There was major news in the hardware store world last month when it was announced that Do it Best was going to acquire True Value. That deal has completed, creating a large co-op platform to compete with Ace Hardware.
This has been a challenging process. However, the shared commitment from our team and the True Value team has made today possible. We are now proud to be the world’s largest cooperative in our space, and that positions us to make a real difference for all our store owners.
Do it Best CEO, Dan Starr
Almost all True Value locations have independent ownership, but the acquisition included inventory, brand rights, and paint manufacturing facilities. For the time being True Value will operate as a separate entity to smoothly integrate the business.
We’re excited to welcome True Value retailers and associates into the Do it Best family. Our commitment to championing the independent retailer is at the heart of everything we do, and I know our True Value team joins us in this mission. This acquisition is about ensuring our collective success, now and in the future.
Do it Best CEO, Dan Starr
As part of the transaction, True Value has a new leadership team. Below is the long list of leadership appointments to support the brand.
- Nick Talarico, President of Do it Best
- Dent Johnson, President of True Value
- Bill Habegger, Vice President of Information Technology
- Justin Hanford, Vice President of Merchandising
- Eric Lane, Senior Vice President of Marketing
- Tim Miller, Senior Vice President of Logistics & Distribution
- Chris Okapal, Vice President of Sales & Business Development
- Steve Rose, Vice President of Distribution
- Matt Saines, Vice President of Finance
- Rob Schmiedel, Vice President of Operations & Sales Enablement
- Ken Sorg, Vice President of Supply Chain
- Celeste Stevens, Vice President of Human Resources
- John Vanderpool, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing
- Jenna Grannan, Director of Marketing
- Randy Rusk, Director of Communications
Wholesalers Try to Gain Stores
During the sale process of True Value, other wholesalers saw an opportunity to convert True Value locations. The most blatant was at Orgill where they posted an open letter on their website to the independent stores.
Orgill has been serving the industry for more than 175 years and we are well capitalized and prepared to provide a home to retailers who are looking for a reliable partner. Orgill has continued to make investments in its distribution network, retail programs and field sales team that will allow us to step in and provide True Value customers with the products and support they need and the comfort of knowing that we will be there with them to help grow their businesses– with no uncertainty or surprises.
Boyden Moore, Orgill’s president and CEO