Lowe’s top entrepreneur measures up
After thousands of unique product submissions and a few pitch meetings later, 2021’s “Making It… With Lowe’s” top supplier is Thomas K. Barnhill, a U.S. Marine veteran, and inventor of QuikSizer Instant Diameter Gauge.
“Originally stemming from a product created for jewelers to help size clients’ fingers, Barnhill realized there was a larger market for a similar tool that could quickly size round objects such as nuts, bolts, pipe and tubing. So, he created the QuikSizer. The product features both standard and metric scales and is verified to a certified machinist pin for accuracy,” the retailer said.
Before Barnhill landed in the top spot, he was one of thousands of diverse small businesses who submitted their product pitches to Lowe’s.
As submissions were narrowed down, suppliers were invited to meet with members of Lowe's merchandising team to be considered for even more promotion and support.
Of those 14 suppliers, five were chosen by Lowe’s executives to pitch at the program’s finale, hosted by “The People’s Shark” Daymond John. Fans also had the opportunity to choose their favorite supplier by voting online, giving another entrepreneur the opportunity to join the top five at the final round.
When Lowe’s asked Barnhill what having the opportunity to sell QuikSizer in Lowe’s stores and online means to him, his response: “Business growth as a pathway to creating more job opportunities.”
Lowe’s said it will help Barnhill reach his goal and bring the QuikSizer to its customers both in stores and online.