Beverly Allen, Publisher bev@hardlines.ca Vicky Sanderson, Editor vicky@hardlines.ca John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396
February 25, 2008, Vol. xiv, #8
 
In This Issue

“I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.” Albert Einstein

RONA sees sharp drop in sales in 2007
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA reported 2007 earnings of $185.million on $4.8 billion in sales, down 2% from 2006, a drop the company is attributing to the fact that 2006 had an extra selling week. On a comparable basis, the company says, sales actually increased 7.1%, spurred by acquisitions that included Noble Trade, Curtis Lumber, and Mountain Building Centres, and by new store openings. Consolidated sales for 2007 stood at $4,785 million, or 5.1% higher than the $4,551 million posted in 2006. Excluding a drop caused by a fall in the average price of forest products and the impact of the 53rd week in 2006, same-store sales decreased by 0.8% over the year. But the fourth quarter of 2007 was undeniably tough for RONA. Net earnings stood at $30.5 million, down 20% from $38.1 million in 2006. Consolidated sales for the quarter were down 4.8% from the previous year, while operating income stood at $75.9 million, down 12.5% from the corresponding quarter in the previous year. RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton says the slowdown is reflective of what’s happening across the sector, adding that same-store sales rose in Western Canada, where the economy continues to boom, but Quebec and Ontario felt the effect of heavy losses in manufacturing jobs in 2007.

Top
New plan aims to reposition RONA
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA CEO Robert Dutton stresses that although the company did not achieve its objective of $7 billion in annualized retail sales in 2007, it will take action to combat the increasing effect of a slowing economy. Those measures will be explained in detail on Feb. 27, when the company unveils its strategic plan for 2008-2011. That plan is expected to expand on some of the initiatives to which Dutton alluded during a conference call last week to announce the company’s year-end results. They include improving staff training and customer service, promoting loyalty programs such as Air Miles more heavily, speeding up the launch of new stores, and reducing shrinkage. More importantly, RONA will review the performance of some of its long-established corporate stores that chronically underperform. These would likely include its big boxes in Ontario, which continue to struggle to be profitable.

Top
Designer Depot may be on sale block
TORONTO — Hudson’s Bay Co. is in talks with Isaac Benitah, who runs several Canadian retail chains, about selling its Designer Depot division, according to a report in the Globe and Mail. Hbc spokeswoman Hillary Marshall was quoted in the report as saying that Hbc is “looking at its options” for the nine-store chain that launched in 2004. The report also cited industry sources who suggested that the sale might be part of larger plan by owner Jerry Zucker to shed other Hbc formats, which include The Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters and Fields. Designer Depot, a discount chain that has a home and housewares component, has stores in Ontario and Alberta. But a separate report by the Canadian Press said that the sale did not in fact indicate a broader disposal of assets. “No, no. That's ridiculous,” that report quotes Marshall as saying. “There's just nothing to it.” Zucker, who bought Hbc two years ago, said at the time that he wanted to improve performance across the company by providing customers with better assortments and enhanced service. Earlier this year, after a disappointing holiday season, Hbc cut 100 employees, a move the company said was tied to its decision to transfer most head office operations from Toronto to Brampton. Hbc has more than 600 retail outlets and nearly 70,000 associates in Canada.

Top

Selkirk celebrates 75th anniversary
SELKIRK, MB — This year marks the 75th year that Selkirk Corp. has been selling hearth products in Canada. The company started its business life as Selkirk Metal Products. It began manufacturing chimney and gas vents in 1933, the same year it invented the insulated prefabricated chimney. In Canada, Selkirk Corp. goes to market under the Selkirk, SuperVent, SuperPro, Vesta, and Selkirk Metalbestos brands. It operates manufacturing facilities in Brockville, Nobel, and Stoney Creek, ON, and has a distribution centre in Prescott, ON. Now headquartered in Stoney Creek, Selkirk also manufactures products in the United States and Mexico and has corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Top

 
Builders Show a barometer of industry's struggles
ORLANDO, FL — Are you green enough? And are you going to survive? Those were the two questions that were on the minds of the builders and suppliers who attended the annual International Builders Show here this week. Attendance at the show was about 92,000, down 12% from last year, reflecting an industry that’s in the depths of a housing slump and credit crunch which is negatively impacting the entire U.S. economy. In fact, some the best-attended seminars at the show dealt with the topic of how to survive the downturn. The news, right before the show, that Wheeler’s, a once-highflying pro dealer based in Georgia, had filed for bankruptcy protection only accentuated the vulnerability of dealers that cater to the construction industry. However, not everyone sees the downturn or the show’s lighter attendance in dire terms. “The people who are at this show are the ones who are going to survive,” predicts Frank Cicero, executive vice-president of operations for 84 Lumber, one of several dealers that exhibited at the show. Others included ProBuild, Carter Lumber, and Home Depot and Lowe’s, which each had huge booths. Many of the exhibitors promoted the “greenness” of their products, and green building took centre stage with the National Association of Home Builders’ launch of its National Green Building certification program.

Top

Classifieds

  The MIBRO Group is a leading supplier of Power Tool Accessories, Chain & Chain Accessories, Rope & Cordage, and Lawn & Garden Products. MIBRO is proud to be a winner of the Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award. Check us out at www.mibro.com We currently have an opening for an experienced National Account Manager, to sell to and manage major retail accounts in Canada and the U.S. As the ideal candidate you have:
  • 5+ years experience in selling consumer products to Key Accounts in the retail sector
  • Intermediate to Advanced level proficiency in MS Office
  • Ability and willingness to travel
  • Strong verbal/written communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills.
  • Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
  • Systems and procedures oriented.
Please submit your resume hrc@mibro.com   We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under serious consideration will be contacted.

Territory Manager – Alberta South Freud Canada, Inc.

We are a well established & respected Canadian wholesale company with direct links to a world class European manufacturer of high quality woodworking tools. Your duties as Freud Canada’s Territory Manager for the Alberta South area will be to develop and maintain our market share. The ideal candidate will have experience calling on Hardware chains, Building Supply outlets and Big Box stores. Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently are prerequisites for this position.

Preferably you possess a College or University degree. Frequent overnight travel will be required of this position. We offer a highly competitive performance based remuneration structure and car allowance. Please email your resume to the attention of: Mark Mossman National Sales Manager Freud Canada Inc. 7450 Pacific Circle Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2A3 mmossman@freudcanada.com

DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE

National Account Manager

This Ontario based position has direct sales and sales development responsibilities for a number of major J&R customer organizations that have locations throughout the country. These customers represent significant revenue opportunities. An advanced level of own and competitive product knowledge is required. This important and strategic role requires making recommendations regarding the planning, development and execution of objectives pertaining to customer groups and business imperatives.

The role also relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, perform a variety of tasks and will interface with all departments in the organization. A wide degree of business acumen, creativity and latitude is expected, along with excellent communication and judgement skills. Minimum 5-10 years of senior sales level exper ience or sales management is required in the Ontario marketplace. Existing networks and strong industry relationships would be an important asset. The position reports to the President and CEO. “Must have” - skills and abilities: Sales and related skills: Understand the selling process and buyer behaviour Customer centric focus Territory planning and management Presentation skills Communication skills Persuasion skills Relationship development skills Sense of urgency Goal and metric driven Understands “getting to yes” Well organized and planful Comfortable interacting at all levels, including management and “C” suite Business Skills: Understanding of home improvement markets and industry Able to have in depth meaningful business discussions Good understanding of product marketing Good understanding of supply chain and distribution Good negotiating skills Excellent problem solving skills Understand financial concepts and processes Understand basic financial reporting (example’s; Budgets, Balance sheets, Income statements) Up to date knowledge in use of technology and computer software skills Behavioural style; Able to work independently High emotional intelligence Friendly, outgoing, engaging Balanced between flexible and demanding High achiever, self motivated Empathetic and Intuitive (able to see things from customer perspective and read and anticipate reactions) Focused, excellent listening skills Relaxed communication style Replies to: bonnie.macmillan@jrhome.com  

Retail Brand Manager:

American Standard, an industry leader in Bath and Kitchen products, is seeking a Retail Brand Manager.

A strong understanding of the Canadian retail Faucet and home improvement market is preferred, along with at least 5 years experience with both national and regional accounts. Preference given to candidates with; 1. 5 years overall sales/marketing experience in working with Canadian retailers. 2. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint. 3. Exposure to national retail accounts. 4. Strong analytical and presentation skills. 5. Self starter who can work independently. Education equivalent to college diploma or university degree required, preferably in marketing. American Standard is located in Mississauga, within close proximity to the intersection of Dixie and Dundas. Qualified applicants should send resume and salary requirements via email to hrmississauga@americanstandard.com. No phone calls please.

Richard Simms, President of Black Eagle Consulting is pleased to announce the introduction of EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES Richard’s years of consulting experience in the home improvement industry have provided a wealth of industry contacts and the expertise to match the right person to the right corporation and position. For more information: 905-842-3010 rsimms@blackeagle.ca www.blackeagle.ca

ONTARIO DISTRICT SALES MANAGER

We are a long established, national specialty building materials manufacturing company with a Vancouver Head Office. We sell to all of the leading building supply retailers including: Home Depot, Lowes, and Rona.

You will operate from a company owned Mississauga sales office and distribution centre.

Description:

You are responsible for all Ontario sales to a large, province-wide dealer network including building supply dealers, roofing companies, window and door manufacturers, glass shops, etc.

You will be entrusted with maintaining and growing our expanding Ontario dealer network, assisted by a marketing support agency. Qualifications:
  • College education
  • Min 3 years sales experience
  • Had success in developing new business.
Compensation:
  • Attractive base salary
  • Bonus
  • Full benefits
  • Car and phone allowance
Email: career@columbiaskylights.com

Fax: (604) 437-4443

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR/BUSINESS PARTNER

Our client, Exchange-A-Blade, a Canadian Company with over 30 years of proven success in supplying power tool accessories to the retail lumber, home center and hardware industry. Their main method of marketing has been through independent distributors selling directly to retailers within a protected territory. The Company takes great pride in the success of their Distributors which is evidenced by the longevity of many of their relationships.

There are currently openings to take over established territories in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

If you are a high-energy achiever, people oriented with exceptional communication skills and ready for the challenge of running your own business then we would like to hear from you.

Ideal candidates will a minimum of 5 years sales experience within the hardware industry a sound track record of growing business, possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with some overnight travel.

An investment will be required.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to:

David Hughes at davidh@icaconsult.com

We thank all applicants for their interest but will only reply to those of interest.

 
Marketplace 
Sell your company - or buy one - with HARDLINES Classifieds! Do your executive search, find new lines or get new reps in the HARDLINES Marketplace. Only $2.75 per word for three weeks in the classifieds. To place your ad, call Brady Peever at 416-489-3396 or email: brady@hardlines.ca
To ensure you receive your HARDLINES newsletter each week, please add admin@HARDLINES.ca to your address book.

Did your email system make this newsletter unreadable? You can read it online instead . Publishing Details:

HARDLINES is published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by HARDLINES Inc. 360 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V9

© 2008 by HARDLINES Inc. HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter www.HARDLINES.ca ; Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154

Beverly Allen, Publisher - bev@HARDLINES.ca Vicky Sanderson - Editor - vicky@HARDLINES.ca Michael McLarney - President - mike@HARDLINES.ca Brady Peever - Circulation Manager - brady@HARDLINES.ca

The HARDLINES "Fair Play" Policy:

Reproduction in whole or in part is very uncool and strictly forbidden and really and truly against the law. So please, play fair!

Call for information on multiple subscriptions or a site license for your company. We do want as many people as possible to read HARDLINES each week - but let us handle your internal routing from this end! Subscription:

$285 (Canadian subscribers add $14.25 GST = $299.25 per year/ GST #13987 0398 RT).

Secondary subscriptions at the same office are only $46 (Canadian subscribers add $2.30 GST = $48.30).

Ask about our reduced rate for branch offices.

You can pay online by VISA/MC/AMEX at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to HARDLINES.

Are you ready for 2008? Do you know the four hot trends that will help you prosper this year? How Canadian Tire infiltrated Lowe’s merchandise mix? Which pivotal events in 2007 will guide your business in the year ahead? Find out in the 1Q edition of HQR, available soon!
 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA has partnered with a new television channel just launched in Quebec. Titled “Les idees des ma maison,” it will feature original content produced by RONA, including “Les idees des Martin,” a short program hosted by Québécois actor Martin Thibaudeau that will run three times daily. Thibaudeau will invite RONA experts into his workshop to give advice and tips. RONA hopes that the channel will mirror the success of specialty home-and-garden programming being produced in the U.S. and provide a direct link to Quebec television viewers. NEW YORK — Manulife Financial Corp., Canada's largest insurance company, has entered the resources sector with a $1.7 billion deal to acquire a 9,000-acre land portfolio spread across Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. The move is expected to shield the company from volatile stock prices. With a log shortage looming for the lumber and paper industries, the land’s value is expected to increase sharply. SAN FRANCISCO — Wal-Mart will no longer carry Toshiba’s HD-DVD format, choosing instead to offer Sony’s Blu-Ray technology. The announcement came in the same week that electronics giant Best Buy announced that they too would stock only Blu-Ray titles. Toshiba reacted to the news by cancelling development of any new HD-DVD devices. The company will continue to sell HD-DVD equipment in stores but has ceased new production.
People on the Move
Eric Hodson has been named manager of the IRLY Building Centre in Sorrento, BC. Hodson had previously managed IRLY Building Centres in Clinton, Prince Rupert and Salmon Arm. Ronald L. Jadin has been promoted to senior vice-president and chief financial officer at W. W. Grainger Inc. Building Material Holding Corp. has named Stanley Wilson as its new president and COO.
Economic Indicators
Consumer prices rose 2.2% during the 12-month period leading into January, just below the 2.4% posted in December. The merchandise trade surplus shrank to its lowest level in nine years in December 2007. Exports fell 3.1% to $36.7 billion, while prices rose 3.6%. Manufacturing sales dropped 3.4% to $48.6 billion in December 2007, the lowest level in three years. Wholesale sales fell 2.9% in December to $42.7 billion. The decline was the largest since April and brought monthly sales to their lowest level since November 2006. (StatsCan)
In Memoriam
Bob Hilton, formerly manager of sales for 3M Canada, passed away last week. Bob was a good friend and a loyal supporter of HARDLINES. We’ll miss him.
Beverly Allen, Publisher bev@hardlines.ca Vicky Sanderson, Editor vicky@hardlines.ca John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396
February 25, 2008, Vol. xiv, #8
 
In This Issue

“I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.” Albert Einstein

RONA sees sharp drop in sales in 2007
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA reported 2007 earnings of $185.million on $4.8 billion in sales, down 2% from 2006, a drop the company is attributing to the fact that 2006 had an extra selling week. On a comparable basis, the company says, sales actually increased 7.1%, spurred by acquisitions that included Noble Trade, Curtis Lumber, and Mountain Building Centres, and by new store openings. Consolidated sales for 2007 stood at $4,785 million, or 5.1% higher than the $4,551 million posted in 2006. Excluding a drop caused by a fall in the average price of forest products and the impact of the 53rd week in 2006, same-store sales decreased by 0.8% over the year. But the fourth quarter of 2007 was undeniably tough for RONA. Net earnings stood at $30.5 million, down 20% from $38.1 million in 2006. Consolidated sales for the quarter were down 4.8% from the previous year, while operating income stood at $75.9 million, down 12.5% from the corresponding quarter in the previous year. RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton says the slowdown is reflective of what’s happening across the sector, adding that same-store sales rose in Western Canada, where the economy continues to boom, but Quebec and Ontario felt the effect of heavy losses in manufacturing jobs in 2007.

Top
New plan aims to reposition RONA
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA CEO Robert Dutton stresses that although the company did not achieve its objective of $7 billion in annualized retail sales in 2007, it will take action to combat the increasing effect of a slowing economy. Those measures will be explained in detail on Feb. 27, when the company unveils its strategic plan for 2008-2011. That plan is expected to expand on some of the initiatives to which Dutton alluded during a conference call last week to announce the company’s year-end results. They include improving staff training and customer service, promoting loyalty programs such as Air Miles more heavily, speeding up the launch of new stores, and reducing shrinkage. More importantly, RONA will review the performance of some of its long-established corporate stores that chronically underperform. These would likely include its big boxes in Ontario, which continue to struggle to be profitable.

Top
Designer Depot may be on sale block
TORONTO — Hudson’s Bay Co. is in talks with Isaac Benitah, who runs several Canadian retail chains, about selling its Designer Depot division, according to a report in the Globe and Mail. Hbc spokeswoman Hillary Marshall was quoted in the report as saying that Hbc is “looking at its options” for the nine-store chain that launched in 2004. The report also cited industry sources who suggested that the sale might be part of larger plan by owner Jerry Zucker to shed other Hbc formats, which include The Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters and Fields. Designer Depot, a discount chain that has a home and housewares component, has stores in Ontario and Alberta. But a separate report by the Canadian Press said that the sale did not in fact indicate a broader disposal of assets. “No, no. That's ridiculous,” that report quotes Marshall as saying. “There's just nothing to it.” Zucker, who bought Hbc two years ago, said at the time that he wanted to improve performance across the company by providing customers with better assortments and enhanced service. Earlier this year, after a disappointing holiday season, Hbc cut 100 employees, a move the company said was tied to its decision to transfer most head office operations from Toronto to Brampton. Hbc has more than 600 retail outlets and nearly 70,000 associates in Canada.

Top

Selkirk celebrates 75th anniversary
SELKIRK, MB — This year marks the 75th year that Selkirk Corp. has been selling hearth products in Canada. The company started its business life as Selkirk Metal Products. It began manufacturing chimney and gas vents in 1933, the same year it invented the insulated prefabricated chimney. In Canada, Selkirk Corp. goes to market under the Selkirk, SuperVent, SuperPro, Vesta, and Selkirk Metalbestos brands. It operates manufacturing facilities in Brockville, Nobel, and Stoney Creek, ON, and has a distribution centre in Prescott, ON. Now headquartered in Stoney Creek, Selkirk also manufactures products in the United States and Mexico and has corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Top

 
Builders Show a barometer of industry's struggles
ORLANDO, FL — Are you green enough? And are you going to survive? Those were the two questions that were on the minds of the builders and suppliers who attended the annual International Builders Show here this week. Attendance at the show was about 92,000, down 12% from last year, reflecting an industry that’s in the depths of a housing slump and credit crunch which is negatively impacting the entire U.S. economy. In fact, some the best-attended seminars at the show dealt with the topic of how to survive the downturn. The news, right before the show, that Wheeler’s, a once-highflying pro dealer based in Georgia, had filed for bankruptcy protection only accentuated the vulnerability of dealers that cater to the construction industry. However, not everyone sees the downturn or the show’s lighter attendance in dire terms. “The people who are at this show are the ones who are going to survive,” predicts Frank Cicero, executive vice-president of operations for 84 Lumber, one of several dealers that exhibited at the show. Others included ProBuild, Carter Lumber, and Home Depot and Lowe’s, which each had huge booths. Many of the exhibitors promoted the “greenness” of their products, and green building took centre stage with the National Association of Home Builders’ launch of its National Green Building certification program.

Top

Classifieds

  The MIBRO Group is a leading supplier of Power Tool Accessories, Chain & Chain Accessories, Rope & Cordage, and Lawn & Garden Products. MIBRO is proud to be a winner of the Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award. Check us out at www.mibro.com We currently have an opening for an experienced National Account Manager, to sell to and manage major retail accounts in Canada and the U.S. As the ideal candidate you have:
  • 5+ years experience in selling consumer products to Key Accounts in the retail sector
  • Intermediate to Advanced level proficiency in MS Office
  • Ability and willingness to travel
  • Strong verbal/written communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills.
  • Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
  • Systems and procedures oriented.
Please submit your resume hrc@mibro.com   We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under serious consideration will be contacted.

Territory Manager – Alberta South Freud Canada, Inc.

We are a well established & respected Canadian wholesale company with direct links to a world class European manufacturer of high quality woodworking tools. Your duties as Freud Canada’s Territory Manager for the Alberta South area will be to develop and maintain our market share. The ideal candidate will have experience calling on Hardware chains, Building Supply outlets and Big Box stores. Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently are prerequisites for this position.

Preferably you possess a College or University degree. Frequent overnight travel will be required of this position. We offer a highly competitive performance based remuneration structure and car allowance. Please email your resume to the attention of: Mark Mossman National Sales Manager Freud Canada Inc. 7450 Pacific Circle Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2A3 mmossman@freudcanada.com

DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE

National Account Manager

This Ontario based position has direct sales and sales development responsibilities for a number of major J&R customer organizations that have locations throughout the country. These customers represent significant revenue opportunities. An advanced level of own and competitive product knowledge is required. This important and strategic role requires making recommendations regarding the planning, development and execution of objectives pertaining to customer groups and business imperatives.

The role also relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, perform a variety of tasks and will interface with all departments in the organization. A wide degree of business acumen, creativity and latitude is expected, along with excellent communication and judgement skills. Minimum 5-10 years of senior sales level exper ience or sales management is required in the Ontario marketplace. Existing networks and strong industry relationships would be an important asset. The position reports to the President and CEO. “Must have” - skills and abilities: Sales and related skills: Understand the selling process and buyer behaviour Customer centric focus Territory planning and management Presentation skills Communication skills Persuasion skills Relationship development skills Sense of urgency Goal and metric driven Understands “getting to yes” Well organized and planful Comfortable interacting at all levels, including management and “C” suite Business Skills: Understanding of home improvement markets and industry Able to have in depth meaningful business discussions Good understanding of product marketing Good understanding of supply chain and distribution Good negotiating skills Excellent problem solving skills Understand financial concepts and processes Understand basic financial reporting (example’s; Budgets, Balance sheets, Income statements) Up to date knowledge in use of technology and computer software skills Behavioural style; Able to work independently High emotional intelligence Friendly, outgoing, engaging Balanced between flexible and demanding High achiever, self motivated Empathetic and Intuitive (able to see things from customer perspective and read and anticipate reactions) Focused, excellent listening skills Relaxed communication style Replies to: bonnie.macmillan@jrhome.com  

Retail Brand Manager:

American Standard, an industry leader in Bath and Kitchen products, is seeking a Retail Brand Manager.

A strong understanding of the Canadian retail Faucet and home improvement market is preferred, along with at least 5 years experience with both national and regional accounts. Preference given to candidates with; 1. 5 years overall sales/marketing experience in working with Canadian retailers. 2. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint. 3. Exposure to national retail accounts. 4. Strong analytical and presentation skills. 5. Self starter who can work independently. Education equivalent to college diploma or university degree required, preferably in marketing. American Standard is located in Mississauga, within close proximity to the intersection of Dixie and Dundas. Qualified applicants should send resume and salary requirements via email to hrmississauga@americanstandard.com. No phone calls please.

Richard Simms, President of Black Eagle Consulting is pleased to announce the introduction of EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES Richard’s years of consulting experience in the home improvement industry have provided a wealth of industry contacts and the expertise to match the right person to the right corporation and position. For more information: 905-842-3010 rsimms@blackeagle.ca www.blackeagle.ca

ONTARIO DISTRICT SALES MANAGER

We are a long established, national specialty building materials manufacturing company with a Vancouver Head Office. We sell to all of the leading building supply retailers including: Home Depot, Lowes, and Rona.

You will operate from a company owned Mississauga sales office and distribution centre.

Description:

You are responsible for all Ontario sales to a large, province-wide dealer network including building supply dealers, roofing companies, window and door manufacturers, glass shops, etc.

You will be entrusted with maintaining and growing our expanding Ontario dealer network, assisted by a marketing support agency. Qualifications:
  • College education
  • Min 3 years sales experience
  • Had success in developing new business.
Compensation:
  • Attractive base salary
  • Bonus
  • Full benefits
  • Car and phone allowance
Email: career@columbiaskylights.com

Fax: (604) 437-4443

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR/BUSINESS PARTNER

Our client, Exchange-A-Blade, a Canadian Company with over 30 years of proven success in supplying power tool accessories to the retail lumber, home center and hardware industry. Their main method of marketing has been through independent distributors selling directly to retailers within a protected territory. The Company takes great pride in the success of their Distributors which is evidenced by the longevity of many of their relationships.

There are currently openings to take over established territories in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

If you are a high-energy achiever, people oriented with exceptional communication skills and ready for the challenge of running your own business then we would like to hear from you.

Ideal candidates will a minimum of 5 years sales experience within the hardware industry a sound track record of growing business, possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with some overnight travel.

An investment will be required.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to:

David Hughes at davidh@icaconsult.com

We thank all applicants for their interest but will only reply to those of interest.

 
Marketplace 
Sell your company - or buy one - with HARDLINES Classifieds! Do your executive search, find new lines or get new reps in the HARDLINES Marketplace. Only $2.75 per word for three weeks in the classifieds. To place your ad, call Brady Peever at 416-489-3396 or email: brady@hardlines.ca
To ensure you receive your HARDLINES newsletter each week, please add admin@HARDLINES.ca to your address book.

Did your email system make this newsletter unreadable? You can read it online instead . Publishing Details:

HARDLINES is published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by HARDLINES Inc. 360 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V9

© 2008 by HARDLINES Inc. HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter www.HARDLINES.ca ; Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154

Beverly Allen, Publisher - bev@HARDLINES.ca Vicky Sanderson - Editor - vicky@HARDLINES.ca Michael McLarney - President - mike@HARDLINES.ca Brady Peever - Circulation Manager - brady@HARDLINES.ca

The HARDLINES "Fair Play" Policy:

Reproduction in whole or in part is very uncool and strictly forbidden and really and truly against the law. So please, play fair!

Call for information on multiple subscriptions or a site license for your company. We do want as many people as possible to read HARDLINES each week - but let us handle your internal routing from this end! Subscription:

$285 (Canadian subscribers add $14.25 GST = $299.25 per year/ GST #13987 0398 RT).

Secondary subscriptions at the same office are only $46 (Canadian subscribers add $2.30 GST = $48.30).

Ask about our reduced rate for branch offices.

You can pay online by VISA/MC/AMEX at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to HARDLINES.

Are you ready for 2008? Do you know the four hot trends that will help you prosper this year? How Canadian Tire infiltrated Lowe’s merchandise mix? Which pivotal events in 2007 will guide your business in the year ahead? Find out in the 1Q edition of HQR, available soon!
 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
BOUCHERVILLE, QC — RONA has partnered with a new television channel just launched in Quebec. Titled “Les idees des ma maison,” it will feature original content produced by RONA, including “Les idees des Martin,” a short program hosted by Québécois actor Martin Thibaudeau that will run three times daily. Thibaudeau will invite RONA experts into his workshop to give advice and tips. RONA hopes that the channel will mirror the success of specialty home-and-garden programming being produced in the U.S. and provide a direct link to Quebec television viewers. NEW YORK — Manulife Financial Corp., Canada's largest insurance company, has entered the resources sector with a $1.7 billion deal to acquire a 9,000-acre land portfolio spread across Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. The move is expected to shield the company from volatile stock prices. With a log shortage looming for the lumber and paper industries, the land’s value is expected to increase sharply. SAN FRANCISCO — Wal-Mart will no longer carry Toshiba’s HD-DVD format, choosing instead to offer Sony’s Blu-Ray technology. The announcement came in the same week that electronics giant Best Buy announced that they too would stock only Blu-Ray titles. Toshiba reacted to the news by cancelling development of any new HD-DVD devices. The company will continue to sell HD-DVD equipment in stores but has ceased new production.
People on the Move
Eric Hodson has been named manager of the IRLY Building Centre in Sorrento, BC. Hodson had previously managed IRLY Building Centres in Clinton, Prince Rupert and Salmon Arm. Ronald L. Jadin has been promoted to senior vice-president and chief financial officer at W. W. Grainger Inc. Building Material Holding Corp. has named Stanley Wilson as its new president and COO.
Economic Indicators
Consumer prices rose 2.2% during the 12-month period leading into January, just below the 2.4% posted in December. The merchandise trade surplus shrank to its lowest level in nine years in December 2007. Exports fell 3.1% to $36.7 billion, while prices rose 3.6%. Manufacturing sales dropped 3.4% to $48.6 billion in December 2007, the lowest level in three years. Wholesale sales fell 2.9% in December to $42.7 billion. The decline was the largest since April and brought monthly sales to their lowest level since November 2006. (StatsCan)
In Memoriam
Bob Hilton, formerly manager of sales for 3M Canada, passed away last week. Bob was a good friend and a loyal supporter of HARDLINES. We’ll miss him.