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 Sommers, 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