Taking Care Of Business With Dan Tratensek

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

On this episode, Dan talks to Ryan Staggs from High Cotton Brewing Co. and Orgill president and CEO Boyden Moore about the companies' unique partnership ahead of the wholesaler's 175th anniversary.

In this episode, we welcome back Gary Pittsford of Castle Valuation - a Division of Creative Planning. Dan and Gary discuss what has changed since the start of the pandemic for business owners and how a surge in sales has impacted everything from business valuations to retirement planning and more.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

In this episode of "Taking Care of Business," Dan catches up with NHPA staffers Renee Changnon and Melanie Moul to find out what's on the horizon for the Member Services and Communications teams at NHPA.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

To start off the New Year, the focus of the first episode of Taking Care of Business for 2022 is technology. We talk to Grant Morrow and Stephanie Lee who head up Orgill's e-commerce and product data programs to get some insights into how independent retailers are building their omnichannel presence.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On today's episode of Taking Care of Business, Dan goes over some of his predictions for the industry in 2022. We look at everything from employees' changing demands to supply chain updates.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On this episode, Melanie Moul talks to Sarah Kalloch, executive director of the Good Jobs Institute, to learn more about the strategies companies can implement to become employers of choice in their communities.

In today’s podcast, we are coming to you live (on tape) from the National Hardware Show where we sat down with show director Beth Casson to learn about how this year's show is going and where the industry’s event is headed.

On this installment, we talk to E-comm expert Garrett Schwegler of Lucidworks about how more consumers are embracing contactless commerce and what small to mid-size retailers can do to react to these changing demands.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere

On today's episode we talk with the folks from Live Oak Bank about how they can help small businesses through the SBA process. We also chat with NHPA's Melanie Moul about what's in store for the National Hardware Show and NHPA All-Industry Conference.   Music Credits: "Let That Sink In" by Lee Rosevere