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NHPA senior editor Lindsey Thompson shares key takeaways and insights from her trip to NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show held in New York City. From technology to the customer experience, Lindsey also chats with retailer Adam Gunnett from Busy Beaver Home Improvement Centers about his show highlights. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, Melanie Moul, communications and content manager for NHPA leads a discussion with Dan Tratensek, COO of NHPA and Grant Farnsworth, president of the Farnsworth Group and Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) about the state of the home improvement industry. They discuss their predictions of what retailers can expect in 2023 and what retailers should focus on as the year progresses. Also, get a sneak peek into the National Hardware Show with insights from event vice president Beth Casson. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

To wrap up the year, Renee Changnon, NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist, highlights five of the most popular episodes of the Taking Care of Business podcast from 2022. Tune in to hear clips from these episodes featuring wholesale leaders and industry experts. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

On this episode of the podcast, Dan has a conversation with Geff Lynch, president of Lancaster, a paint sundry supplier that services more than 10,000 independent paint stores, national and regional paint chains, hardware stores and home centers. The two discuss the importance for retailers to have an online presence. They also talk about the supply chain and the paint industry overall.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

As Pedrotti Ace Hardware celebrates 100 years in business, owner Gene Pedrotti talks with associate editor Lindsey Thompson about the store's storied history and long-time involvement in the community.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, podcast producer and retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon has a conversation with Walker Tanner of Tanner Paint Co. in Tampa, Florida. The two discuss his business, which has been owned and operated by his family since 1933. Walker also discusses his love of the independent paint industry and his plans to open a second location.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, Dan has a conversation with Todd Gatesy, the general manager of U.S. dealer and retail for PPG’s Architectural Coatings business. They talk about how the past few years have impacted the paint industry, new product lines coming from PPG and the future of the industry as a whole. Dan also chats with Brett Polachek, the national account manager with Sakrete. The company recently launched a partnership program with NHPA called Building a Strong Foundation. The program is intended to assist NHPA in developing young leaders for the independent retail channel.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Listen to the 2022 NHPA Top Guns Award winners take the stage in a panel discussion at the NHPA All-Industry Conference. Hear their business best practices, their insights into competing as independents and how they are creating operations that attract customers and top talent.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, we welcome back Do it Best President and CEO Dan Starr to the podcast to talk about growth in the industry, the importance of markets combining a virtual and in-person presence and more.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this episode of the podcast, Dan has a conversation with Mark Lipton, a thought leader in the independent paint and hardware retailing channels. As a former independent paint retailer, Lipton shares his thoughts on the industry today. He also talks about his history of writing and creating content through his blog, podcast and vlog, as well as sharing about the consultation services he provides the industry.    Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere