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January 13, 2014 Volume
xx, #2
“My friends say I’m actin' wild as a bug/I’m in love, I’m all shook up.”
—Elvis Presley (Singer and actor, 1935-1977,
who co-wrote “All Shook Up” with Otis Blackwell in 1957)
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New VP, new name at TIM-BR MART Group
CALGARY — A new head for its commercial division and a new name for its services division mark the latest changes from Canada’s largest buying group, as it repositions itself under new president Bernie Owens.
Mark Finucane is joining the TIM-BR MART Group as vice-president-Commercial. The move, effective January 17, positions Finucane as the business lead for Commercial and GSD (gypsum supply dealers) members. He will direct member and manufacturer relationships, negotiations, recruitment, and day-to-day details for this arm of the business. Finucane was most recently the director of sales-Canada for CertainTeed Gypsum and Insulation.
Based in Vaughan, Ont., Finucane will report to Owens, who came over himself from CertainTeed last fall to take over TIM-BR MART Group.
In addition, the group has re-organized internally with the renaming of its retail support division, which handles everything from group insurance to office supplies. The division, formerly known as Purple Cow Retail Services, has been renamed TIMBER MART Retail Services, “to reinforce the brand across the company,” according to a release. The name ties in with a new brand for TIM-BR MART member stores by switching them to the conventional spelling of “timber” in their signage and other marketing tools, including online.
In operation since 1967, TIM-BR MART Group is a member-owned organization serving building material and hardware retailers, commercial dealers, and manufacturers. Total sales by all dealers in 2012 were estimated at $3.6 billion, according to the HARDLINES Who’s Who Directory .
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Home Hardware reprises contractor events
ST. JACOBS, Ont. — Home Hardware Stores Limited is once again running its annual “ Tough as Nails” contractor shows. The events are aimed at contractors, renovators, builders, and tradespeople. The series kicked off in Sudbury, Ont., on January 9, and continues on to the following cities: Waterloo, Ont., January 13; Peterborough, Ont., February 3; Moncton, N.B., February 25; Saskatoon, March 12; and Edmonton on March 20.
Almost 5,000 contractors typically attend the invitation-only events across the country each year, with each show featuring about 65 hardware and building materials suppliers. These exhibitor booths are set up with company spokespeople to answer questions, offer ideas, explain new products, and provide demonstrations. At each show, thousands of dollars in giveaways and door prizes are awarded. In addition, attendees from all six shows are entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
“These shows allow us to reinforce the many ways in which we work to be the building centre of choice for contractors and homeowners alike,” said Paul Straus, president and CEO of Home Hardware.
New this year is a seminar series presented by JELD-WEN, the window and door supplier. All attendees are able to attend the seminars, which will run at each stop across the country and provide building and renovation information on building codes and new products.
Contractors in attendance can also take part in skills competitions, including a driver drill competition, a flooring challenge, a nail driving contest, and a hockey shootout.
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WRLA Prairie Showcase will host lunch for younger generation
WINNIPEG — A new addition to the upcoming WRLA Prairie Showcase in Saskatoon later this month is an event aimed specifically at young people in the home improvement industry.
A “NexGen” lunch will be held on Friday, January 24, onsite at the buying show. The event comes out of a mandate by the Western Retail Lumber Association, which owns and operates the show, to develop more initiatives for the next generation of industry members. The event is open to both retailers and supplier members of WRLA. They can sign up for the lunch at no charge, as long as they’re registered for the show.
“This event is open to both retailers and associate members, so it will be a great way for the next generation of vendors and dealers to network,” says Gary Hamilton, president of WRLA.
The young participants will also have the opportunity to meet and network with some veteran members of Canada’s retail home improvement industry. “I hope this will generate some exchange between the younger dealers and vendors with more seasoned members of the industry,” Hamilton adds.
Other people expected to attend will include WRLA past chair Mike Doyle of the Home Improvement Warehouse in Calgary, and incoming chair Rob Hauser, owner of the Home Hardware Building Centre in Camrose, Alta. However, the direction and future of the group will be determined by the young delegates themselves, with some hands-on exercises in planning and goal setting to take place at this inaugural meeting.
Krista Scherpenzeel, WRLA admin and co-ordinator of the WRLA NexGen, says “The goal of this group is to connect, educate, and offer influence to the next generation of building supply professionals.”
The 2014 WRLA Prairie Showcase will be held in Saskatoon from January 22-24. Online registration ends today, so click here now.
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Dealers stock up in face of light bulb ban
NATIONAL REPORT — A federal ban on incandescent light bulbs went into effect on New Year’s Day, but some Canadians were prepared, having stocked up on the now-contraband lights before saying goodbye to 2013. The new rules, aimed at increasing energy efficiency, have already taken effect for 75- and 100-watt bulbs, and will extend to 40- and 60-watt models next December 31.
The regulation is not without loopholes. Bulbs manufactured before January 1 can still be shipped. Children’s cookware toys, like the classic Easy-Bake oven, continue to rely on the heat given off by incandescent bulbs.
Some stores have reported seeing a rush to buy up incandescent bulbs in their last weeks of legality, with customers complaining about the higher cost of compact fluorescent bulbs. Those with medical sensitivities to light have also cited concerns about headaches and irritation.
OSRAM Sylvania has a particular interest in taking the pulse of consumers on their bulb purchases. In the last days of 2013, the lighting manufacturer released the “Sylvania Socket Survey,” which found that only 60% of consumers were aware of the new law, while 30% planned to “stockpile.” Two thirds of those surveyed, on the other hand, planned to make the switch to fluorescent.
The lack of awareness cited by Sylvania may be one reason not everyone was lining up to buy bulbs in bulk. On the other hand, given the ample warning, consumers have had time either to adjust their lighting habits, and merchants have had time to guide them through the transition. “As a retailer you have to get your customers accustomed to that,” says Steve Hamilton, a manager at JL’s Home Hardware in Guelph, Ont.
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Classifieds
National Account Manager
Blanco is an International market leader in the Kitchen sink and faucet industry, with its Canadian head office based in Brampton, Ontario. We are currently seeking an experienced National Account Manager to join our expanding Canadian Sales team and drive our continued growth in this channel. This position will manage the Canadian retail portfolio, and will report to the Director, National Sales.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Managing portfolio of retail accounts, as assigned.
- Promotional planning and sku/category management.
- Development and preparation of customer presentations and meeting materials.
- Coordinate and attend customer/ industry trade shows and events, as required.
- Organize and monitor product training programs.
- Create and maintain competitive market price shops on a regular basis.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills - ability to work independently and within a team.
- Participate effectively with cross functional departments internally and externally.
- Experience in product forecasting and sales data analysis required.
- Ability to develop and effectively deliver PowerPoint sales presentations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of national/regional account sales experience in the retail home improvement/plumbing.
- Post-secondary education.
- Knowledge of online retailer category management an asset.
- Ability to travel within Canada required.
- Bilingual (English/French) not required, but considered an asset.
- Advanced Microsoft Office Applications including: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Interested applicants should email resumes to wmcpherson@blancocanada.com . We thank all those who apply, however please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
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