| |
April 18, 2011, Volume xvii, #16
“The Bible tells us to love our neighbours, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.”
—G.K. Chesterton (British author, 1874-1936)
Home Hardware market draws new members
 ST. JACOBS, ON — While the overall mood was distinctly upbeat at the latest spring market for Home Hardware dealers, dealers individually continue to share concerns about the slow pace of Canada’s economic recovery.
The show, which attracted thousands of dealer-owners, their families and staff members to the Home Hardware distribution centre in this tiny village in Southwestern Ontario, featured new services, new products, and new technologies.
The support system for Home is powerful and its range of services ever evolving, including the development of new in-store TV technology and a new dealer platform for the co-op’s intranet site. But dealers appeared more focused on returning to business as usual following a slow second half of 2010 and a harsh winter that stalled sales industry wide during the first quarter.
A number of dealers shared an optimistic, if sober outlook, following a year that found many with sales flat or down despite the buoyant first half of 2010.
Home Hardware itself has enjoyed good dealer growth, as the consolidation among groups and wholesalers has left many dealers evaluating their alliances. Home now counts more than 1,080 dealers in its ranks and 37 new dealers attended this latest market. Even in Quebec, where it has less than 5% market share, its weakest presence of any province or territory (according to the HARDLINES Market Share Report), growth has been strong as well. By the time of the spring market, Home had 103 dealers in Quebec.
back to top 
TruServ’s Morrison: expect more value at market
WINNIPEG — TruServ Canada is wrapping up its dealer market today, the first officially under the ownership of RONA inc. (The acquisition was actually announced at the last TruServ market in fall 2010.)
 Already, the new ownership structure is capturing dealer interest. “Attendance is going to be up about 20%,” TruServ president Bill Morrison told HARDLINES just days before the show started, “so curiosity is there among the dealers.” Nor, he added, will they be disappointed. “We’ve got some great things to share with them.” That included having RONA CEO Robert Dutton speak on the first morning of the show “about his vision for dealers.”
Morrison declined to share other specifics at the time, saying only, “We’re just putting the final stuff to bed; hopefully everything will come together on time.” He did note that there will be more value-driven programs offered to dealers to help them address the frugality of today’s post-recession consumer.
back to top
Castle adds members, locations
Mississauga , ON — Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. has added stores and members to its ranks. In Quebec, it has signed Matériaux à Bas Prix, a  chain with four stores: in St-Antonin, Lachute, and Gatineau, QC, and St. Isidore de Prescott, ON. Once a discount lumber chain with 22 stores that also went by the name Bargain Building Supplies in anglophone markets, it consolidated in recent years, and changed hands in 2008 when Sylvie Pomerleau became owner and president of the company.
With estimated sales of $60 million, Notre Dame Agencies in Newfoundland is one of Castle’s largest dealers. It has added another location — a truss factory at Grand Falls in Windsor, NF. It’s the 10th LBM location for the chain (which also has four furniture stores). Owner Cluny Sheppard also serves on the Castle board.
Other new members are: Sauve Lumber and Storage Inc. in Timmins, ON; C.D.S. Building Supply, Winnipeg; and P.R. Service in La Loche, SK, a hardware store that recently expanded into building materials.
back to top
Verschuren challenges industry to innovate
TORONTO — Annette Verschuren, the former president of Home Depot Canada, was inducted recently into the Industry Hall of Fame, and she didn’t miss the opportunity to leave behind some words of wisdom for the audience.
Verschuren, along with the late Joseph Kuchar, founder of Recochem, was honoured at a luncheon hosted by the Canadian Hardware and Housewares Manufacturers Association, which puts on the awards. She called the induction “a great honour and I accept it with grace.”
 She then talked about the future of the home improvement industry — and urged the vendors in the room to continue to develop new products. “I just want you to focus on more innovation. Keep making it easier for the customer. That customer is looking for easier ways to do things.” She observed that home improvement, the DIY experience, is getting more complex. “Making that easier, introducing new products — make them environmentally responsible — that is going to be our future.”
The other point she made was for diversity. “Keep bringing diversity into this industry. You will get better when you hear from a broader perspective of people.”
(Watch Verschuren’s speech now on HARDLINES TV.)
back to top
Orgill, Do it Best execs will share ideas in Vegas
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A panel of U.S. wholesaler executives will discuss global retail and economic trends at the International Hardware Association Congress, May 9-12 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The event, hosted by the North American Retail Hardware Association, will be held in conjunction with the NRHA’s own All-Industry Convention. “We are excited to bring together some of the industry’s leading executives to discuss international retail trends at this year’s congress,” says Bill Lee, president and CEO of the NRHA. “Our featured panelists offer a wide range of international perspectives.”
Representatives from three of the world’s leading hardware wholesalers will lead the panel discussion: Thomas Barfell, director of international sales and category development manager for Do it Best Corp.; Jerry Cardwell, vice-president of corporate development and international sales at Orgill Inc.; and Davis Patrizi, True Value Hardware’s director of affiliate and international business.
Additional business seminars, networking opportunities and recreational activities will also be included in the IHA Congress program. For complete details, visit www.iha2011.com; or contact Bill Lee at blee@nrha.org.
back to top
Classifieds
National Sales – Industrial and Service Manager Mississauga, ON
The successful candidate will direct and manage the activities of the Industrial Sales Channel in the market place, optimising the resources available by applying corporate strategies and business planning in line with our objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and implementation of national channel strategy
Creation and maintenance of Service Business Plan and reporting of monthly service data to VP/GM
Management of Service Supervisor and leading the enhancement of programs and processes toward service sales growth and profitability
Target-setting, supervision, effective motivation and development of the Industrial Sales team
Regular tracking of customer development and customer visits
Acting as a key representative of the company to its Industrial dealer base
Analysis and steering of distribution mix between metropolitan and regional areas
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree or Diploma in a Business-related program
5 to 7 years experience in Sales Management leading a team of sales professionals
Experience in steering a sales force, recognizing market trends and monitoring competitor activity
Ability to manage people, priorities and time a must
Excellent PC skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Willingness to travel
BOSCH is recognized worldwide for high-quality products, technical innovation and outstanding service. If you are a team player looking to demonstrate your drive and initiative, please send your resume, in confidence, to:
Robert Bosch Inc., Attn: Human Resources
6955 Creditview Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1R1.
E-mail: fixed-term.joanne.piazza@ca.bosch.com
No agencies, please.
We appreciate your response; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
National Sales – Industrial and Service Manager Mississauga, ON
The successful candidate will direct and manage the activities of the Industrial Sales Channel in the market place, optimising the resources available by applying corporate strategies and business planning in line with our objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Development and implementation of national channel strategy
- Creation and maintenance of Service Business Plan and reporting of monthly service data to VP/GM
- Management of Service Supervisor and leading the enhancement of programs and processes toward service sales growth and profitability
- Target-setting, supervision, effective motivation and development of the Industrial Sales team
- Regular tracking of customer development and customer visits
- Acting as a key representative of the company to its Industrial dealer base
- Analysis and steering of distribution mix between metropolitan and regional areas
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Degree or Diploma in a Business-related program
- 5 to 7 years experience in Sales Management leading a team of sales professionals
- Experience in steering a sales force, recognizing market trends and monitoring competitor activity
- Ability to manage people, priorities and time a must
- Excellent PC skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Willingness to travel
BOSCH is recognized worldwide for high-quality products, technical innovation and outstanding service. If you are a team player looking to demonstrate your drive and initiative, please send your resume, in confidence, to:
Robert Bosch Inc., Attn: Human Resources
6955 Creditview Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1R1 .
E-mail: fixed-term.joanne.piazza@ca.bosch.com
No agencies, please.
We appreciate your response; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Premier Ceramics, a leading ceramic tile distributor in Ontario is seeking a territory sales representative to service customers in the GTA and southern Ontario market.
Competitive salary and incentive program.
Reporting to the Director of Sales & Marketing, responsibilities will include direct account management, achieving sales targets and contributing to development of sales and marketing programs.
Key competencies include proven ability to generate new revenue streams and effectively maintain customer relationships, strong communication skills, good analytical skills, ability to work independently and detail oriented.
Minimum 3 years field sales experience preferable in the flooring /ceramic tile industry.
Respond by email to: info@premierceramics.com
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, TORONTO, ONTARIO
A leading manufacturer/distributor of hardware to more than 21,000 retail locations worldwide . The company has 11 facilities across North America and services over 58 countries with a significant presence in Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
The company is seeking a National Sales Manager for its Canadian division overseeing the Canadian Business Unit sales. As an integral part of the Canadian management team, the successful candidate’s responsibilities will include all activities related to driving division sales. Competitive salary and incentive program.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Customer Focus
- Excellent negotiation skills
- New business development abilities
- Superior supervisory skills in managing and developing sales personnel – provide leadership and mentoring
- Strategic planning ability
- Team Player
- Excellent analytical ability
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post secondary undergraduate diploma/degree in business or equivalent
- Minimum 10-15 years field sales management experience ideally in a consumer goods, high SKU, distribution environment
- Experience in the Canadian hardware and/or building materials industry would be an asset
- Senior level contacts with national/regional hardware retailers/ wholesalers would be an asset
- Ability to develop and execute sales and management programs and policies
- Excellent planning, organization, time management skills
- Strong written and verbal skills
- Advanced User of Microsoft Office - Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
- Ability to travel extensively
Please submit résumé via email to:
Black Eagle Executive Search
c/o Richard Simms at rsimms@blackeagle.ca
A well established North American based consumer products company is looking to acquire a small to medium size importer, distributor, dot com provider or manufacturer currently doing business in the DIY or Mass Merchant category, relevant product profile could include seasonal, furniture, décor, building materials or millwork products to leading retailers or distributors in Canada and/ or USA.
Interested parties please fax or email their contacts and brief company overview to Mr. Alan Silverman CA Kraft Berger LLP Chartered Accountants
3160 Steeles Avenue East, Suite 300, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 3Y2 Fax: 905 475 9360 Email: asilverman@kbllp.ca.
All responses will be treated in complete confidentiality.
REGIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Loxcreen Flooring Group, Canada’s leading manufacturer of floor transition mouldings, is seeking a Regional Accounts Manager based in Southern Ontario to be responsible for sales to regionally based customers across Canada including distributors, co-ops and retail accounts.
Reporting to the Director of Sales & Marketing, responsibilities will include direct account management, working with commissioned agents, achieving sales targets, trade shows, travelling across Canada to meet with customers, contributing to the development of sales programs and providing a supporting role with mass merchant key account initiatives.
Key competencies include proven ability to generate new business and effectively maintain customer relationships, strong communication and presentation skills, good analytical skills, self discipline and detail oriented.
Qualifications must include minimum 5 years sales and account management experience in the home improvement industry and having worked with sales agents; previous experience in hardware/building materials/flooring categories; ability to travel; work independently; proficiency in Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
Respond by email to: hr.search@loxcreenflooring.com
Resumés
Connect with us!
  
back to top
|
