities. Panelists included Matt Nichols, VP of branch operations and retail sales for Koopman Lumber, and Jared Brown, director of business intelligence for Aubuchon Hardware. Opening up the Day 2 general session, Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) executive director Dave King presented Recalibration, Not Retreat: Unpacking Macroeconomics’ Impact on the Independent Channel. He outlined the current state of the home improvement industry and shed light on where the industry is headed and how economic factors are impacting the independent channel. Bringing together honorees from each of the Independents Awards Gala awards programs, the Raising the Bar in Retail panel shared their stories of success. The panel featured The Helpful Hardware Company CEO David Enmark, Tweedy Hardware & Lumber business manager Shannon Davis Morrow, Beaufort Hardware & Paint Company owner Tommy Simpson and West Whittier Paint Co. general manager Sean Downey. “It’s going to take younger people making careers out of home improvement for this industry to succeed. We have to do whatever we have to do to show that this is a good livelihood, that there’s no limit to how high you can go,” Simpson says. “It’s all there right in front of them. And thankfully the future for all of us is bright because there’s a lot of kids coming out of college who see this industry as a career.”

Wrapping up the main stage sessions, the panel Shaping the Future of Independent Retail mapped out how two retailers are leaning into e-commerce and experiential retail to differentiate, adapt and scale in a competitive landscape. Bogucki Enterprises COO Anthony Bogucki shared best practices for making e-commerce successful, and Sullivan’s Hardware owner Pat Sullivan dove into how store experiences bring in customers and create a work environment that draws employees. “When I took over the store from my father, I wanted the store to be more than just a convenience hardware store,” Sullivan says. “I wanted, and still want, people to be excited about coming to our store.”

The Stars Come Out

Bringing together three of the industry’s biggest awards—NHPA’s Top Guns Awards and Young Retailer of the Year Awards and the Hardware Connection’s Beacon Awards—the Independents Awards Gala celebrated the best of the best in the industry. “Every time one retailer, one partner or one leader raises the bar, our entire industry becomes stronger because of it. The Independent Awards Gala was our opportunity to pause, recognize those achievements and simply say thank you,” says NHPA director of education and training and gala co-host Cody Goeppner. “We celebrated outstanding retailers through the Top Gun Awards, recognized exceptional retailers and their partners through the Beacon Awards and celebrated the future of our industry through the Young Retailer of the Year Awards. The gala was the perfect way to celebrate the industry’s best.”

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Feels Like

Home How Independent Retailers Can Embrace Renters as an Untapped Audience BY LINDSEY THOMPSON

hile they aren’t engaging in DIY projects at quite the same frequency as homeowners, renters are an untapped audience for independent retailers. The Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study took a closer look at renters’ attitudes and habits when it comes to DIY projects. According to the study, renters are looking for affordable, high-impact, quick improvements. Renters focus their home improvement projects in the kitchen and bathroom, areas of the home where comfort reigns. HIRI’s Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study found that 38% of renters choose to tackle DIY projects in the kitchen and 32% take on bathroom projects. Comparatively, 27% of homeowners choose kitchen projects and 24% of homeowners did bathroom projects. Renters are also more likely to perform DIY projects themselves rather than turning to contractors. On average, the HIRI study found that 71% of renters did all their own DIY work compared to 55% of homeowners. Compared to homeowners, renters are also planning more DIY projects, with 56% of renters and 45% of homeowners looking to do home maintenance, 43% of renters and 30% of homeowners tackling home repair and 28% of renters and 25% of homeowners doing remodeling projects.

48 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Top Factors in Selecting Home Improvement Products Renters

38%

Price

The Products Renters Want Renters currently prefer mass retailers and digital channels to find inspiration and shop and want guidance-focused content, something independent retailers already offer. Retailers can also tailor their product selection to target home renters by offering affordable, DIY products for those looking to make small, renter-friendly upgrades, including products like: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Peel & Stick Wallpaper Artificial Plants Room Dividers Mirrors Rugs Wall Art String Lights Floating Shelves Wall Decals Peel & Stick Backsplash Curtains Cabinet and Door Hardware Nail-Free Picture Hanging Tools

23%

Quality Aesthetics

11%

Ease of Install

11%

Homeowners

33%

Quality

31%

Price Aesthetics Ease of Install

11% 8%

Top Reasons for Home Improvement Activity Renters

17%

Sustainability Accommodate Life’s Changes

12%

Home Value

12%

Homeowners

29%

Home Value Sustainability Accommodate Life’s Changes

15% 8%

Source: Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study, Home Improvement Research Institute

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Getting Social With Renters One of the easiest ways to reach renters to share that you carry the products they need for their home maintenance and remodeling projects is through social media. Waters Hardware in Manhattan, Kansas, uses this method to let its customers know that they have adhesive hooks for renters to be able to hang items on the walls without causing any damage. Each year, Taylor Hardware in Belmar, New Jersey, a go-to spot for customers with summer vacation rentals, also utilizes social media to share the store carries the products—from lightbulbs to spare keys— renters need for their properties.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Scan on the QR code for more information and to register for DIY CON 2026.

DIY CON Redefines the DIY Experience This Fall, DIY CON will debut in Dallas from Nov. 6-8. DIY CON will combine hands-on workshops, community and creativity to redefine modern DIY experiences and projects, transforming the traditional trade show and inviting DIYers of all skill levels to try out premium tools, learn from leading creators, meet and greet with their favorite celebrities, TV personalities and DIY stars and leave with the confidence and skills to bring their next project to life. “DIY CON is not the traditional trade show, but an immersive experience where attendees are the ones who roll up their sleeves and do it themselves,” says Hector Morfin-Chong, event director. “This isn’t about scrolling through finished projects online, but about being the person who dreams it, sketches it and builds projects that come to life. Whether you’re learning to lay tile, refining woodshopping skills or looking to build community in the DIY industry, we want every attendee to walk away inspired and ready to create.” DIY CON attendees will enjoy hands-on workshops led by industry experts, spaces for collaboration, mentorship and shared creativity and interactive brand experiences

with new products and tools designed to make challenging DIY projects feel fun and within reach. The event will feature an inspiring lineup of content creators who will lead workshops, speak at main stage sessions and share stories of transformation. This year’s guests and presenters include Drew and Jonathan Scott, the hosts of Property Brothers and Celebrity IOU on HGTV, YouTube DIY sensation Mr. Kate and DIY experts April Wilkerson, Dan Maxey, Ashley Tate Basnight, Sam Raimondi, David Hopkins and Anika Gandhi. “We’re planning an exciting exhibitor list with the home improvement brands you know and love, as well as some you may have yet to discover. We’re developing free workshops led by pros so that you’ll leave the event with even stronger skills, opportunities to interact with A-Listers from the DIY community that may leave you a little starstruck and community hangouts for new connections,” says RX community and experience manager Dani Caruso. “This is the first convention of its kind: a celebration of makers, where we can all get messy, play with tools, get inspired and learn about our passions.”

The Best is Even Better FrogTape Advanced™ Painter’s Tape

Engineered with everything you love about FrogTape® plus advanced performance in conformability and shred-resistance, giving you the confidence of professional results – when it matters most. Visit FrogTape.com ©Shurtape Technologies, LLC 2026 / ASW01013

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Designed to Slow Fire Spread and Help Protect What Matters EmberScreenTM is a high-performance metal mesh designed to help reduce the risk of wind-blown embers entering vulnerable

areas of a home during a wildfire. Engineered with a proprietary protective coating, EmberScreen is ideal for windows, doors, vents, eaves, house gables, and other openings where ember intrusion can occur. In addition to providing ember defense, EmberScreen also functions as an insect screen and can be installed around outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, making it a practical solution for homeowners year-round.

. Dual-purpose insect and ember protection with excellent outward visibility

. Durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel with a flame-resistant coating . For windows, doors and patio enclosures

Packaged in 25’ and 50’ rolls and 36”, 48” and 60” widths

. Maximum airflow, minimum ember penetration . Durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum with a flame-resistant coating . For vents, eaves, roof-assembly gaps gutter covers, and under-decking

Packaged in a 6’ roll and 100” width

phifer.com ® PHIFER INCORPORATED.

TM EmberScreen is a trademark of PHIFER INCORPORATED.

® UltraVue 2 and TuffScreen are registerd trademarks of PHIFER INCORPORATED.

Coming Together The Hardware Marketing Council gives members the opportunity to network and talk about industry trends.

Investing in the Industry Manufacturer Association Offers Scholarship to NHPA for Leadership Development BY

ne of the ways the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) supports the independent home improvement channel is to foster positive relationships between retailers and vendors, and a prime example of that synergy is through a partnership with the Hardware Marketing Council (HMC). HMC is an association of sales and marketing leaders from across the hardware, home improvement and housewares industries. This past May at its Spring Meeting at the Washington Duke Inn, located on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North

JES S E

CARLE TO N

Carolina, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the independent channel by funding a scholarship to NHPA’s Retail Management Certification Program. “NHPA has always been a great partner with the HMC and carries the same passion and commitment to the home improvement industry,” says Anthony Antol, vice president of sales at Reliance Worldwide Corporation, who also serves as current president of HMC. “The Retail Management Certification Program serves as a benchmark to independent retailers that ensures the future success of the channel for the next generation of independent retailers.”

54 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Strengthening the Independent Channel

Organized in 1971, HMC brings together leaders representing a diverse array of hardware, home improvement and housewares manufacturers, including leading name-brand companies, for two meetings each year. Designed to share best practices, the meetings feature industry experts sharing insights on the rapidly changing market, on a wide range of topics including technology, leadership and the economy. The independent channel always gets a seat at the table. Past speakers have included executives from the wholesaler community and NHPA.

Why Manufacturers Choose HMC The sales and marketing professionals who join the Hardware Marketing Council quickly understand the value it brings to their business and the hardware, home improvement and housewares industries as a whole. Membership is by invitation only and includes 125 professionals from all aspects of the industry. Biannual meetings held at destination resorts blend big ideas in a relaxed environment where members can create connections and gather insights that improve their businesses. “One of the things I've learned throughout my career is that the best ideas are rarely developed alone. They come from listening, learning and challenging one another's thinking,” says James Jones, HMC board member and senior director of global sales and customer service, consumer products group for Worthington Enterprises. “I leave every HMC meeting with fresh ideas, stronger relationships and practical insights.” The speaker lineup of each is designed to give members a broad perspective of the industry. The format is designed to foster meaningful conversation and participation, encouraging all members to contribute. “These meetings always have an excellent lineup of industry experts and speakers and endless networking opportunities where the knowledge gained gets implemented in future business planning that solidifies manufacturers’ and customers’ positions in the channel for continued growth,” says HMC president Anthony Antol.

Past HMC speakers include:

• Connor Lokar, Senior Forecaster & Keynote Manager, ITR Economics • Dan Tratensek, COO, NHPA • Mark Herbek, Executive Director, Cleveland Research • Boyden Moore, President and CEO, Orgill • Michael Beaudoin, EVP, ALLPRO • Will Aubuchon, President, Aubuchon Company • Shari Kalbach, President, Hardlines Distribution Alliance • Dan Chuparkoff Innovation and AI Expert • Jason Stofleth EVP Merchandising & Supply Chain, Do it Best Group • Bobby Baylis, VP of Merchandising, The Home Depot • Dave King, Executive Director, Home Improvement Research Institute • Felix Tintelnot, Associate Professor of Economics, Duke University

“Although we may represent different companies and product categories, we often face many of the same challenges. HMC gives us a trusted forum to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends and learn from one another,” says Kelley Stone-Castro, strategic accounts manager for the WD-40 Company and HMC board member. At each meeting, intertwined with the time spent in presentations are meaningful conversations with industry peers. “The biggest value I get from HMC is interacting with industry peers who face the same challenges that my company and I face,” says Matt Wolery, HMC vice president and marketing and multimedia manager for Ancra Cargo’s consumer/industrial division. “Many times, they bring a fresh perspective on how to navigate obstacles we all face; and I’d like to think I’ve provided the same service to them over the years.” Plans are underway for the upcoming HMC meeting, to be held Dec. 1-3 at the Mission Resort + Club, Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida. Manufacturers who want to learn more about becoming a member and attending the upcoming fall meeting should contact Pat Sheehan, HMC managing director, at hmcpks@gmail.com.

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Just as important, meetings include many opportunities for networking over meals or rounds of golf. That is where ideas take practical shape as members discuss best practices and their current challenges. Not only do the conversations strengthen the companies present, it also helps them better understand how to serve the unique needs of the independent retailer. NHPA helps facilitate that networking by maintaining the HMC website and member directory so members can keep in touch. “HMC strengthens the channel by creating stronger connections among the companies and people who support independent retailers,” says Kelley Stone-Castro, strategic accounts manager for the WD-40 Company and HMC board member. “When manufacturers and sales representatives have a better understanding of the challenges retailers are facing, they can develop better

programs, more relevant products and stronger in-store support.” James Jones, HMC board member and senior director of global sales and customer service, consumer products group for Worthington Enterprises, says HMC creates an environment for a deeper understanding of the independent channel. “Through the conversations with fellow members and the opportunity to hear directly from leaders representing the independent retail channel, as well as market analysts and industry experts, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the unique role independent retailers play in the communities they serve,” Jones says. “They know their customers, understand the challenges they’re trying to solve and recognize the unique needs of their local markets. That local understanding is one of the independent channel’s greatest strengths.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

Investing in Industry Leaders

The scholarship HMC gave to NHPA’s Retail Management Certification Program was another indicator of the value the organization places on the independent retailer. As the industry’s premier management school, the program is designed to develop new leaders in the independent retail sector by providing college level instruction in business strategy, leadership and operations. It helps ensure a healthy future for the independent channel by producing leaders who can cope with its ever-changing challenges. “Many of the HMC members, including myself, have worked with the RMCP through our companies and have come to see how crucial the program is to the continued success of the independent channel,” says Matt Wolery, marketing and multimedia manager for the consumer/industrial division at

Ancra Cargo. He also currently serves as vice president for HMC. “Particularly for a company like mine who sells exclusively into this channel, it’s vitally important that the next generation operators have all the skills and their fingertips to compete with big-box retailers.” The scholarship from HMC will help a student in the Retail Management Certification Program strengthen their business, which will in turn benefit each manufacturer they buy from. “The partnership between HMC and NHPA is a win for everyone,” says Scott Wright, president and publisher at NHPA. “The speakers and networking HMC facilitates during their meetings helps its members understand the critical role independent retailers play in our industry. Retailers, in turn, benefit from vendor partners who understand their unique challenges and are willing to help them thrive. Support of our Retail Management Certification Program is a bonus as it shows HMC wants to ensure the longevity of the industry by helping us train new leaders.”

(From left to right) NHPA CEO Bob Cutter and president and publisher Scott Wright receive the scholarship check from HMC vice president Matt Wolery (Ancra Cargo) and HMC immediate past president Eric Mills (Mayhew Tools).

THE PROS CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON MAX TOOLS SELECT TOOLS ON PROMO

CN890F3

AUGUST 1 - SEPTEMBER 30

CN665D

CN890F3

NF255SF2/18

SN883CH2/28

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MAX SALES REP! All MAX products are protected by registered patents and design rights including trademarks. For details, please contact MAX.

SCAN TO VISIT WEBSITE

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT

STICKING POWER

Smart Endcaps and Hands-On Mentoring Keep an Adhesive Aisle Moving BY

ANNIE

DAM EWO RTH

he adhesives category continues to evolve as new technologies are introduced and consumers seek more durable, sustainable and functional products. The category is also becoming more specialized, requiring expert knowledge to sell effectively. According to a new study conducted by

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

MarketsandMarkets, the structural adhesives market size was $14.75 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $19.83 billion by 2031. Manufacturers are focusing on lightweight, high-performance technologies, replacing labor-intensive welding and mechanical fastening with structural adhesives, according to the study.

As new products emerge in this category, positioning these products in your store strategically through elevated endcaps, cross-merchandising and a team trained on the most up-to-date items will sell your adhesive category. Fuller & Son Hardware has been operating in the Little Rock, Arkansas, area for over 100 years. The store’s collection of adhesives span from everyday products like superglue and tape to commercial-grade construction adhesives to adhesive spreaders and removers. Serving both DIYers and contractors, co-owner Jeff Fuller and his team of managers and employees spread across the operation’s six stores have learned how to expertly sell this category, using smart product placement and a mentorship training approach.

Catching Customer Demand

For many product categories, DIY and professional customers have different needs when it comes to the durability, cost and functionality of an item. At Fuller & Son Hardware, however, DIYers and pros tend to shop the adhesive category the same. “Demand is usually the same for this category across all customer types,” Fuller says. “A lot of the pros know about top construction adhesive brands and the large caulking tubes. Many brands have done such a good job marketing that they appeal to the DIY market, but those are solid products in general, so they get used by the pros as well.” Fuller sources his adhesive products primarily through the store’s distributor and says the stores typically have the adhesive products customers are looking for in stock. If something is not on the shelves, the team is equipped to recommend an alternative product, a key aspect of employee training at the store. “Sometimes we have customers ask about specific products we don’t have in

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

4 Ways to Turn Your Caulk and Adhesives Category Into a Competitive Advantage The caulk and adhesives category has shifted from basic commodity products to specialized solutions that require more product knowledge and customer guidance. At Woodstock Hardware in Woodstock, New York, owner Vince Christofora has turned that shift into a competitive

advantage by focusing on product selection and customer education. “We’ve gone from shelves full of basic tubes to specialized products that require expertise to match with customer applications,” Christofora says. “It’s become one of our most consultation-heavy categories.”

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Woodstock Hardware has shifted from stocking dozens of low-cost caulks and adhesives to offering fewer, higher-quality products for specific applications. Customers are willing to pay more for products that solve their problems and deliver reliable results. The store also places the category near paint supplies to create natural cross-selling opportunities.

Ask Before You Recommend

Woodstock Hardware employees start by asking questions about each customer’s project rather than simply pointing them to the products. They consider factors like moisture, gap size and cure time to narrow down the options. By taking a more considerate, hands-on approach, staff can help recommend the right product for each application.

Solve Problems Early

Woodstock Hardware employees are also able to show customers how to properly use caulks and sealants to prevent common mistakes and product failures. Quick in-store guidance helps reduce returns and builds customer trust. Staff also regularly rotate dated inventory to keep older products from drying out on the shelf.

Build Customer Loyalty

Christofora says he keeps his staff up-to-date on new products through industry events and internal training. That knowledge helps employees match specialized products to each customer’s needs. By combining the right assortment with informed service, Woodstock Hardware has built its name up to keep customers coming back.

60 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

stock, but for the most part, we’ve been in business over 100 years, and so we usually try to stay on top of the new products,” he says. “If it's something we don’t have, usually we’re able to recommend something that’ll take its place.”

On the Job Training

To build a team capable of offering the expert advice that modern adhesive sales require, Fuller emphasizes the value of mentorship and hands-on learning. New hires are typically paired with more seasoned employees who can show them the ropes of the store, how to interact with customers and how to win sales. “The manager at every one of our stores is very knowledgeable,” Fuller says. “They’re usually someone who’s been around for a while, and we tell the new hires that anytime you have a customer looking for anything, you’re not going to know 90% of it starting out. So you get help, and then you stick with that person who’s helping you so you learn.”

FIGHT OUTDOOR GRIME.

HA150 POWER CLEAN WAND REFILL CARTRIDGE

HA100 POWER CLEAN WAND STARTER KIT

SHOP NOW COME SEE IT LIVE! Ace Show

Orlando, FL SEP 22-24th Booth # 26139

Do-It-Best/True Value Show Indianapolis, IN SEP 26-27th Booth # 4436

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

22_0470_Brand_MultiShip_HalfHoriz_US Mod: May 14, 2026 11:40 AM Print: 05/14/26 page 1 v2.5

π SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

• Huge Product Selection ALWAYS IN STOCK • Order by 6 PM for SAME DAY SHIPPING • 14 North American Locations Mean SHIPPING SAVINGS and FAST DELIVERY

COMPLETE CATALOG

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

1-800-295-5510

uline.com

Fuller contributes to this training perspective himself, by offering advice when he is given the opportunity, passing down product knowledge about the store’s best-selling adhesives. “Anytime I’m in the adhesives area, I say to a new employee I’m working with, ‘This product right here is really good for working on metal’ or ‘This is one of the best construction pieces.’ I just try to do mostly on-the-job training.”

Display Right

Product placement is a simple yet effective way to draw the eye to certain products without having to put much effort into sales. Fuller says many of his store’s adhesive products do just that. “The packaging is pretty colorful for many of the adhesive brands we have,” he says. “They’re recognizable and a lot of these products sell without me forcing it or having anything to do with them.”

“Anytime I’m in the adhesives area, I say to a new employee I’m working with, ‘This product right here is really good for working on metal’ or ‘This is one of the best construction pieces.’ I just try to do mostly on-the-job training.” —Jeff Fuller, Fuller & Son Hardware

World’s First Cam-Shaped Pencil HandyScribe's patented design makes scribing easier and more accurate The offset lead allows the user to rotate the HandyScribe to scribe without the use of a compass or any other scribing method HandyScribe comes in 3 colors: Black, Red, and Silver Black: Graphite: Great for use on wood, Cle, granite, etc. Red: Wax Based: Does not wash off on a wet saw! Great for use on wood, Cle, granite, etc Silver: Wax Based: Does not wash off on a wet saw AND reflecCve for welders! Great for use on wood, Cle, granite, metals, etc

September/October 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Fuller ensures these items are displayed in the sight line of customers, specifically on endcaps. Endcaps can be easily switched out when new products come in, when the seasons change or when different promotions are run. They also serve as an entry post for a department, leading customers down an aisle to discover more products. Multiple of Fuller’s store locations have built their own endcaps of adhesives to boost sales. “Without me even pushing this in my stores, managers at several of my stores have built their own adhesive endcaps with a variety of products, anything from tapes to construction adhesives to wood glues,” he says.

ADE PRO GR

RMANC

PERFO

S ’ O R P E TH E. EDG Precision Starts Here.

Kness.com/Ants-No-More

64 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

26-1610

 Get the edge.

Have Questions? Contact Cody Goeppner at cgoeppner@YourNHPA.org

Your Daily Dose of Microtraining NHPA’s RetailWise Plus, a microtraining program powered by AI, delivers 365 two-minute lessons in English, Spanish and French-Canadian. Built for independent hardware, paint and lumber retailers, it ﬁts seamlessly into your store’s day—no long classes, no complicated schedules. Strengthen skills, service and team culture, one lesson at a time.

WHAT’S NEW

365+ Microtraining Videos 14 Educational Categories 100% Device Accessibility Seasonal & Quarterly Updates

Subscribe Today! Scan the QR Code to sign up for RetailWise Plus or visit YourNHPA.org/retailwise.

Cody Goeppner Director of Education and Training, NHPA

RESOURCES

News to You NEWSMAKERS

Stay updated with the latest news and trends by subscribing to our daily newsletters at hardwareretailing.com/subscribe.

Home Depot Realigns Organization to Drive Growth

he Home Depot announced leadership portfolio changes to accelerate innovation and capture a greater share of a large and fragmented total addressable market worth $1.2 trillion. “To capture greater share of this enormous opportunity, our focus is clear: drive our core and culture, deliver a frictionless interconnected experience and win the pro,” says Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO of The Home Depot. “We are aligning our organization to further support this strategy, enable smarter, faster innovation and create a more seamless customer experience for DIY and pro customers.” With these changes, the company has unified key leadership portfolios across merchandising, loyalty, finance, pro and technology. Unified Core and Private Brands Merchandising: A key element of the company’s strategy is its commitment to its core and culture to drive the best customer experience in home improvement. To enable better product alignment, the company transitioned its private label merchants into its core merchandising organization, led by Billy Bastek, EVP of merchandising. Combining product merchandising allows the company to deliver greater innovation to market even faster. Integrated Offerings: Credit and loyalty programs have become a critical part of the interconnected shopping experience. The Home Depot is aligning its customer experience, online, financial services and loyalty teams into a unified interconnected organization, led by Jordan Broggi, EVP of interconnected retail. The Office of Pro Acceleration: The pro customer

"To capture greater share of this enormous opportunity, our focus is clear: drive our core and culture, deliver a frictionless interconnected experience and win the pro.” —Ted Decker, The Home Depot represents an approximately $700 billion total addressable market opportunity, and The Home Depot has built a set of capabilities through organic investments and strategic acquisitions. Today, the company operates an end-to-end pro ecosystem comprised of more than 2,360 stores, 1,300 branches, 325 customer-facing warehouses and a fleet of approximately 16,000 delivery assets. Technology Alignment Powering Growth: Technology innovation

HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

supports all three pillars of The Home Depot’s growth strategy. Earlier this year, the company appointed Fran Bell as EVP and chief technology officer, combining AI, data science, product management, user experience and technology into a unified organization. As part of this continued alignment, the store, supply chain and pro product technology teams will move into Bell’s organization, enabling the company to bring new technology to market faster.

One Industry. One Authority. THREE MEDIA BRANDS. ONE MISSION. HELPING INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILERS BE BETTER AND MORE PROFITABLE. For more than 125 years, NHPA has been the trusted resource for independent retailers across North America. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever. With the addition of Hardware Connection to the NHPA media network, independent retailers now have access to the industry’s most respected collection of media brands. Together, these brands provide unmatched coverage, trusted expertise and practical solutions for hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards and paint retailers. When the independent channel needs insight, education, benchmarking, product information or business guidance, it turns to NHPA.

The industry’s leading publication serving independent home improvement retailers.

The industry’s premier digital publication delivering timely news, retailer stories and merchandising insights.

The industry’s leading source dedicated to paint and decorating retailers.

Stay Connected to the Independent Channel Scan the QR code or visit YourNHPA.org to learn more.

NETWORK

Make a Plan CALENDAR

Visit YourNHPA.org/cal to find more industry events online.

Industry Events SEPT Home Hardware Fall Homecoming September 16-18 | TORONTO, CANADA

Blish-Mize Fall Buying Event September 17-19 | OVERLAND PARK, KS

Ace Hardware

This index is provided for the convenience of our advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

American Hardware & Lumber Insurance........................................... 33 americanhli.com Barr Brands........................................................................................................................61 barrbrands.com Benjamin Moore..........................................................................................................BC benjaminmoore.com Do it Best and True Value............................................................................................3 doitbest.com ECI......................................................................................................................................................33 ecisolutions.com ECO-FLO Products....................................................................................................... 11 ecofloproducts.com Franklin International................................................................................................7 franklininternational.com Gordons USA............................................................................................................................13 gordonsusa.com Handy Scribe..........................................................................................................................63 handyscribe.com Hardlines Distribution Alliance.......................................................................15 hdaworks.com

September 22-24 | ORLANDO, FL

Hardlines Conference............................................................................................... 21 hdaworks.com

Do it Best and True Value

House-Hasson....................................................................................................................9 househasson.com

September 25–28 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Wallace Fall Dealer Market September 30-October 1 | SEVIERVILLE, TN

Howard Products....................................................................................................... 64 howardproducts.com Independent Home Improvement Conference...............................69 YourNHPA.org/ihiconference Kness Manufacturing Company................................................................... 64 kness.com

OCT Hardlines Conference October 20-21 | OTTAWA, ON

LMC Expo October 28-30 | PHILADELPHIA, PA

Knox Fertilizer.................................................................................................................51 knoxfert.com Leviton Manufacturing.............................................................................................5 leviton.com Mayhew Tools..................................................................................................................17 mayhew.com MAX USA.....................................................................................................................................57 maxusacorp.com Midwest Fastener.............................................................................................. IFC-1, 33 fastenerconnection.com NHPA Foundations...........................................................................................................71 YourNHPA.org/foundations NHPA Media............................................................................................................................67 YourNHPA.org/media NHPA RetailWise Plus.................................................................................................65 YourNHPA.org/retailwise Orgill............................................................................................................................. 72-IBC orgill.com Paladin Data Corp.......................................................................................................18 paladinpos.com Phifer Incorporated...................................................................................................53 phifer.com Rescue!..........................................................................................................................38-39 rescue.com

Stay Informed Scan the QR code to see our full list of industry events. To add your event to the industry calendar, send an email to editorial@YourNHPA.org.

Shurtape.............................................................................................................................. 52 frogtape.com Stickers Northwest, Inc..........................................................................................19 stickersnorthwest.com Top Notch Distributors........................................................................................... 13 topnotchinc.com Trion Industries, Inc..................................................................................................20 triononline.com ULINE.......................................................................................................................................62 uline.com Wallace Distribution................................................................................................56 wallacedistribution.com Wooster Brush Co...................................................................................................... 33 woosterbrush.com

68 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2027 MARCO ISLAND, FL

Meet Us In Marco THE INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE RETURNS TO MARCO ISLAND We are excited to announce that the Independent Home Improvement Conference is heading back to one of the industry’s favorite destinations. Join independent retailers, wholesalers, service providers, manufacturers and industry leaders for three days of education, networking and collaboration designed to help you strengthen your business and connect with the independent channel. Be among the ﬁrst to receive conference updates, registration announcements, speaker news and special offers.

OPERATIONS

Embracing the Future LAST WORD

Read how many retailers are embracing next generation engagement at hardwareretailing.com/looking-ahead.

Generation Next NHPA Publishing Intern on What Gen-Z Wants in an Employer BY ZOE BENSON

tarting a new job can be hard. You have to learn how the business runs and meet new people all while trying to prove that you belong there, all while trying to hold off a case of imposter syndrome in the process. When I first started working at NHPA, I was excited to start working there, however, I developed a case of imposter syndrome. I feared I wasn’t living up to the expectations of the people I was working with. I think this is a common experience among Gen Z. When starting a new job, we fear we won’t meet the expectations people have of us. Thankfully, my imposter syndrome left as quickly as it came thanks to the people around me. The people at NHPA are very friendly and kind. Whenever I came to sit downstairs, they always invited me to join their conversations. I also would receive positive feedback about my work from those around me. However, during this time, I also learned to get myself out of my imposter syndrome, rather than relying solely on others to help me. I learned to stop fearing something bad would happen and focus on the good things that could happen. When I would make suggestions on things to edit, I worried that others would hate my ideas or they wouldn’t accept them because they would think they are silly. Before I let those thoughts get too far, I changed my mindset. I started asking the questions: What if they really like this idea? What if they accept it? What if it makes the story better? I also reminded myself that it isn’t the

70 HARDWARE RETAILING | September/October 2026

end of the world if I have a bad idea. I also learned to be confident in my abilities. I knew I had the drive to be excellent and the experience to back it up. I had to learn that my abilities are enough and remind myself that I was here for a reason; they were interested in what I had to bring to the magazine. NHPA showed me that I didn’t have to feel out of place or fear I am not good enough, which I think is something Gen Z wants to find in their jobs. They want a place where they don’t have to feel like an imposter. They want a place where they can be creative and let themselves shine through their work. When it comes to professional jobs, I think Gen Z fears that they will have to dim the light that's inside of them. They want a work place that will let me be themselves and let them show their coworkers their personality. This is something I found at NHPA. I felt like I was able to be myself with those around me and in my work. It’s something I hope other Gen Zers experience too.

Leadership Essentials Build conﬁdence, understand your leadership style and develop the foundational skills needed to grow as leader and lead others.

Leading Your Team Strengthen communication, improve employee engagement and learn practical strategies for developing a high-performing team.

Financial Management Gain a clearer understanding of retail ﬁnancial concepts and learn how to use key information to make smarter business decisions.

MERCHANDISING MANAGEMENT

Tactics for Store Operations

Training Built for Independents DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN YOUR LEADERS AND YOUR BUSINESS The NHPA Foundations Program provides practical, accessible online training built speciﬁcally for independent home improvement retailers. Designed for current and emerging leaders, Foundations develops the skills to lead teams, strengthen operations and improve business performance—all through training that can be applied immediately.

Apply proven merchandising practices that improve the customer experience, strengthen execution and support sales.

MERCHANDISING MANAGEMENT

Strategies for Buyers Develop stronger buying, assortment planning and vendor management strategies to support proﬁtability and long-term growth.

Mentoring Learn how to build effective mentoring relationships that develop employees, transfer knowledge and strengthen your leadership pipeline.

COMING SOON

Explore the Foundations Program and enroll your team—scan the QR code or visit YourNHPA.org/Foundations.

Foundations of Succession Planning Prepare your business for the future with practical guidance for developing leaders, transferring knowledge and planning a successful transition.

CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY #9

A STORY ABOUT NAVIGATING GROWTH At City Lumber Company, growth has always been intentional. Across our two West Tennessee locations, we’ve focused on building an operation that meets the evolving needs of contractors and DIY customers while creating a clear path for the company’s future. We also know growth starts with a strong understanding of our market. That’s why we take a proactive approach—regularly reviewing performance, keeping inventory fresh and making adjustments to ensure every part of the operation contributes to our success. Maintaining that mindset has allowed us to expand with confidence and pursue new opportunities. That approach is strengthened by our partnership with Orgill. Their market-specific demographic insights bring clarity when evaluating opportunities, while their store planning tools and Smart Start programs provide a strong framework for execution. At the same time, we retain the flexibility to tailor those strategies to fit our business— we’re always in the driver’s seat. Even with that control, we know Orgill is a trusted co-pilot. Our sales representative works alongside us, helping identify opportunities and providing insight, support and a clear perspective on the best path forward. As we continue moving ahead, we’re confident we have the right roadmap—and the right partner—to navigate whatever comes next.

Jason McDaniel Owner | City Lumber | West Tennessee Helping Our Customers Be Successful Since 1847

Orgill.com/opportunity | 800-347-2860 Ext. 5141 | customerservice@orgill.com

January 2023 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Trusted by Generations of Painting Pros

• Proprietary stain-release technology means stains wash clean • Unbeatable flow and leveling for professional results every time • Durable finish resists scuffing to preserve premium results

Contact your Benjamin Moore rep to learn more. To find your rep, call 1-866-708-9180, email info@benjaminmoore.com, or visit benjaminmoore.com.