NHPA’s Taking Care of Business

Staying on Top of the Supply Chain - Episode 76

In this episode of the "Taking Care of Business" podcast, guest host and NHPA associate editor Lindsey Thompson sits down with Jared Brown, senior analyst for Aubuchon Hardware, and Mark Garland, president and CEO of 4R Systems. Jared and Mark share the journey the two companies have taken together to improve Aubuchon's inventory management systems and how fellow retailers can navigate current issues with supply chain and inventory management.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

NHPA Previews NHS, Looks Back on Ohio Road Trip - Episode 75

In today's episode, NHPA's Melanie Moul talks with National Hardware Show event vice president Beth Casson about the show highlights, which takes place in Las Vegas Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2023. To learn more about the National Hardware Show, go to nationalhardwareshow.com. Then, NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon discusses an NHPA On the Road trip to Ohio from over the summer with NHPA associate editor Lindsey Thompson and graphic designer Olivia Adam. Together they talk about the stand-out moments and highlights from Hartville Hardware, Summit Paint and E&H Hardware. They also chat about their tour of the Wooster Brush Company headquarters. To learn more about NHPA On the Road, visit YourNHPA.org/on-the-road.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Maine Retailer Talks 178 Years of Business - Episode 74

Listen to Renee Changnon, NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist, and Clara Collins, operations manager of S.W. Collins Co., as Collins discusses her family's 178-year-old five-store lumber and hardware business in Maine. The two talk about being the sixth generation in the business, the family's continued focus on bettering the community and how the team works to attract and retain employees.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Inventory Management, Supply Chain and More With CNRG - Episode 73

On this episode, Dan has a conversation with two leaders at Central Network Retail Group (CNRG): David Mills, EVP of Operations; and Phillip Helms, SVP of Supply Chain. CNRG is a multi-format, multi-brand retailer operating 144 hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout 16 states in the U.S. The three talk about inventory management, supply chain issues, discuss pricing and more.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

NHPA Tours the International Hardware Show - Episode 72

Come along as NHPA associate editor Lindsey Thompson recaps her visit to the 2022 EISENWAREMESSE International Hardware Fair, held in Cologne, Germany. She shares the trends and hottest products coming out of the show and her experience catching up with several Retailers' Choice Award winners and meeting show director Matthias Becker.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

True Value Leaders Talk Reunion Takeaways - Episode 71

In this episode of Taking Care of Business, NHPA's communications and content manager Melanie Moul sat down at the True Value Reunion in Denver with Jake Kalnitz, senior vice president of merchandising, inventory and pricing, and Eric Lane, senior vice president of sales, to hear behind-the-scenes details about Reunion and all the biggest takeaways. They share the benefits of a live show, the company's relationship with its vendors and much more.

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Spectrum Paint President Talks Expansion - Episode70

In this episode, NHPA staffers Renee Changnon and Melanie Moul have a conversation with Travis Detter, president of Spectrum Paint Company, which he co-founded in 1986. The company has grown to over 600 employees with 92 stores in 10 states (and growing), making it the largest independent paint dealer in the United States. Melanie also has a conversation with Grant Farnsworth of the Farnsworth Group and HIRI. The two chat all about what retailers can expect in the home improvement industry heading into the final quarter of the year.

 

Music Credits:
"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Gina Schaefer Discusses “Recovery Hardware” and Community - Episode 69

In this episode of Taking Care of Business, Dan and Renee have a conversation with Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, a chain of 12 hardware stores in the mid-Atlantic. Gina talks about her memoir, "Recovery Hardware: A Nuts and Bolts Story About Building a Business, Restoring a Community, and Renovating Lives,” her experiences hiring employees who are in recovery from addiction and the rewarding experience of giving second chances. Learn more about the writing experience, her inspiration for the book and how retailers can apply her hiring practices in their own operations. To pre-order the book, which will be available on Sept. 1, visit recoveryhardware.com.

 

Music Credits:

"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Insights into the Canadian Market With Hardlines’ Michael McLarney - Episode 68

On this episode, Dan has a conversation with Michael McLarney, founder and president of Hardlines, Inc. The two talk all about the 26th Annual Hardlines Conference, which will take place in Ontario, Canada, Oct. 18-19. They also talk about the differences and similarities between Canadian and U.S. retailers, what factors are impacting our members north of the border and more.

 

Music Credits:

"Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Recognizing the 2022 Young Retailer of the Year Honorees - Episode 67

On this episode of the podcast, Dan Tratensek and Scott Wright discuss the 2022 Young Retailer of the Year program and the eight honorees. This program identifies the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement and paint retailers who are 35 years of age or younger throughout the U.S., its territories and Canada. Learn more about each honoree and their operation at YourNHPA.org/yroty.