Taking Care of Business with Dan Tratensek

The National Hardware Show's VIP attendee manager, Joelle Cohn, sat down with NHPA's COO Dan Tratensek to chat all things NHS, including highlights from the show and what's coming up next.

Dan Tratensek, North American Hardware and Paint Association COO, sat down for an exclusive interview with True Value president Dent Johnson, who openly answered a range of questions, sharing how the leadership teams are navigating the challenges of the acquisition and providing insights on what the future holds for both companies.

Join the conversation between NHPA's Melanie Moul and Dave King, executive director of the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) as they discuss highlights from Q2, how HIRI has adjusted it's projections for the year and the latest data on female DIYers.

On this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA's COO and publisher Dan Tratensek joins Joelle Cohn, industry relations manager for the National Hardware Show, live from the NHS show floor to share highlights of the show and what attendees can look forward to in 2025.

On this episode, NHPA's Melanie Moul has a conversation with Dave King, executive director for the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) about how the industry fared in Q4 2023 and what's to come in 2024. To learn more about HIRI and upcoming research initiatives, visit hiri.org.

On this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA's Melanie Moul talks to Frank Glowacki, director of product management for primers for the Zinsser brand. They discuss the brand's 175-year commitment to delivering reliable product performance across its innovative line of primers, paints and coatings. Learn more at zinsser.com.

On this episode, NHPA's Melanie Moul talks to Chris Warp, president of Flex-O-Glass, to learn more about the pioneers of plastic and to celebrate the company's century of operations. Learn about the company's innovative product lines that are Made in USA, and its commitment to helping independent retailers stand out in their markets. Learn more at flexoglass.com.   Music Credits "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this episode, reflect on 2023 and celebrate (with caution) what's to come in 2024 with NHPA's Melanie Moul and Dan Tratensek. They discuss the highlights and challenges of the previous year and review some of the data from the 2024 Market Measure Report.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, NHPA's Melanie Moul has a conversation with Dave King, executive director for the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI). Listen as the two talk about some of the key data points that stood out in the industry during 2023 and where King sees consumer spending heading for the home improvement industry in 2024. To learn more about HIRI, visit hiri.org. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode, NHPA staffers take time to show their gratitude for our members, industry partners, each other and the independent home improvement industry as a whole. Are you grateful for anything you'd like to share? Let us know on social media or send an email to nhpa@yournhpa.org. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere "'Just Do (Instrumental)" by Arch Tremors "Give Me All Your Love (Instrumental)" by Loving Caliber

With a record 11 retailers, this year's class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees proves the future of the independent channel is in good hands. In this episode, the final in the five-episode series, we'll meet Matt Lambert and John Luhring and hear how innovation will be a key driving the industry and independent channel. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

With a record 11 retailers, this year's class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees proves the future of the independent channel is in good hands. In this episode, the fourth in the five-episode series, we'll meet Jessica Talerico and Zane Watkins, who dive into the importance of supporting your local communities. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

With a record 11 retailers, this year's class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees proves the future of the independent channel is in good hands. In this episode, the third in the five-episode series, we'll meet Austin Diehl and Katie Prus and hear about the ways they want to improve their operations and better serve customers.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

With a record 11 retailers, this year's class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees proves the future of the independent channel is in good hands. In this episode, the second in the five-episode series, we'll meet Scott Fines and Michael Gleason Jr., who have both followed in their family's footsteps while building careers of their own.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

With a record 11 retailers, this year's class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees proves the future of the independent channel is in good hands. In this episode, the first of a five-episode series, we'll get acquainted with Travis Hellvig, Ryan Clouse and Dalton Meny, who look at the biggest challenges and opportunities for the industry.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

At the 2023 NHPA Independents Conference, NHPA's chief operating officer and publisher Dan Tratensek cast a vision for the future of the industry and independent channel in his state of the industry presentation. In this episode, listen to highlights from the presentation and how unity is key to strength in the channel. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

It's hard to believe fall is just around the corner and with that comes another round of wholesaler, co-op and industry trade shows. Whether this is your first or 40th show, NHPA's retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon talks about her favorite aspects of market season and offers tips on how you can make your next event the most productive and fun one yet. Whether you're most excited to find new products, connect with industry friends, score market-exclusive deals or looking forward to enjoying time away from the business, there are so many ways to make the most of your time. Share your thoughts with Renee at rchangnon@yournhpa.org. And make sure to come say hi to her and her NHPA colleagues at our booths this fall.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA retail training editor Jess Tillman weaves a narrative describing the careers of two industry leaders, Marty Ellison, director of retail operations for Miller Hardware Co., and Josiah Gates, chief operations officer of The Aubuchon Company. Discover how each has made their way through the hardware industry and what challenges they have faced. You'll also learn how they are helping create culturally minded careers for potential new employees for their businesses and the industry as a whole. Music Credits: "Melting Glass" by Eden Avery "Leaf" by Infinity Ripple "Midnight Textures" by Silver Maple "Capture This" by Alec Slayne

Hear from NHPA Top Guns honoree Scott Summers, president of Hartville Hardware & Lumber, and his brother Gary Sommers and cousin Zach Coblentz as they share how they honor their family's legacy of innovation and a desire to serve customers and the community. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Hear from 2023 NHPA Top Guns honoree TJ Colson and learn more about his career journey from part-time warehouse employee to now president of Wilco Stores. He shares the lessons he's learned about the importance of developing a strong company culture, being willing to evolve and embrace change and building into your employees. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

As the third-generation of the Hassett family to lead Hassett Hardware, Eric Hassett is building on the history of service, culture and innovation the company is known for in the Bay Area. Hear from Hassett, a 2023 Top Guns honoree, on how technology and customer service intersect in the company and why company culture is a major key to the operation's successes. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon talks with Jared Hotop, vice president of retail operations, and Petrina Jannin, human resources director, for Buchheits, a farm and home company with 20 locations in five states. Learn about how NHPA's Kim Peffley was able to help the company develop an engaged team from top to bottom. In the episode, they share practical tips on how to use Everything DiSC® assessments to support organizational growth and development. Do you want to learn more about how to incorporate Everything DiSC® in your operation? Contact NHPA's Kim Peffley at kpeffley@yournhpa.org or visit YourNHPA.org/development/everything-disc/. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon chats with Jeremy Melnick, vice president of hardware and facilities at JC Licht and former co-owner of Gordon's Ace Hardware. Jeremy shares the lessons he learned during the process of selling his seven store chain to JC Licht in 2022 and offers advice for preparing for business transition, whether that's now or many years down the road.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA senior editor Lindsey Thompson sits down with Luke Vander Linden, one of the speakers for the 2023 NHPA Independents Conference this August in Dallas. Luke, vice president of membership and marketing for Retail & Hospitality ISAC, shares cybersecurity best practices for keeping your operation protected online. If you're looking to find ways to integrate technology into your business, you will not want to miss the NHPA Independents Conference in Dallas Aug. 2-3. Go to YourNHPA.org/Conference to learn more and register today to take $400 off your ticket price! Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

Listen in on NHPA senior editor Lindsey Thompson's conversation with digital strategist Chris Hood, one of the keynote speakers for the 2023 NHPA Independents Conference being held this August in Dallas. They talk about Chris' storied and exciting career in the movie, TV and music industries, and Chris gives a sneak peek of his keynote presentation and the concept of digital acceleration. Listen Now. If you're looking to find ways to integrate technology into your business, you will not want to miss the NHPA Independents Conference in Dallas Aug. 2-3. Go to YourNHPA.org/Conference to learn more and register today to take $400 off your ticket price! Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of "The Taking Care of Business" podcast, NHPA senior editor Lindsey Thompson chats with former Amazon exec John Rossman on the lessons he learned from his time with the online retail giant and how he applies those to his consulting business today. Rossman also gives a sneak peek into the concept of innovating for leadership, a topic he'll cover as keynote speaker at the 2023 NHPA Independents Conference this August. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of "Taking Care of Business," NHPA COO Dan Tratensek speaks with Nick Talarico, Do it Best's executive vice president of sales and marketing, and Dent Johnson, executive vice president of operations, on the state of the industry and its continued growth over the past few years. From supply chain demands and member growth to e-commerce initiatives, hear what Do it Best is doing to help members improve their business and keep up with technology demands. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of the "Taking Care of Business" podcast, Dan Tratensek sat down with Beth Casson, National Hardware Show vice president, who shares highlights and takeaways from this year's show and what's in store for 2024. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this episode, NHPA podcast producer and retail engagement specialist Renee Changnon has a conversation with siblings Amos and Lauren and their parents Buron and Sara Lanier. The group talks about how Amos and Lauren came together to take over Lanier Do it Best in Burgaw, North Carolina, and keep the business in their family. Sara and Buron talk about the process of transitioning ownership to their children, give advice for other retailers and more. Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

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

Are you ready for the National Hardware Show next month? On today's episode, Dan catches up with Beth Casson from NHS to talk about all the exciting things coming to the show in a few weeks in Las Vegas. They also talk about the future of the National Hardware Show and how it continues to evolve.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this week's episode of Taking Care of Business, Dan connects with Nick Talarico, vice president of e-commerce for Do it Best. They discuss how retailers should consider e-commerce as more than just one part of their business and view it as a crucial piece to the success of their operation. They also share ways retailers can let go of the fear of perfection that's holding them back from the online sales space.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere