Lindsey Thompson

Do it Best has hired Curtis Smith as the new executive director of the Do it Best Foundation. In this role, Smith will focus on building the foundation’s impact and presence in the communities it serves.

Marking over 50 years in the independent home improvement channel, Keith Genter, owner of Crest Hardware & Supply Co. in San Francisco, received the Estwing Golden Hammer Award. The Estwing Golden Hammer is given to any retailer who hits 50 years of service in the industry.

TAL Building Centers has named Gaven Gregory as its vice president of operations for the east. Gregory brings extensive leadership experience in retail and business operations, having held key roles at Valley Wide Cooperative, True Value Company and The Home Depot.

R.P. Lumber Co. Inc. plans to acquire Guyot Lumber & Hardware, an independently owned retailer of hardware, lumber and building materials in Perryville, Missouri. The transaction, scheduled to close on Nov.1 marks R.P. Lumber ’s eighth acquisition this year and its first location in Perry County, Missouri.

Koelnmesse and dmg events have partnered for a strategic joint venture that will expand the Saudi Arabian hardware industry—the International Hardware Show Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, Nov. 4, True Value sent a notification to vendors and retailers, stating that it was temporarily suspending its drop ship program to remain focused on primary business during the bankruptcy case and sale to Do it Best. (In full disclosure, NHPA, which publishes Hardware Retailing and Paint & Decorating Retailer magazines, is a vendor of True Value and received this letter.)

On Monday, Nov. 4, True Value sent a notification to vendors and retailers, stating that it was temporarily suspending its drop ship program.

Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, died Monday at the age of 95.

The Merit Distribution Group LLC announced the promotion of its current president, Geff Lynch, to CEO. Lynch will now be responsible for all aspects of Lancaster’s paint sundry distribution operation and the EJ Welch flooring businesses. A 38-year plus industry veteran, Lynch joined Lancaster after its acquisition of GMG Distributing, formerly based in San Leandro, California, where he held the role of VP of sales and marketing.

In the third quarter of 2024, Ace Hardware marked record revenues of $2.4 billion, an increase of 2.8% from the third quarter of 2023. Grilling, power tools and outdoor power equipment showed the largest gains.