Unveiled: the January issue of HBSDealer
Highlights from the playbook of Kodiak Building Partners are featured in the latest issue of HBSDealer, which is now available in a digital format.
The January issue cover story: “Kodiak Moments,” shares insights from the fast-growing industry consolidator, gleaned from interviews with CEO Steve Swinney and other members of the Kodiak braintrust. Swinney, who describes himself as a “finance guy,” had this to say about the due diligence process: “Due diligence to me is much more about the operations and the culture than it is about the numbers.”
The cover feature, which begins on page 16, also includes thoughts from Chairman Paul Hylbert and the newly named VP of Continuous Improvement Scott Morrison.
Also in the January issue, a “Legendary Hammer Strikes Again,” a rundown of the products that earned recognition as “Golden Hammer” award winners. Based on innovation, value and shelf appeal, these best new products are on display beginning on page 22.
The Golden program has evolved over the years – in the early 1980s, it even recognized the best of home center television commercials. Earlier in this century, giants of the industry were recognized with Golden Hammers in the “Retailer of the Year” category. In 2019, the Golden Hammers roared back to life, establishing a system and criteria to identify products deserving of the title, thus reviving the best-of-the-best tradition.
Editors sifted through a record number of entries in this year’s program.
Elsewhere in the digital issue:
• Independent Profile: Woodstock Hardware in upstate New York sets the stage for two sons to grow up in the family hardware business;
• How Lowe’s plans to thwart retail crime at the point of purchase, through a low-cost RFID application that “unlocks” an item at checkout.
• Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply: Marianne Thompson, chief commercial officer at Home Hardware, celebrates and promotes authenticity.
• Regulatory news: The National Association of Home Builders has concerns over a recent ruling dealing with the Clean Waters Act.
• People News, Product News, and the Quikrete Industry Dashboard.
