IHI Conference
• 3 Days of Education & Networking
• 3 Industry Awards
• 4 Breakout Education Tracks
• Channel Partner Exhibits & Presentations
• Beachfront Property With 3 Pools
• Golf, Tennis & Excursions
Orgill Companion Conference
• Educational Sessions and Seminars
• Orgill Retail Services Team Support
• Retail Optimization Work Sessions
• Tech Symposium
• New Products from Top Vendors
• All-Industry Party Hosted by Orgill— open to all attendees!
ABy Doug Donaldson
fter seeing the celebrity roast of a famous athlete, I started pondering the notion of celebrity. Why are people famous? Why are we drawn en masse to certain individuals? Sure, some of it could be chiseled good looks. Perhaps, celebrity just oozes from glamour or prestige. Or maybe it comes from making goofy TikToks. For me, though, the criteria is excellence. Someone who works hard and excels in their field deserves to be famous. Whether it’s a chef known for cooking amazing meals, a baseball pitcher who can paint the outside corner at 105 mph, or a hardware retailer who’s deeply attuned to the store’s customer base.
One thing is for sure: Hardware store owners are the stars of their neighborhoods.
Hardware retailers open their stores in the middle of the night to help customers facing an emergency. After natural disasters, hardware stores become the hubs of their communities and bases for rebuilding. The know-how, expertise, and helpfulness of independent hardware store owners and staff will never be surpassed by big boxes.
In preparation for this year’s Beacon Awards, which will be presented at the Independent Home Improvement (IHI) Conference August 27-29 at Marco Island, Fla., I had the honor to interview some of the very best hardware retailers in the country. Their excellence is humbling. They have carried on highachieving family traditions and continue to push the boundaries of excellence, incorporating innovative, new business practices while being committed to serving their communities.
You will read about the Beacon Award winners in the September issue of Hardware Connection. In this issue, you will learn about some other hardware retailers who provide hardware and building materials to television and movie crews. Bruce Bloom, president of North Hollywood Hardware in Studio City, Calif., may have the nearest proximity to A-list fame. His store is across the alley from CBS Studios and a parade of celebs shop the aisles often. North Hollywood Hardware also owes a significant chunk of its business to supplying the studios and other nearby television and movie production companies.
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Being a good neighborhood hardware store owner, Bloom has studied his customers’ businesses and found ways to cater to their needs. Bloom anticipates the needs for his television and movie production crew customer base that is perpetually in rush mode. A similar hustling dynamic is at play for Still Lumber in Conyers, Ga., which is near Atlanta, a recent television and movie production hotspot.
In this issue’s cover story “Hardware Goes Hollywood” on page 36, you can find how these two stores adapted to this unique customer base and have made it a profitable part of their businesses.
A positive side effect of celebrity, though, is inspiration. Celebrities who earn their fame through hard work and overcoming obstacles can inspire us. One such celebrity who I look forward to listening to next month during his keynote speech at the IHI is Daniel Eugene Ruettiger— Rudy of Notre Dame and Hollywood movie fame.
While at Marco Island, I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you hometown A-listers. I want to hear your stories of excellence. Forget red carpets—you walk aisles of success every day. n
• Industry leading
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• One-on-one time with all vendors
• Giveaways
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• Live entertainment (The Finns)
By Craig Cope
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Over the past years, I have dedicated my July/August article to reviewing an upcoming Hardware Conference in Marco Island while feverishly working to ensure everything goes as planned. I would beg for a bit more time to finish everything and maybe enjoy a day of downtime before the circus began. Now, with the creation of the Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI), I feel like a kid on the night before Christmas. I can’t wait to see this conference come alive!
For 35 years, the annual Hardware Conference welcomed all independent hardware retailers to Marco Island, Fla., regardless of wholesaler affiliation. It began at the Hilton Beach Resort before outgrowing it and moving to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. The conference is the oldest consecutively recurring event at the JW Marriott Marco Island, and our loyalty is reflected in the 1980s era room rate of $208 per night for a five-star resort on the beach. The conference has also served as a platform to give back to the community, raising more than
THE CONFERENCE WAS FOUNDED ON THE CONCEPT THAT REGARDLESS OF THE FLAG YOU FLY IN FRONT OF YOUR STORE, ALL HARDWARE RETAILERS FACE THE SAME CHALLENGES. ”
$1.2 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
The conference was founded on the concept that regardless of the flag you fly in front of your store, all hardware retailers face the same challenges. Its success was fueled by the support of the hardware industry—manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and service providers. Without their support, there simply would not have been a Hardware Conference. On behalf of the entire Hardware Conference team, both
*Comparing 80-gallon heat pump against pre-2015 similarly-sized standard electric using DOE EF to UEF conversion rates. Savings may vary.
past and present, we truly cannot thank the industry enough.
Now, with only 41 days remaining until the start of IHI, it’s still hard to believe this all started just 11 short months ago. The logistics of putting on a conference occupying nearly 100,000 square feet of ballroom space, hosting three award programs, serving multiple meals, planning cocktail receptions, booking entertainment, etc., can be mind-numbing. However, working with the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) team has been nothing short of outstanding, with everyone focused on making this the best independent hardware conference possible.
If you still need additional information, click here for the IHI brochure detailing everything you need to know about the 2024 IHI, from keynote speakers and breakout sessions to networking events and exhibitor showcases. There is still time to register and book your room at the JW Marriott, but you must reserve now as space and time are limited. Click here to reserve your 2024 Independent Home Improvement Conference ticket.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an unforgettable conference. See you in Marco Island. n
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DAP® TOUCH 'N FOAM PROFESSIONAL® WALL & CAVITY FOAM is a first-of-its kind, patent pending wide spray applicator and pre-mixed low-GWP formula that, like a 2-Component spray foam, air seals and insulates with ultimate spray control.
river and these things happen. The girl at our jewelry counter screams, and all of these men are running out of the store. They just hauled ass out of here. I just went over and picked it up, took it outside and set it free.
Mary Ann Strickland Coastal Hardware Kiln, Miss.
Alady rented a Bobcat from us to do some work around her yard. She also bought a bunch of weeding supplies. We got a call from her the next morning. She told us that the Bobcat had flipped over, and she wasn’t sure how to right it. Evidently, she’d been driving with the bucket fully loaded above the cab, which turned the whole thing into a fulcrum. By the end of that day, she’d posted a photo of the upturned Bobcat asking for help weeding her garden because she clearly couldn’t do it.
Meghan Thomas Pahrump Rentals & Hardware Pahrump, Nev.
We host pet adoption days in the store and let people from the community bring in whatever they want to put up for adoption. Most of the times it’s puppies, kit tens or chicks. Well, this one time, someone brings in a full-grown rooster—a big ol’ Rhode Island red. Somehow it got out. The boss starts chasing it though the store. Someone took a video of him running after that rooster and posted on our Facebook. We final ly corralled the rooster. There was a happy ending, too. The rooster was adopted.
Jay Valero, manager Family Farm Stores Dumas, Texas
There were these three guys doing some big plumbing job. They were tough guys who came in and grabbed some parts and ran out. They were on their seventh trip to the store and finally gave in and let me help them. The look on their faces when they finally gave in and asked for help and I was able to explain exactly what they needed. They were nice, though, and admitted that they should have taken help from the start.
Jen Eickhoff Oelwein Ace Hardware Oelwein, Iowa
By Craig Cope
Part of Sika’s ongoing mission is developing innovative products that provide simple solutions. The Sikaflex® Asphalt Sealant is durable and designed for filling cracks in asphalt driveways, parking lots, roadways, aprons, and other asphaltic surfaces. It self-levels, cures to a matte black finish for blending with existing asphalt and remains permanently elastic.
Sikaflex is designed to fill cracks up to one-inch wide and becomes tack-free within one hour, making it a quick and efficient solution. It’s suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
Once cured, the sealant creates a waterproof barrier, effectively protecting the asphalt from water infiltration and subsequent damage. Click here for a brief company video.
We supplied our samples to a local commercial real estate maintenance crew for use in their shopping center. The crew reported the sealant was extremely easy to apply and, once cured, blended into the existing appearance creating a clean finish. If your store stocks asphalt sealant, consider adding Sikaflex® Asphalt Sealant to your product mix.
The Hardware Connection Century Club, sponsored by the National Hardware Show®, recognizes “The Innovators and Survivors Who Helped Build America.” Our Century Club currently includes 804 hardware and LBM retailers, 21 wholesalers and 207 manufacturers that were founded in the United States of America and remain in business after 100 or more years.
You can find the complete list of Century Club members including old store photos and links to company history by clicking here. We congratulate the following retailers who have been added to the Hardware Connection Century Club this year:
Andrew Posey & Son Hardware, Jasper, AL—1924
Bourassa True Value Hardware, New Bedford, MA—1924
Bowling’s Feed and Hardware, Catlettsburg, KY—1924
Braun Building Center, Manitowoc, WI—1905
Carl Eliason & Company Lumber & Hardware, Sayner, WI—1924
Chairtown Lumber Company, Gardner, MA—1924
Clark Devon Hardware, Chicago, IL—1924
Congleton Lumber, Lexington, KY—1905
Denver Lumber Company, Denver, CO—1923
Gennett Lumber Company, Fletcher, NC—1901
Guy C. Lee Building Materials, Smithfield, NC—1924
Hamilton Building Supply, Hamilton, NJ—1924
Heller Lumber Company, Arlington Heights, IL—1924
Holman Supply Company, Moultrie, GA—1920
Howell Hardware, Millville, NJ—1924
H&W Hardware, New York, NY—1924
Kelly Seed & Hardware Co., Peoria, IL—1905
Learned Lumber, Hermosa Beach, CA—1924
Legg Lumber Company, Holt, MI—1884
Morrison Terrebonne, Houma, LA—1924
National Lumber Company, Baltimore, MD—1919
Newton’s True Value Hardware, Cherryvale, KS—1924
Page Lumber, Poughkeepsie, NY—1924—1,000th CC member
Paschal Brothers Hardware & Lumber, Jacksonville, FL—1924
Ransom Brothers Lumber & Supply, Ramona, CA—1924
Requarth Company, Dayton, OH—1860
Southern Builders Supply, Valdosta, GA—1880
Union Lumber Company, New Albany, MS—1902
Valley Park Elevator & Hardware, Valley Park, MO—1874
Western Materials Inc., Yakima, WA—1915
William B. Morse Lumber Company, Rochester, NY—1853
#2
The Everest Summit with Versavend ice machine is a high-end commercial ice maker designed to meet the demands of the competitive commercial ice machine business. Many ice vending machines frequently break down due to ice jams caused by their numerous moving parts. In contrast, the Everest Summit Series has dispensed more than 20 million vends without a single jam, thanks to its unique design with only one moving part.
This simple, revolutionary and patented system is exclusive to Everest. The Everest Summit is the only commercial ice vending machine on the market with just one moving part. That means there are significantly fewer components that can fail, ensuring greater reliability and efficiency.
Ice vending with Everest machines is popular because it dispenses ice directly into customers’ coolers. The Everest Summit is designed to give customers exactly what they want: a choice of either bagged ice or bulk ice dispensed directly into their cooler. Click here for more details.
If you are considering adding additional revenue streams to your operation, begin by learning about the high profitability and low operating costs of commercial ice vending. Click here for an introductory video on the industry.
INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE
AUGUST 27-29 | MARCO ISLAND, FL
Two respected industry events—the NHPA Independents Conference and The Hardware Conference—will come together to form the 2024 Independent Home Improvement Conference. Join retailers from across the industry and gain actionable solutions for today’s toughest retail challenges. Visit ihiconference.org to sign-up for news, updates and offers.
Sashco is a leading manufacturer of high-performance sealants, caulks, and specialty products based in Colorado. Founded in 1936, Sashco has built a reputation for innovative solutions that enhance and protect homes and buildings. Popular brands include Big Stretch, Lexel, Through the Roof!, and Conceal. The familyowned company still “geeks on goop!” Learn more about Sashco and why “good, better and best” is not what they do.
Beyond product excellence, Sashco supports retailers with comprehensive merchandising solutions ranging from tray displays to end caps and permanent fixtures like their Core 4 rolling rack display. The display features four shelves, caster wheels, and a toolfree assembly system. It is complemented by a full graphics kit and instructional videos for effortless
setup. You can explore all of Sashco’s retail solutions by downloading their 2024 DOCK Catalog.
The company’s website also offers a comprehensive Dealer Support section providing retailers with product images, literature, and videos organized by brand.
For retailers who want to optimize product displays and make the most of space in their stores, the Core 4 rolling rack from Sashco is a solution worth trying. With easy assembly, setup and mobility within your store, the rolling rack takes your caulk merchandising to the next level. n
• The best products, made by welders, for welders
• Over 25,000 retail locations served
• Committed to supporting your company’s growth plans
• High fill rates, ensuring you get what you need when you need it
• Tailored customer service to make your experience hassle-free
• NEW and exciting product offerings
• On-site and online product knowledge training
• Drive sales with our signage, POP and marketing support
How are sales and customer counts so far in 2024? We’ve had 11 straight years of increased sales. Online sales are up for this year. The main reason is that people around here don’t want to drive 35 minutes to the bigbox store. Just recently had a customer who could have saved $7 on a ladder, but he’d have to drive an hour and a half. The biggest economic factor affecting us is the cost of gas. The price of paint has gone up, but with private-label paint we’re competitive with Menards and Lowe’s.
What’s the most unique thing about your business? Our customer service is beyond anyone else. As soon as customers step foot in the store they’re greeted and we make sure from that moment until checkout the customer finds everything they need.
Goals for 2024? We’re updating the look of the store, outside and inside. We’ve added an Ace Outdoor section to the store with 50 grills on display. We’ll continue to develop that
Above: The outdoor living and lawn and garden departments of Oelwein Ace Hardware have recently become strong sellers for this Iowa store.
Below: Oelwein Ace Hardware added the Ace Outdoor program, which included displaying about 50 grills on their showroom floor.
department the rest of the year.
What are your strongest niche categories? With Ace Outdoors, the outdoor living and lawn and garden departments have become really strong. Our wide selection also means that no matter if it’s hardware, building materials or cleaning supplies, we’ll have what our customers need.
Jen Eickhoff, manager
Oelwein Ace Hardware
Oelwein, Iowa
How are sales and customer counts so far in 2024? So far, so good. We’re relatively the same as last year. Interest rates have affected our business.
We’re losing all the $2,000 to $3,000 deck and siding jobs, but the $20,000 to $30,000 ones are still going forward. People seem to be buying what they need, not above or beyond.
What’s the most unique thing about your business? We’re a full lumberyard and True Value hardware store. Just over a year ago, we built an 18,000-square-foot new building from the ground up.
Goals for 2024? Just want to get
While sales have been strong, 814 Home & Hardware owner Jamie Meholick said the store has seen a drop-off in small decking and siding projects.
Last year, 814 Home & Hardware opened a new 18,000-squarefoot store in Brockway, Pa., that the company built from the ground up.
busier. It’s an election year, so they say it changes things.
What are your strongest niche categories? We’re known for a little bit of everything but primarily windows, building materials and siding. We’re a Husqvarna distributorship and do a fair amount of lawn mower business.
Jamie Meholick
814 Home & Hardware Brockway, Pa.
How are sales and customer counts so far in 2024? About the same as last year. We have a Lowe’s not too far from us, but we’re different because we sell lots of different things including jewelry, toys, clothes, and shoes. What’s the most unique thing about your business? We are more than a hardware store. We’re in a rural area and have become a one-stop shop. We’re also very involved with the community and
After installing a STIHL display this year, Coastal Hardware in Kiln, Miss., is looking to expand and add more space for other product lines.
Name: Brandon | Department: Managed Services | Years of Service: 7
"Brandon really went the extra mile and helped us resolve the server issues for our emails. Our purchase orders weren't going out. Brandon had an idea of what was going on and was able to x everything. I appreciate it." - Trish, Oregon Feed & Irrigation
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try to help everybody. We donate to all the churches and organizations all throughout Hancock County. We made it through Hurricane Katrina and stayed open, helping customers. We set up an outdoor shower and the hardware store became a kind of meeting place then.
Goals for 2024? We set goals every year, and we really aim to hit those goals. We’re rebuilding and expanding the store right now. We’re 15,000 square feet and opening up another part of the store to add another 4,500 square feet. We recently picked up the STIHL line and that
took up a lot of area. We’re looking to do more with outdoor recreation. We’re on the river and do well selling fishing and hunting equipment. But I see a chance to do more with outdoor categories such as wind chimes and wall décor.
What are your strongest niche categories? We really don’t have one niche. It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman, kid or man. You can shop and hang out here. We’re always welldecorated for the seasons.
Mary Ann Strickland Coastal Hardware Kiln, Miss.
How are sales and customer counts so far in 2024? Great, absolutely terrific. We service the dairy farmers and ranchers of the panhandle and have local customers come in for animal feed. Fencing is also big for us. Our customer base is about 75 percent do-it-yourselfers.
What are the most unique things about your business? We can pretty much accommodate anyone’s requests. Need parts for a very old Cub Cadet? We can get it. Parts for older RVs? Sure. We also do corporate gifts. We’ve had customers come in requesting 20 knives engraved with the company’s name. On our staff, we have the greatest minds here for plumbing and electrical. We also have a full-service tire repair center.
Goals for 2024? We’re in the planning stages right now. We are looking at customer-oriented initiatives. We want to get more of the local customers involved in our store. We want to show them that we have what they’re looking for.
Above: On Saturdays, Family Farm Stores in Dumas, Texas, hosts adoption days with puppies, kittens, chickens, and other animals.
Below: As part of the Family Farm Stores business, they offer full-service tire repair, including pickups, cars, and semi-trucks.
What are your strongest niche categories? Puppies and chickens. We have puppy Saturdays, where customers can bring in dogs that need adopting. Customers looking to adopt come in and we match folks up with puppies. We have whole families that come in on those days. We also sell chicks and that brings in a lot of people, too.
Jay Valero, manager Family Farm Stores
Dumas, Texas
How are sales and customer counts so far in 2024? We were way up beginning in January, then took a dip for three months, now we’re going nuts again. We had a strange winter—we didn’t really have a winter. Winter sales were way down, but it wasn’t nice enough for building to continue. Ever since the first of May, we’ve had huge months. We’re up for the year. The area has expanded a lot, and we deliver within a 100-mile radius. The business is that good to support those deliveries.
What are the most unique things about your business? We sell everything in one place. Not just hardware, but mattresses, window coverings, toys, kitchenware, and automotive.
Goals for 2024? Try to finish ahead of last year. No major plans, because we don’t have room for anything new; we’re pretty crammed.
What are your strongest niche categories? We do really well with Valspar paint and have a huge paint section. We sell any kind of paint. Along with gallon, we sell a lot of craft paints and spray paints. The paint department is 120 linear feet of seven-foot-high shelving. We also have a big barbecue and grilling department with lots of smokers, griddles, and gas grills.
Jeff Sell
Central Lumber & Hardware
Harlowton, Mont.
Above: Central Lumber & Hardware is known as a destination for paint, selling gallons, craft and spray paints. The store also has a large barbecue department with many options for smokers, griddles and gas grills.
Below: Since May, Central Lumber & Hardware in Harlowton, Mont., has seen increased sales and customer counts, according to owner Jeff Sell.
By Doug Donaldson
As the heart of small-town life, nostalgia, community and practicality, hardware stores have been the setting for many scenes in movies and television shows. Hardware stores are where characters can swap stories, showcase skills and resourcefulness and find supplies for just about any plot device under the sun. Hardware stores also symbolize a place of learning and problem solving, which helps the main character save the day with some DIY doohickey.
Whether it’s a character preparing for a home project, setting up a clever trap, or simply chatting up store clerks, hardware stores provide a versatile and dynamic environment that can accommodate a wide range of plots and themes. Sorta like real life.
In movies and television, hardware stores serve as settings for characters to bump into each other, vital supply stops to survive the zombie apocalypse, a place comically inept do-it-yourselfers go for advice and much, much more. Here, Hardware Connection has compiled the top 10 hardware store movie and television appearances—some include real hardware store locations, while others are fictional.
As part of filming “A Man Called Otto” in March 2022, Tom Hanks and other cast and crew visited the Busy Beaver Home Improvement Centers in Lawrenceville, Pa. From left, Busy Beaver CEO Joe Kallen; Hanks; then-CFO Nick DeMao.
RAKS in Los Lunas, N.M, is used as a setting and seen as an exterior, scene-setting shot as part of the AMC Emmy-winning TV series “Breaking Bad.”
1. “PARKS AND RECREATION” SEASON
4, EPISODE 5, “MEET N GREET”
Nick Offerman’s character, Ron Swanson, navigates a big-box store as a young, eager employee offers help. Ron responds, “I know more than you.” The scene is now a classic meme as well.
A critical scene is set in Sam Loomis’ hardware store, where private detective Milton Arbogast is introduced, and Lila arrives to discuss the disappearance of her sister.
Busy Beaver Home Improvement Centers in Lawrenceville, Pa., was shown in the scene where Tom Hank’s character, Otto, insists on only paying for five feet of rope.
4. “BREAKING BAD,” SEASON 1, EPISODE 2, “CAT’S IN THE BAG”
Bryan Cranston’s character, Walter White, shops for supplies as part of his illegal activities. The RAKS store in Los Lunas, N.M., was shown with interior and exterior shots in episodes of the series.
5. “THE EQUALIZER,” 2014
Facing down an armed robber and keeping the store’s customers safe, Denzel Washington’s character, Robert McCall, stays calm and gets revenge later.
6. “HOT FUZZ,” 2005
In the fictional Sandford Hardware, Nicholas Angel (played by Simon Pegg) visits the store to buy supplies. The funny interaction with the store owner sets the film’s comedic tone.
7. “MOSQUITO COAST,” 1986
In a hardware store scene, Harrison Ford’s character, Allie Fox, harangues Jason Alexander’s clerk character for American-made products.
8. “EDWARD SCISSORHANDS,” 1990
The scenes at Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware in Lakeland, Fla., serve a key role as Edward integrates into the community.
“ HARDWARE STORES PROVIDE
A VERSATILE AND DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE A WIDE RANGE OF PLOTS AND THEMES.
”
9. “HOME IMPROVEMENT,” SEASON 8, EPISODE 17, “A HARDWARE HABIT TO BREAK”
When Harry says he is selling the store, Tim and Al step in to take over the business, leading to lots of funny situations centered around managing and revitalizing the beloved community store.
10. “BEETLEJUICE,” 1988
The fictional Maitland Hardware plays a pivotal role in the early part of the movie, defining the lives of characters Adam and Barbara Maitland.
Sometimes a job as a driver for a lumberyard has its perks, like rolling up on Will Smith with a load of building materials. During the filming of the movie
“Bad Boys Forever,” drivers with Still Lumber in Conyers, Ga., got to visit the set after dropping off an order.
The Atlanta area has been a hotbed of television and movie production for the past two decades. In 2022 alone, more than 400 commercials, movie and television productions were filmed in or around Atlanta. Because set building is big business, Still Lumber has crafted a niche to address the needs of production crews.
Above: Founded in 1946, Still Lumber was purchased by Dubuque, Iowa-based Spahn & Rose in August 2022 and now has 20 percent of the location’s business from television and movie production customers.
Logo: Still Studios Supplies includes a web page and logo targeting its production crew customers with lists of available materials and a video demonstrating the company’s ability to supply set locations.
Still Lumber was founded in 1946 and Dubuque, Iowa-based Spahn & Rose purchased the company in August 2022. For decades, Still Lumber was known for serving metro Atlanta contractors, builders, remodelers and homeowners by providing high-quality building materials.
As more and more television and production crews started working from Atlanta, Still saw that part of the business increase. Now, television and movie production sales account for about 20 percent of the company’s sales.
Adapting to this new customer base meant learning the production business and modifying operations, including being able to quickly fill orders.
“Our television and film crew customers are very organized and very timely,” says Kay Schimmel, Still Lumber’s office assistant and bookkeeper. “They will often be ready to pick up material as soon as the order is placed.”
After delivering some building materials, drivers from Still Lumber got to watch Will Smith and Martin Lawrence shoot a chase scene through the streets of downtown Atlanta.
For any other hardware stores or lumberyards looking to provide materials to production crews, Schimmel recommends being ready to fill orders promptly and realize that these operations run on a tight schedule.
To make order filling quicker and easier for production crews, Still Lumber keeps that related material in one place in the lumberyard. Customers know where to go to have their trucks loaded for quick in and out pickups.
The 15,000-square-foot store in Conyers has 15 employees. To cater to production companies, Still has adjusted its in-stock assortment and brought in several product lines used exclusively in movie production. Some of those products include additional types of doors and plywood and building materials such as bendable plywood, door slabs and sound board.
To promote this part of their business, Still Lumber has a web page devoted to television and movie building materials, complete with a logo showing the company name intertwined with a camera.
The in-house accounting has also adjusted to align with television and movie production needs, too. Each new production opens an account with Still Lumber and crew members can charge materials to that account for quicker deliveries and pickups.
Construction buyers from different productions including “The Originals” and “Legacies” have become store regulars and will always visit when in town. Other productions that Still Lumber has provided building materials to include “Vampire Diaries,” “Will Trent,” “Black Panther,” “Young Rock,” “Doom Patrol,” “The Oval,” “Sista’s” and “Ozark.”
The parade of celebrities who regularly stroll into North Hollywood Hardware in Studio City, Calif., ranges from the A-list to the D-list and everything in between.
Over the years, the store’s president Bruce Bloom has seen the likes of George
Clooney, Sylvester Stallone, Paul McCartney, Tim Allen and the late Alex Trebek have shopped the 4,000-squarefoot store. North Hollywood Hardware is in the epicenter of television and movie glitz, right across an alley from the CBS Studio Center and within a couple miles of Universal Studios.
Above: In the television show “Last Man Standing,” Tim Allen’s character Mike Baxter tries to scrounge incandescent light bulbs and North Hollywood Hardware came through with walls of light bulbs.
Ed Begley Jr. is a regular and after a conversation about eco-friendly products with the star of “Young Sheldon” and other television shows, Bloom now stocks Begley’s Earth Responsible Products line of cleaning formulas.
Aside from celebrity impulse buys or quick fixes for bolt replacement, Bloom sees the nearby studios as a source of steady business. CBS, NBC and Universal studios account for about 15 percent of his business.
“Like any other hardware store, it’s good to know your neighbors and find ways to help their businesses,” Bloom says. “We also have a Firestone tire repair shop next door, so we carry the grade-A bolts they need.”
For television studio and movie production crews, the products can be a little more unusual. For example, for the reality television show “Big Brother,” the crew purchases swimming pool noodles by the caseload. Bloom makes sure to keep those in stock.
The store also rents whole shelves of products or serves as a location for filming when the studios need a hardware store as a backdrop in a commercial, television show or movie. For example, in the television show “Last Man Standing,” Tim Allen’s character Mike Baxter tries to scrounge incandescent light bulbs and North Hollywood Hardware came through with walls of light bulbs.
“ TO SERVE PRODUCTION CREW CUSTOMER BASE, BLOOM UNDERSTANDS THAT THEY NEED PRODUCTS QUICKLY. ”
To serve his production crew customer base, Bloom understands that they need products quickly. “It’s always a rush thing,” Bloom says. “I try to have it in stock and check in with my regular studio customers to see what they’ll be needing in the coming weeks. That way, I can order products and be ready when they need it.”
Bloom says he places an order every week with Do it Best and credits his coop with being able to help with these sometimes unusual requests such as pool noodles, plastic chains and funnels—all of which have been seen on “Big Brother.”
One category Bloom makes sure to keep well stocked is paint, especially spray paint primers. Other commonly ordered items from studios include gaffer tape, resins and adhesives.
To stay on the radar of studio crews in the area, he makes sure the store is listed in the entertainment industry’s catalog for studio production companies.
“The
is a sitcom that explores the everyday chaos of a workingclass family. Much of the show is set in Olinsky’s Hardware, a hardware store where the characters find themselves navigating quirky customer interactions, learning new skills, and bonding over shared experiences. The show first aired in 2018, and the show’s producers announced it would release its seventh and final season in late 2024 or early 2025. To celebrate this TV hardware family’s farewell season, here are the top 10 hardware-related quotes from the show:
1. “You know, I really didn’t think I’d enjoy standing around talking to people all day, but it’s kind of fun when you know everything and they’re clueless idiots. Maybe I am a people person.”
–Dan, Season 3, Episode 11
2. “Working at a hardware store is a lot like fixing things at home, except the customers don’t usually offer you a beer.”
–Ben, Season 1, Episode 8
3. “Selling hammers and nails all day beats swinging a hammer all day.”
–Dan, Season 2, Episode 9
4. “I never thought I’d know so much about power tools. It’s kind of empowering, actually.”
–Darlene, Season 2, Episode 15
5. “Turns out, helping people find the right screws is oddly satisfying.”
–Jackie, Season 4, Episode 3
6. “The hardware store isn’t just about selling tools, it’s about building community.”
–Ben, Season 5, Episode 6
7. “Every nut and bolt here has a story, just like the customers.”
–Dan, Season 3, Episode 4
8. “It’s amazing how many people don’t know the difference between a wrench and a ratchet.”
–Louise, Season 4, Episode 9
9. “Working here keeps me young. Or at least, it makes me feel useful.”
–Dan, Season 3, Episode 6
10. “The best part of working in a hardware store is helping someone start their project and seeing them succeed.”
–Ben, Season 2, Episode 7
Meghan Thomas grew up in the hardware business, teaching employees how to operate the POS system before she was a teenager.
MEGHAN THOMAS, THE MULTITASKING BACKBONE OF PAHRUMP RENTALS & HARDWARE, SHARES HER EXPERIENCES BEING RAISED IN THE RETAIL HARDWARE BUSINESS AND HOW SHE GREW UP SEEING HER MOTHER FIGHT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
Meghan Thomas calls herself the perfect everyperson at her mom’s hardware store, Pahrump Rentals & Do it Best Hardware in Pahrump, Nev. Meghan is the bookkeeper, IT support staff and, of course, has been helping customers in the store since her teens. Meghan’s mother, Karen Thomas, became owner of the store in 1979 after being one of the first women in California to earn a contractor’s license. During her years as a general contractor, Karen served as a manager on California highway construction projects and
on refurbishing a military base on Catalina Island.
The store began as a rental business, which offered equipment to local contractors, who asked the business to also carry hardware and supplies such as PVC and nuts and bolts. Those requests dovetailed into adding a full hardware line in 2005. Responding to community needs, the 2,500-square-foot store added paint and hobby arts supplies in 2016. More recently, the store, which has seven employees, has developed an outdoor living and lawn and garden niche, partnering with the local gardening club for events such as landscaping tours.
Here, Hardware Connection caught up with Meghan to ask her about her
By Doug Donaldson
Meghan’s mother, Karen Thomas, became owner of the store in 1979 after being one of the first women in California to earn a contractor’s license.
distinct perspective of growing up and then working in a woman-owned hardware business.
What was your introduction to the hardware business?
I was very, very good with computers and sort of fell into helping adapt computer systems into store operations. I was 10, 12 years old teaching 50-yearolds how to use the POS system. I’ve been doing work at the store in the background for more than 23 years, but I’ve worked here for about 18 years. What do you enjoy most being in retail hardware?
I like fixing things and troubleshooting. Have a weird plumbing issue on a
Above: What started as a rental-only business grew into a hardware store and more recently added an arts supply and hobby supplies assortment.
Left: Responding to community needs, Pahrump Rentals & Hardware added paint and hobby arts supplies in 2016. More recently, the store employed a more robust outdoor living and lawn and garden department.
40-year-old RV? That’s the kind of thing I like solving. One of my favorites was one gentleman who was trying to bully a circuit breaker into working. I ended up Googling and doing a lot of research to find the components he needed, which ended up being bought from six different retailers. We cobbled that together to make that work.
How did the store develop its strong gardening niche?
There wasn’t a good resource in town for gardeners here. The big-box stores carried universal supplies, but here we need products specialized to the desert climate. We got together with local gardeners to figure out how to build an inventory geared toward the southern Nevada climate. Do it Best has been
wonderful helping us get these products. We’re pretty particular about what specific products we want and whatever we ask for, Do it Best always gets it in for us.
We provide what customers really need and that makes us stand out. We partnered with local master gardeners and community gardening clubs. One example has been with the local gardening club, we help fundraise and sell tickets to their landscaping tours.
How has the role of women in the business changed since you started in the industry?
The playing field is a lot more even than when I was a kid. When I was young, my mom would almost always have my dad or a male employee at trade shows to talk to vendors because she wasn’t taken seriously. For the most part, that’s gotten better. Even now, though, there are a couple of vendors we won’t do business with because of how they treated her and me. I’ve seen women business owners get treated better, and it’s been an interesting evolution.
What hurdles did you face as a woman in the hardware industry?
Until the last five or six years, youth was one of my biggest hurdles. It doesn’t help that I look young for my age. I wouldn’t get taken seriously by customers and the same with vendors. There were instances where a sales rep would tell me to go get my dad. On the other hand, there have been some vendors who have been good to work with. One example is Barreto (Mfg.),
and everyone from the top of the company on down knows me and my mom. They’re really gracious.
When has it been rewarding to be a woman in the hardware industry?
I don’t find that many rewards, but I’m also a bit jaded. But I love the sense of accomplishment when I get the sense from vendors and customers that they are happy to get information from me. That is rewarding after all the fighting mom and I had to do to get taken seriously.
What would be your advice for women entering the hardware industry?
Don’t be afraid to be assertive. There are going to be times they’ll refuse to take you seriously. Be assertive, yet always be ready to admit when you’re wrong. I had to BS my way through things when I was young, secretly Googling to help customers. It’s difficult to say you don’t know something to a customer. As a woman, admitting you’re wrong when you’ve got so many things going against you is hard, but nine times out of 10, the customer will appreciate it and understand.
What’s next for women in the hardware industry?
I would really like more of a 50-50 split in the management and workforce in the hardware industry. You see lot of women managers and owners, but the majority of owners are still men. I want to feel like the hardware industry is a viable opportunity for women and that they don’t have to claw their way to gain respect. n
Do it Best named Allison Flatjord its vice president of marketing and ecommerce in early 2024. In this role, she leads teams tasked with increasing online sales and driving more foot traffic to member stores. Flatjord joined Do it Best in 2022 as director of ecommerce after the launch of the co-op’s new ecommerce division. Prior to Do it Best, Flatjord was the chief marketing, merchandising, and digital officer for a national party supply e-tailer, where she grew online sales and overhauled the company’s web presence. Flatjord has an MBA from the Harvard Business School, is an active supporter of her twin daughters’ sports activities, an avid runner, and a member of Chief, an organization promoting women in leadership.
HC: In the IT world, the buzz is AI. From your position at Do it Best, how have you seen AI impact hardware retailers in the past two years?
Flatjord: At Do it Best, we’ve seen AI make a significant impact on hardware retailers
To maintain a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced marketplace, Do it Best Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce Allison Flatjord believes it’s critical to listen to members and act swiftly to capitalize on opportunities.
over the past two years. One of those ways is through search, where AI helps our customers and members more easily find the items they are looking for in our very large product catalogs. We’ve also seen AI make an impact in personalization—showing our customers what they would like to see—which is one of the things we are working on at Do it Best.
HC: What innovations or technological advancements will we see in the next two years? And how will it affect hardware retailers?
Flatjord: Over the next two years, the potential for innovation in the hardware industry is still huge. There are tremendous opportunities for AI to play a significant role not only in personalization but in inventory planning and pricing. I anticipate it will impact nearly every element of business. With AI, we also see huge potential in utilizing data even more in our industry. Do it Best is very focused on helping our members gather and interpret data that can help them run their businesses.
HC: What lessons from your previous roles with other companies do you look to integrate more into your work at Do it Best?
Flatjord: One of the most critical
behaviors I’ve observed in any successful company is the importance of listening to your customers. Listening to our members has always been a cornerstone at Do it Best, and it’s something we’ll continue to prioritize. With programs like loyalty and ecommerce, we are also better able to listen to our customers via data. Another key lesson is the importance of speed. At Do it Best, we’re embracing the need for agility. By acting swiftly, we capitalize on opportunities, address challenges head-on, and maintain our competitive edge. These principles of attentive listening and quick action help us drive progress and deliver exceptional value to our members and customers.
HC: What are the most effective ways to improve customer experience in hardware stores?
Flatjord: To improve customer experience in hardware stores, it’s essential to tie the online and instore experiences together. With 80 percent of consumers checking their phones before visiting the store, customers are already tying them together and it is important to meet these expectations with things like consistent product information, availability, and promotions.
HC: Compared to other industries that you’ve worked in, are there practices or tech the retail
Flatjord encourages team members to take small risks that can spark ideas an innovation. From left, Brianna Wells, divisional manager of ecommerce marketing & merchandising; Cobin Prows, divisional manager of ecommerce platform operations; and Flatjord.
hardware industry could benefit by implementing?
Flatjord: While the independent home improvement industry has adopted technology, we have to go a step further. To make the most gains, we have to embrace technology. It’s not just about having a website. It’s about embracing that ecommerce site by offering real-time inventory, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with in-store experiences. Similarly, it’s not just about offering a loyalty program, but using customer data to create highly personalized shopping experiences. So, I think the hardware industry is making gains with technology adoption, but I’d love to see the industry truly embrace it.
HC: Describe the kind of synergy between vendors and Do it Best that you hope to generate through the co-op’s marketing efforts. What’s a recent example?
Flatjord: When Do it Best members grow, our vendor partners grow, and we grow. It’s good for everyone. In terms of data, we have a unique advantage. We have wholesaler data. We have the retail data from more than 4,000 members. And we receive data from many strategic vendors. We’re uniquely positioned to offer recommendations, tailor solutions to our members’ needs, and drive innovation that propels all
businesses forward in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
For example, our industry-leading PIM (Product Information Management) system, which houses high-quality content for 1.7 million items. We work with our vendor partners to source and create rich, detailed content online. This not only improves the customers’ online experience but also helps our vendors display their products effectively, driving sales online and in-store. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to create a seamless and effective marketing strategy that benefits both Do it Best members and our vendors, ultimately driving greater sales and customer satisfaction.
What marketing trends do you see affecting the retail hardware space?
Flatjord: The importance of data in making decisions.
HC: What is your leadership philosophy and how do you apply it at Do it Best?
Flatjord: I’d say two things drive my leadership style: one is a bias toward action. Our customers are moving so quickly today that we don’t have the time to make sure everything is perfect before launching initiatives. I’m a huge fan of test and learn—small, low-risk tests can really help in quickly informing broader strategies.
The other thing that drives my leadership style is empowering my team to be creative and innovative and setting the expectation that this is important. They’re experts in their areas, and their insights lead to better results and it cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability.
HC: How do you foster innovation and creativity in a work environment?
Flatjord: I believe in taking small risks—if you have an idea, try it. This approach often leads to more ideas and sparks innovation. I give my team the space to be creative, share their ideas, and try new things. By creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable experimenting and thinking outside the box, we can continually push the boundaries and discover new ways to serve our members and customers better.
Along with offering a loyalty program, Flatjord believes in using customer data to create highly personalized shopping experiences.
HC: What advice would you give to women entering the retail hardware industry?
Flatjord: My advice to anyone starting out is to know your numbers. You have to understand the metrics that drive your business to make informed decisions.
Second, and this one may be more skewed toward women entering the home improvement industry: Embrace who you are. Don’t feel pressured to adopt the style, behavior, or outlook of your male team members. Your unique perspective is an asset and maintaining it will bring fresh ideas and approaches to the table. Finally, always ask why things are done a certain way and consider how they can be improved. n
By Bart Raser
Bart Raser, owner of Carr Hardware, created highquality, branded product lines to beat competition, add margin, and distinguish the store in the marketplace.
Above & below: The number of private-label products Carr Hardware offers continues to grow, with sprayers, buckets, gloves and more on the way.
Carr Hardware, with our flagship store in Pittsfield, Mass., has served western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut for 96 years, and during these years we have built a strong brand. Leveraging our brand image and actually creating related brands are key strategies we use to beat the competition, add margin, and differentiate ourselves.
One major way we at Carr reinforce brand strategy is with our many and varied private-label products. Historically, I think folks associate private label with lower quality and generic packaging, but that’s not our model here.
Our locally branded, proprietary hardware items share a common thread of quality, which reinforces and associates quality with the Carr brand. We also use these private labels as a marketing and branding opportunity to leverage the value of local and independently owned small business.
For Carr Hardware, locally branded, proprietary hardware items share a common thread of quality, which reinforces and associates quality with the company’s brand.
Many of our private-label products are made in the region, and we tell that story on the label. We similarly merchandise related locally made products including greeting cards, maple syrup, candles, socks, natural mosquito repellants and more.
Carr Hardware has six stores in a region popularly referred to as “The Berkshires.” Many locals call it “The Shire” for short. Carr Hardware adopted the Shire name into much of our branding including our Berkshire Blend Grass Seed, Berkshire Blend Floor-Grade Polyurethane, and Berkshire Blend Premium Pet Safe Ice Melter.
The crown jewel of our private-label branding is a complete, architecturalgrade proprietary paint line called
The crown jewel of Carr Hardware’s private-label branding is “Shades of Shire” architectural-grade proprietary paint that’s also 25 percent less expensive than other premium brands.
“Shades of Shire.” This private-label branding continues to aggressively grow as more and more folks try it and eventually adopt it. This is a product we sourced during COVID, when supply chain disruptions made paint products particularly hard to get.
With Shades of Shire, not only was Carr always in stock, but we were able to control the quality and crafted it to be truly best in class. Our 100 percent acrylic product is a high hiding,
Displayed for ready access to contractor customers, Carr Hardware branded gloves and tape measures are seen on jobsites throughout the Berkshires.
high-performing product. We also offer private-label paint brushes, gloves, garden pump sprayers, plastic buckets and more is on the way.
The growing basket of private-label products offers Carr and our customers numerous advantages. Because we can control what goes into these products, they reinforce Carr’s reputation as a quality brand selling quality products.
ceramic paint that has an integrated mildewcide and performs side by side with the best paints in the industry.
Oh, did I mention that it’s 25 percent less expensive at retail than the premium brands?
We also recently released a “Berkshire Blend” of proprietary petsafe ice melt. This colored ice melt is safer on pets, concrete and vegetation than most similarly priced products and allows Carr to market and sell another locally made, proprietary
Many of the private-label products offer higher margin for Carr compared to the national brands, and most importantly as these brands gain in popularity, they are not available anywhere else, building increased volume and customer loyalty.
Of course, seeing our branded products out in the community is particularly rewarding. Watching dozens of teens beat on our branded five-gallon buckets for a big crowd, or a painting crew on a highly visible project with our paint cans for all to see feels pretty darn good too. n
Bart Raser, owner of Carr Hardware, received the 2023 Retail Beacon Award for excellence in hardware retailing.
By Tom Bronson
WHEN YOU CAN SUCCESSFULLY AND CONFIDENTLY DELEGATE, YOUR BUSINESS VALUE IMPROVES AND YOU CAN ENJOY SOME SUN, SAND, AND RELAXATION.
As a hardware store owner, you juggle numerous responsibilities. Your todo list can seem endless, from managing inventory and sales to customer service and marketing. While your dedication is commendable, it can also hinder your well-being and the growth of your business. A crucial question that too few hardware retailers ask
themselves is: Can I take a vacation? Not just a long weekend where you spend your days on the phone with the store. A real, honest to goodness, two weeks or longer getaway where you don’t even talk to anyone back at the store the entire time. Can you do that?
If the answer is no, it’s time to reassess your business operations. By reducing owner dependency through
effective delegation, you can boost the value of your business and reclaim your life. Here are actionable tips to help you achieve a more balanced and valuable business operation.
First, you should understand the notion of owner dependency, which is when a business relies heavily on its owner for daily operations, decisionmaking, and strategic direction. This over-reliance can impede growth, diminish business value, and make it difficult for you to take a well-deserved break. For hardware store owners, this might mean being the sole person who understands how to manage vendor relationships, handle customer complaints, or oversee financials.
The consequences are stark: burnout for the owner and a business that struggles to function smoothly in their absence. (Such owner dependency can suck the value out of your business and is one of the biggest deal killers for retailers who are ready to sell.) The majority of owner dependency issues I see boil down to one thing: they neglect to delegate.
Delegation is the key to breaking free from owner dependency. Empowering your team to take on responsibilities can create a more resilient business that can thrive without your constant presence. The three main benefits of effective delegation include:
Increased Business Value: Delegation is not just about reducing
“ OVER-RELIANCE ON OWNER DEPENDENCY CAN IMPEDE GROWTH, DIMINISH BUSINESS VALUE, AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO TAKE A WELLDESERVED BREAK.
”
owner dependency; it’s about unlocking growth potential. A business that can operate independently of its owner is more attractive to potential buyers. It demonstrates stability, scalability, and a well-trained team, which can significantly increase value.
Delegation allows you to focus on strategic tasks and provides much-needed relief from the stress of managing everything independently. It enables you to enjoy personal time, reduce stress, and enhance your quality of life.
Enhanced Employee Development: Delegation is not just about offloading tasks; it’s about empowering your employees. Giving employees more responsibilities fosters growth, increases job satisfaction, and reduces turnover. Such a sense of empowerment can significantly boost your team’s morale and productivity.
Implementing the insights and strategies for more effective delegation will enable you to reduce owner dependency and ultimately build a more balanced and valuable business. These tips include:
Shift your mindset. Dr. Benjamin Hardy, an organizational psychologist and author, emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-impact activities and delegating the rest. In his book “Who Not How,” co-authored with Dan Sullivan, Hardy advocates for leveraging the expertise of others to achieve your goals. Instead of asking, “How can I do this?” ask, “Who can do this for me?” This shift encourages you to seek out capable team members or external experts who can take on tasks that drain your time and energy.
Focus on your unique ability. Identify the tasks only you can do and delegate the rest. For a hardware
Documenting your processes is crucial so that anyone can step in and manage the task seamlessly. Clear documentation makes delegation easier and ensures consistency and efficiency in operations.
store owner, this might mean focusing on strategic partnerships or highlevel business planning while delegating day-to-day operations to trusted employees. Hardy suggests concentrating on what you do best and letting others handle the rest can significantly enhance business performance and personal satisfaction.
Create standard operating procedures (SOPs). Documenting your processes is crucial. For instance, if you handle supplier orders, create a detailed SOP that outlines the steps, contacts, and timelines involved. This ensures that anyone can step in and manage the task seamlessly. Clear documentation makes delegation easier and ensures consistency and efficiency in operations. Delegate authority, not just tasks. Empowering your team with decision-making authority is essential if delegation is going to work. For
Training helps ensure your team has the skills and knowledge to handle their responsibilities effectively. Cole’s Hardware, based in Danville, Pa., regularly conducts employee training to help employees have confidence and knowledge to enhance customer experience.
example, an employee who is responsible for inventory management could be allowed to make purchasing decisions within a specified budget. This builds trust and reduces the need for your constant approval. By granting authority, you foster a sense of ownership and accountability among your team members.
(KPIs). Set measurable goals for your team and track their performance. For example, you could establish KPIs for sales targets, customer satisfaction, and inventory turnover. Regularly review these metrics to ensure your team is on track and identify areas for improvement. KPIs provide a clear framework for evaluating performance and can guide employees toward achieving business objectives. For more about KPIs,
see “How to Create Goals to Build Value” feature in the February 2024 issue of Hardware Connection magazine.
Invest in training. Ensure your team has the skills and knowledge to handle their responsibilities effectively. Regular training sessions and precise documentation of processes can empower your staff and build their confidence. Hardy’s insights stress the importance of investing in your team’s development, which, in turn, enhances their ability to take on more significant roles within the business.
When expanding your team, hire individuals with skills that complement yours. If you’re strong in customer relations but need to improve in financial management, consider hiring a finance manager. This ensures a well-rounded team capable of handling various aspects of the business. By building a diverse skill set within your team, you reduce the dependency on any individual, including yourself.
Here are just a few ways to get you thinking about what you can delegate to your team:
Traditionally, you might be the one placing orders, tracking stock levels,
and managing supplier relationships. Creating an SOP and delegating this task to a trusted employee can free up significant time. Implementing a cloudbased inventory management system can further streamline the process and provide real-time visibility into stock levels. This system allows employees to manage inventory efficiently, ensuring continuity even in their absence.
Customer Service: Customer complaints and inquiries can consume much of your time. Train a team member to handle these interactions effectively. Provide them with scripts for common issues, empower them to make decisions on returns or discounts, and ensure they can access a robust CRM system to track customer interactions. This approach reduces your workload and improves customer satisfaction through prompt and consistent service.
Rather than personally managing social media accounts and advertising campaigns, hire a marketing specialist or agency. Provide them with clear guidelines on your brand voice and objectives and set KPIs to measure their performance. Regular check-ins will keep you informed without requiring your constant involvement. Effective marketing drives traffic and sales, contributing to your business’ overall growth.
Taking a vacation without worrying about your hardware store’s operations clearly indicates a well-delegated, high-value business. I was continuously working toward the three-week vacation mark in all my businesses.
I knew my business was not dependent on me if I could take three weeks off to recharge, and everything worked like I never even left. And most of the time, it ran better when I was away. Not to mention my renewed vigor in taking the business to the next level.
You need a break—trust me. By reducing owner dependency through strategic delegation, you enhance your business value and improve your quality of life. Remember, the goal is to build a resilient, self-sustaining business that thrives, whether you’re on the salesfloor or soaking up some sun and surf during a well-deserved break. Start delegating today and watch your business—and your life—flourish. n
Tom Bronson is president of Mastery Partners, a consulting firm that helps business owners define and achieve their ideal dream exit. He is author of several books, including Maximize Business Value and the most recent Efficiency Amplified: Drive Business Value, published in March 2024.
Several resources can provide invaluable guidance to achieve effective business delegation and reduce owner dependency. Here are some highly recommended books and resources:
“Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
This book focuses on finding the right people (“who”) to accomplish tasks rather than figuring out how to do everything yourself. It provides practical advice on leveraging the strengths and expertise of others to achieve your goals, fostering a mindset shift essential for effective delegation.
“Efficiency Amplified: Drive Business Value” by Susan Fennema and Tom Bronson
Every business owner on the planet would love to have a wildly efficient operation. In addition to the obvious importance of high productivity, product or service quality and customer satisfaction, efficiency improves employee retention and engagement and removes key business risks. It also sets you—the owner—free from the time drain of day-to-day operations so you can focus on business growth. Perhaps the most important benefit of having an
efficient operation is that it can dramatically improve the value of the business!
“Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself” by Mike Michalowicz
This book offers a step-by-step approach to systematizing your business so that it can operate without your constant input. Michalowicz introduces concepts like the “Queen Bee Role” and the “Four Ds” (Doing, Deciding, Delegating, and Designing) to help business owners create a self-sustaining operation.
“Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman
This book introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive framework for running a successful business. It covers topics such as vision, data, process and people, and provides practical tools for delegation and accountability.
“The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber
Gerber’s classic book highlights the importance of working on your business rather than in it. He emphasizes the need for systems and processes for effective delegation and long-term success.
Above: At the JW Marriott on Marco Island, guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from watersports to golf—or just take it easy and relax on the beach or by the pool.
The Independent Home Improvement (IHI) Conference 2024 promises to be a remarkable event filled with insightful keynote presentations, valuable networking opportunities, and a celebratory atmosphere.
This August, the IHI will be held at the picturesque JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Fla. Scheduled for August 27-29, this event promises to bring together more than 600 independent retailers and 100 manufacturers, distributors, and channel partners. The conference, which is produced
by the North American Hardware and Paint Association in collaboration with The Hardware Conference, aims to foster networking, education, and celebration within the home improvement industry.
With keynote speakers such as Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. Al Comeaux and Arthur Greeno, attendees can be inspired and equipped with strategies for their business. The conference will host award ceremonies, including the Beacon Awards, Young Retailer of the Year and Top Gun Award.
Distributor sponsors Orgill and Do it Best will also host a beach bash celebration to recognize the hard work and dedication of independent retailers.
The IHI Conference features an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers who will share their insights and experiences, including:
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger—The inspiration behind the movie “Rudy,” Ruettiger, will share his motivational journey on August 29 at 3 p.m. His presentation, “Unleash Your Inner Rudy: Embrace Resilience & Make Every Second Count,” promises to inspire attendees to live with purpose and passion.
Al Comeaux—A former executive at Travelocity, GE, and American Airlines, Comeaux brings decades of experience in organizational change. He is the author of “Change (the) Management”
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who inspired the movie “Rudy,” will deliver his keynote address “Unleash Your Inner Rudy: Embrace Resilience & Make Every Second Count” on August 29.
and will discuss “Mastering Change: Cultivating Mindset for Lasting Success” on August 28 at 12:45 p.m., focusing on how AI drives change across industries.
Arthur Greeno—Greeno is a Chickfil-A restaurateur in Tulsa, Okla., who has built a successful business known for its exceptional company culture. He is also an author and philanthropist. Greeno’s keynote, “What’s in the Sauce? Customer Service Secrets from Chick-fil-A,” will be presented on August 29 at 12:30 p.m.
Food buffets, drinks, and locally themed, live music will be part of the Celebration of Independents on August 28, hosted by Orgill and sponsored by Do it Best.
A highlight of the conference will be the beach-themed Celebration of Independents on August 28, hosted by Orgill and sponsored by Do it Best. This evening event will follow a day packed with educational sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees can look forward to indoor and outdoor activities, food buffets, refreshing drinks, and locally themed, live music. It’s a perfect setting to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the company of industry friends.
“Independent retailers deserve to be celebrated, and we felt the IHI
Conference was the ideal place for us to hold an event like this,” says Boyden Moore, Orgill’s president and CEO. “It’s an event that is all about elevating independent retailers regardless of their affiliations, and this will be a celebration honoring that spirit.”
Do it Best President Dan Starr believes the IHI is a chance to recognize the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that defines independent retailers across North America.
“Independent retailers are the backbone of our communities, and their success is vital to the health of the home
improvement industry,” Starr says.
“The Independent Home Improvement Conference provides an excellent platform for learning, networking, and recognition, and we are thrilled to provide the music and entertainment at the Independents Celebration.”
The IHI Conference is not just about celebration but also about learning and growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of educational sessions designed to enhance their business operations and
strategies. From merchandising and supply chain management to customer engagement and sustainable practices, the sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by independent retailers.
The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida offers a wide range of recreational activities for hardware retailers and their families.
For water sports enthusiasts who want to explore the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico waters, there is paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing. Guests can also enjoy sailing or embark on guided eco-tours to discover the local marine life and vibrant ecosystems. For those looking to relax, the resort’s pristine white-sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing, while the beachside pool offers a cool escape with serene views, comfortable cabanas and easy access to delicious beverages.
Beyond the beach, the JW Marriott Marco Island boasts two championship golf courses designed by renowned architects, providing a challenging yet picturesque setting for golfers. The resort also features a state-ofthe-art fitness center and daily fitness classes, including yoga and Pilates. Additionally, the Spa by JW offers a range of luxurious treatments and wellness programs, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation. n
• Only 1-pound tanks certified by the Department of Transportation as legally and lawfully refillable and transportable.
• Reduces pollution by keeping disposable propane tanks out of landfills and the environment.
• Saves time with Refill Kit that makes for quick and easy refills at home or while camping.
• High-grade steel construction, exterior powder-coated and X-ray and hydrostatic testing to help ensure safety.
• Available in single cylinders, fourpacks and as part of Refill Kit.
• Able to be used in conjunction with Mr. Heater, Coleman, Weber and other similar outdoor-type applications.
• Refill costs only about $1 worth of propane.
• Able to be reused for years.
• Created with advanced lithium rechargeable technology. Can charge 10 times faster than conventional rechargeable batteries.
• Fast charging and can be fully charged in as little as 1 hour.
• Reduces waste compared to singleuse batteries, which includes transportation and plastic in manufacturing process.
• Available in standard sizes including 9-volt, AA, AAA, C, and D.
• Includes fast-charging USB-C port cable that can charge four batteries at once.
• Minimalist packaging is environmentally friendly.
• Each rechargeable AA battery can prevent up to 1,000 single-use batteries from being thrown away.
• Designed to provide steady, reliable power.
• Powerful, instant bonding adhesive and welding powder.
• Easy to use with non-clog nozzles that allow pin-point application of adhesive and welding powder.
• Ready to use out of the bottle with no messy mixing like epoxy-based adhesive.
• Will not dry out in the bottle and is guaranteed for 12 months.
• Can be used along or combined with RapidFix Welding Powder to fill cracks, holes and gaps.
• Bonds dry instantly and repair can be drilled, filed sanded or ground into any shape.
• Dries clear and bonds to almost anything, including leather, metal, plastics, and rubber.
• Available in countertop display of 12 10 ml packs.
for the Blind
• Built stronger than standard insect screens.
• Fine-wire design improves visibility for sharp, clear exterior views.
• Allows superior airflow while still providing insect protection.
• Suitable for fabrication in conventional screening applications such as windows, doors, and porches.
• Safe to use with pressure-treated lumber.
• Offers outstanding durability.
• Ideal for coastal applications.
• Standard widths available 36 inches to 60 inches, and standard roll length 25 feet to 100 feet.
• Made with high-quality coated polyester webbing.
• Durable and resists wear and abrasion while also resisting water absorption and freezing.
• Strap can handle tough weather conditions and daily flatbed operations.
• Efficient ratcheting design allows for quicker operation and can reduce tensioning time up to 33 percent.
• Pair of durable, 2.5-inch flat hooks on either end of the strap make it easy to securely attach the strap to anchor points.
• Plant-based, non-toxic, odorless solution with USDA Certified 96 percent bio-based ingredients.
• Three times the lubricating power of the leading petroleum brand.
• Uses include mechanics and automotive purposes, outdoor gear, bicycles, home repairs, small electronics, and parts.
• Two-way nozzle is easy to use.
• Safe around kids and pets.
• Apply to moving parts to restore smooth operation.
• Available in 3-ounce and 11-ounce sizes.
• Flat hooks feature edge guards in the web slots to prevent wear and abrasion to the webbing.
• Black powder-coat finish protects the hardware from rust and corrosion.
• Hardware complies with WSTDA T-1 standards and meets or exceeds WSTDA T-4 standards.
• Custom lengths and a wide variety of end hardware available.
An advanced QR code based on GS1 (Global Standards) and a recent judicial ruling on credit card swipe fees are poised to significantly impact hardware retailers. The innovative QR code, unveiled at the Global DIY Summit this past June in Rome, can be scanned at sales counters to link customers to videos and product information, and to assist in inventory tracking. Meanwhile, Judge Margo Brodie of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York rejected a $30 billion swipe-fees settlement between Mastercard, Visa and retailers, stating it failed to address retailers’ concerns over high fees.
• In June, Nation’s Best continued its growth by acquiring Reece’s Building Supply in Narrows, Va., which is its second Virginia location. Later in the month, Nation’s Best increased its location count to 59 when it acquired Big Bear Hardware in La Vernia, Texas.
• Milwaukie Ace Hardware in Milwaukie, Ore., hosted a grand opening on June 6. Milwaukie Ace is part of Broadway Hardware Group, which has locations in Oregon and Washington state.
For hardware retailers, these developments could bring substantial operational improvements and financial relief. The new QR codes are designed to enhance customer engagement and streamline inventory management, providing a seamless shopping experience and reducing overstock and waste.
On the financial front, Judge Brodie’s rejection of the settlement likely means that Mastercard and Visa will need to make more substantial concessions. This legal path could help retailers by lowering operating costs and fostering a fairer competitive environment, particularly for small businesses that are disproportionately affected by high fees.
Milwaukie Ace Hardware in Milwaukie, Ore., hosted a grand opening in June.
Furys Ferry Hardware in Martinez, Ga., celebrated its grand opening.
• On June 13, Furys Ferry Hardware celebrated a grand opening in Martinez, Ga.
• McCoy’s Building Supply opened its new location in Lockhart, Texas, on July 8 with a week-long celebration including giveaways, free food and a board-cutting event.
• Rio Rancho True Value in Rio Rancho, N.M., recently announced it will be opening a second location in fall 2024 called Rio Rancho True Value North in the Enchanted Hills area of Rio Rancho.
• Gillman Do it Best Home Centers, based in Batesville, Ind., acquired Goecker Building Supplies, a building materials supplier with locations in North Vernon and Seymour. Gillman now has 18 locations throughout central Indiana and southwest Ohio.
• Expanding its location count to 87, R.P. Lumber Co. acquired Thorne Lumber Company, an independently owned retailer of hardware and building materials with three locations in the northwestern part of Missouri in Chillicothe, Cameron and Plattsburg.
Runnings is acquiring Home of Economy.
• Sunshine Ace Hardware, with 10 locations throughout the southwest Florida coast, is planning to open a new location in early 2025 at Pelican Bay in Naples, Fla., near where the company was founded 65 years ago.
• LeNoble Lumber in Long Island City, New York, opened its new, 200,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in Edison, N.J., in June.
• Englewood, Colo.-based Kodiak Building Partners has acquired Minnesota-based Simonson Lumber, a Century Club member founded in 1913 and based in St. Cloud, Minn., which has a corporate office, five lumberyard locations and a distribution center.
• Runnings, which is based in Marshall, Minn., has entered into an agreement to purchase Home of Economy, an 85-year-old, familyowned company with eight stores in North Dakota. This addition will expand Runnings to 90 locations in 12 states from New York to Montana.
• Lugbill Supply Center in Archbold, Ohio, acquired Affiliated Lumber in Swanton, Ohio.
• Westlake Ace Hardware made several recent news announcements. The company plans to open
a new store during the fourth quarter of 2024 in San Leandro, Calif. Ace Hardware of Simi Valley hosted a grand opening May 30. Ace Hardware of San Jose in San Jose, Calif., had a grand opening board cutting on June 17. Ace Hardware of Glendale in Kansas City, Mo., hosted grand opening events June 28. Ace Hardware of Placentia in Kansas City, Mo., had a grand opening board cutting on July 8.
• Owners Jay and Janell Yohner announced plans to open Pioneer Building Supply in Martin, S.D., at the former True Value Hardware location in October 2023.
• Mains Hardware Supply in Kenner, La., had a grand opening this past May 22.
• Auburn’s Ace Hardware in Auburn, Calif., will be moving into a larger space during the fourth quarter 2024 after owners Darek and Carrie Borba purchased a former Rite Aid Pharmacy.
• Century Club retailer Harrison Lumber hosted a grand reopening in May at its newly renovated and expanded store in Harrison, Mich.
• Christina and Jason Hamlin, owners of Broadview True Value in Broadview, Ill., unveiled the store’s new look with a grand opening this past May.
• Do it Best Foundation’s Fore the Cause charity golf tournament in
June raised more than $1 million to support youth enrichment and health nonprofit initiatives. This one-day event was hosted at four golf courses in the Fort Wayne, Ind., area and included about 500 participants.
• Koopman Lumber celebrated the first anniversary of its Dennis, Mass., location with a chainsaw and boardcutting event. Koopman Lumber’s Uxbridge paint store also celebrated its first anniversary, and the company recently opened a store in Pembroke, Mass. Koopman now has 13 locations including two distribution centers.
• Cindi Pritchett, floor supervisor at Westlake Ace Hardware in Tulsa., Okla., received the company’s Helpful Hearts award, which recognizes associates who unexpectedly and passionately serve others in their communities.
• Zippo Manufacturing Company and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store in Bradford, Pa., has been named the 2024 PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship Champion Awards winner in the Great Places category. The award recognizes those who made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation and nature tourism economy.
• Wehrung’s Cares, a non-profit charitable organization affiliated with Ottsville, Pa.-based Wehrung’s,
a Do it Best member, has donated $5,000 to the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) to purchase cordless power tools, which will help students prepare for construction industry jobs.
• Don and Jackie Jevne, owners of Morrison True Value in Morrison, Ill., celebrated the store’s 50th anniversary this past month.
• Anslum Hudlin of Waco, Texas has been named Driver of the Year for the Ryder Dedicated Transportation Solutions business unit of Ryder System. Hudlin drives for Do it Best through Ryder. Hudlin has a 43-year driving career with about 3.8 million miles on the road. Driver of the Year honorees were chosen for their exemplary safety, performance, and customer service throughout their careers.
hired Steve Schulz as the senior territory sales manager covering the Midwest. Also, the company hired John Chadwick as the senior territory sales manager covering Long Island.
• The Bryan, Ohio-based SPAX Engineered Fasteners recently announced three new hires, including Jim Nicholson as a territory representative; Stephanie Feyen as an ecommerce manager; and Hayden Doehrmann, as a digital marketing content specialist.
• US LBM named Russell Tiejema executive vice president and chief financial officer of the company. Tiejema succeeds Patrick McGuiness, who retired last year.
• Do it Best brought on Chris Okapal as director of business development, who will oversee initiatives to expand the co-op’s reach and foster partnerships with members.
Chris Okapal
• Ace Hardware Corp. announced changes to the company’s board of directors following its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including electing member directors Megan Hamilton and James (Jimmy) Nichols to their first term on the board. Hamilton is co-owner of Ace Hardware & Home Center in Portales, N.M. Nichols is president and COO of Houchens Food Group, which operates 45 Ace stores.
• Hancock Lumber, based in Casco, Maine, hired Mark Smith as the general manager of its Damariscotta, Maine, location.
• Tando Composites, a cladding and shingles manufacturer, has
• House-Hasson Hardware announced its Fall Dealer Market will move to a new location at the Charlotte Convention Center in
Charlotte, N.C., October 10-12. The Knoxville, Tenn.-based distributor also finalized the deal to acquire Bostwick-Braun on June 28.
• By the end of 2024, True Value will end operations at its regional distribution center in Manchester, N.H. Also, the company’s distribution center in Denver will transition to a storage and inter-company transfer facility and no longer service retailers.
• US LBM has acquired RAKS
Building Supply, a building products supplier based in Los Lunas, N.M, with five locations in Albuquerque including a truss manufacturing facility. US LBM also recently purchased Automated Products Inc., a manufacturer of structural building components in Marshfield, Wis.
Do it Best distribution and office complex in Woodburn, Ore.
• Do it Best completed construction of its expanded distribution and office complex in Woodburn, Ore., and the company anticipates outfitting and automation will be complete by the end of the year.
• During the 2024 Blade Show in Atlanta this past June, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company announced a partnership with Texasbased custom knife craftsman Bill
Ruple to create the Bill Ruple x Case Axe Handle™.
• This past May, Century Club manufacturer Marshalltown, based in Marshalltown, Iowa, acquired Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Company, also a Century Club hand tool manufacturer, based in Hebron, Ill.
• Pamela Munson Ryan English, 78, passed away May 4; she had owned Ryan True Value Hardware in Alexandria, La.
• LaRayne M. Halligan, 82, of Ord, Neb., passed away on May 2. LaRayne and husband Douglas owned Coast to Coast Hardware, which later became True Value Hardware in Ord.
• Lloyd James “Jim” King, 88, of Montezuma, Ohio, passed away June 27. He was the former owner of King’s True Value in Union City, Winchester and Ft. Recovery.
• Mary Therese (Geenen) Maulick, 93, passed away July 9. She and her late husband, Mike, owned True Value Hardware in Appleton, Wis.
• Owner of Nichols Hardware in Purcellville, Va., Kenneth Evans Nichols, 94, of Purcellville, Va., passed away on June 24.
• Mary Samuels Saunders, 92, passed away June 4. She and her late husband, Glenn, were the owners of Saunders True Value Hardware in Reidsville, N.C.
Ace Hardware Fall Convention
August 8-10, McCormick Place, Chicago
Emery-Jensen Edge
August 8-10, McCormick Place, Chicago
Florida Hardware Dealer Market
August 2-3, Ocean Center Convention Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Independent Home Improvement Conference
August 27-29, JW Marriott Marco
Island Beach Resort, Marco Island, Fla.
Orgill Fall 2024 Online Buying Event
August 5-18
Blish-Mize Fall Customer Buying Market
September 12-14, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kan.
Do it Best Fall 2024 Market
September 6-9, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
Horizon Distribution Fall Expo 2024
September 11-12, Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, Wash.
True Value Fall Reunion
September 9-11, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.,
House-Hasson Hardware Fall Dealer Market
October 10-12, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C.
LBM Advantage Fall Planning Conference
October 28-30, Encore Boston, Boston LMC Expo
October 23-25, Philadelphia
Wallace Hardware Fall Dealer Market
October 2-3, Sevierville Convention Center, Sevierville, Tenn.
ECI’s Connect Conference
November 11-13, Gaylord Texan
Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
Hardlines Distribution Alliance Executive Planning Conference
November 19-21, Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Ariz.
Orgill Winter Online Buying Event
November 4-17
Nebraska BLD Connection Conference
December 11, Embassy Suites, La Vista, Neb.
Upper left: This well-lit and deeply merchandised cleaning aisle at Jono Ace Hardware in Jonestown, Pa, provides a deep cleaning product selection in addition to brooms, brushes, and buckets.
Lower left: Attuned to seasonal outdoor cleaning needs, Frentz & Sons Hardware in Royal Oak, Mich., creates an outdoor cleaner display geared toward homeowners who need to clean and repair their driveways. On the store’s website, a page is dedicated to tips for driveway cleaning and repair.
Right: Alongside this endcap of 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner at Douglasville Ace Hardware in Douglasville, Ga., the store has brushes, mops, and sponges handy as add-on sales items.
In 2024, about 3.2 million homes had solar panels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Ensuring that solar panels are clean can improve their efficiency and energy output. Dust and other particles accumulating on the surface of solar panels can lead to what’s called “soiling,” which can cause energy loss.
Regular cleaning of solar panels helps to maintain their performance by removing dirt and debris that reduce their ability to absorb sunlight. In areas with low rainfall, where natural cleaning by rain is insufficient, manual cleaning can be particularly beneficial. One example: Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory indicates that in places like California’s Central Valley, where dust accumulation is high and rainfall is low, it is economically sensible to clean solar panels more than once a year.
Manufacturers have addressed this niche with cleaning products. For example, Ettore offers products including the squeegee, washer pole combo; Backflip; REACH Pole Conversion Pole; and Aquaclean.
Above: Ettore’s Aquaclean is a water-fed carbon fiber pole that provides rigidity at long lengths and an outer tube for strength when fully retracted.
Below: This Ettore multi-tool is a squeegee and scrubber, which can be easily flipped for different uses.
Hardware store parking lots are where communities gather to share delicious meals and sweet treats. Does your store host a fun food truck with tasty food? Send a picture to doug@thehardwareconnection.com.
Hardware stores sponsor just about everything from Little League baseball teams and bowling teams to fireworks shows. Two stores found new, creative ways to offer sponsorships in their communities. Nyberg Ace Hardware in Sioux Falls, S.D., recently began sponsorship of Augustana University’s newest goodwill ambassador, Ace the Augie Doggie, a one-year-old golden retriever.
Introduced this past May, Ace has quickly become a popular pup on campus. Previously, the school’s mascot was a person in an Augie Doggie suit, but Ace is now the university’s real, live furry companion that interacts with 2,000 students and faculty while participating in campus activities. Ace also visits local
Kevin Nyberg, owner of Nyberg Ace Hardware in Sioux Falls, S.D., believes his store’s sponsorship of Augustana University’s newest goodwill ambassador, Ace the Augie Doggie, boosts community engagement.
retirement communities, attends sporting events, and is a regular at Nyberg Ace-sponsored events.
Ace has even become a recruiting tool, attracting prospective students excited about a health and wellness support dog on campus.
Kevin Nyberg, CEO and owner of Nyberg’s Ace, highlights the marketing benefits: “Ace has not only become a family friend but also an effective marketing tool for Nyberg’s Ace.”
The retailer recently hosted the pooch at its monthly Kid’s Club event and
developed a coloring book featuring him, created by Augustana Art Students.
Nyberg adds, “We are thrilled to be part of this initiative. The revival of the Augie Doggie mascot tradition feels authentic with Ace.”
With six lumberyard locations in northern California, Big Creek Lumber launched the School Garden Bed Grant Program in 2016 to address a growing need for educational gardens. Since its inception, the program has annually awarded 10 grants to local schools, providing them with garden bed kits each spring.
Eligible schools within 25 miles of a Big Creek Lumber location can apply each fall. Selected schools receive garden kits that include redwood lumber from Big Creek Lumber, fasteners from Midwest Fasteners, and tools from Orgill. These kits allow schools to immediately set up gardens where students learn about construction, agriculture, and healthy eating habits.
To date, 82 schools have benefited, fostering hands-on learning and environmental stewardship among students. The program is just one example of Big
Upper left: Ace interacts with 2,000 students and faculty while participating in campus activities, and he also visits local retirement communities, attends sporting events, and is a regular at Nyberg Ace-sponsored events.
Upper right: Participating schools receive garden kits that include redwood lumber from Big Creek Lumber, fasteners from Midwest Fasteners, and tools from Orgill.
Lower right: By building and maintaining gardens, students enhance their understanding of where food comes from and develop healthier eating habits.
Creek Lumber’s commitment to community engagement and education. Through the gardens, students engage directly with gardening, enhancing their understanding of where food comes from and promoting healthy lifestyles. n
Since 2020, 178 truss and related component manufacturing facilities have been bought, sold, or built new, according to Webb Analytics. In the first half of this year, three were opened and 13 purchased.
8.8%
During the first five months of 2024, construction spending amounted to $836.3 billion or 8.8 percent more than during the same period in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
$16.1 million
The average sales volume per truss manufacturing facility was $16.1 million in 2023.
15.3%
During the past three years, the truss manufacturing industry has grown at an annual rate of 15.3 percent, according to Research and Markets.
63.1%
The majority (63.1 percent) of respondents to an Association of Professional Builders survey said that they primarily target new home construction, compared to 36.9 percent that are more dedicated to remodeling.
39.3%
Most of the respondents (39.3 percent) in the recent Association of Professional Builders survey said on average they start one to five projects per year. A little less than one-third, 29.4 percent, said they start six to 12 projects per year. n
