January 22, 2018 Volume xxiv, #3

“Advice is like snow—the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.”
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (English poet and philosopher, 1772-1834)

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New look Co-op stores cater to DIY convenience and needs of contractors

SASKATOON — Federated Co-operatives Ltd. has been investing in big changes to the look of its home centres. The Greystone Co-op Home Centre in Saskatoon offers the freshest example of this new direction. The 35,000-square-foot store replaces a smaller one that was about five minutes down the road.

The store is operated by Saskatoon Co-op.

Don Ryan, marketing manager for FCL’s Home and Building Solutions division, says the refresh has been under way for the past three years. Part of the process includes standardizing layouts in the stores, while creating more traction for contractors. “We have 20 stores that have changed so far,” he says. “Ongoing, it’s been successful.”

Walking through the Greystone store, Ryan points out how the increased size of the store lends itself to some big box touches. A power aisle through the centre of retail area showcases key seasonal and promotional items such as snow blowers, roof rakes, and brand-name power tools. The high ceilings accommodate large, full-colour product images in signage above the racks.

He further stresses the importance of a “show-and-tell” approach for increasing sales, exemplified by the presence of numerous vignettes in the kitchen and bath department. “In the past, we could talk about selling sinks, but people couldn’t see what they looked like.” The vignettes include a range of countertops, and in the bath area, vignettes feature coloured tubs.

Overall, this store has more building materials on the floor than its predecessors. That includes a bigger range of doors and mouldings than in the past. “We’re trying to get them out of the back and let customers see them,” Ryan says. He credits one supplier, Alexandria Moulding, which worked closely with store design and merchandising company BMF. “They’ve been good partners for us,” he notes. This merchandising philosophy applies to all the Co-op home centres, he added.

In addition, the home centres have seen an increase in demand for dimensional and sheet lumber and the new store reflects efforts to meet that demand, including a 25,000-square-foot drive-through lumber area. “We want to build on that.”

FCL is sourcing higher quality lumber on behalf of the Co-ops as wood is becoming more popular as an interior finish. And, thanks to the indoor drive-through, the Greystone store is also attracting more contractors. It’s the first of the Co-op’s stores to offer this.

(We have more photos of this store for you to view. Click here to take a tour of Greystone C-op Home Centre.—your ever-helpful Editor)

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Lowe’s EVP Alain Brisebois no longer with the company

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — One of Lowe’s Canada’s top executives has left the company. Alain Brisebois, who had the hefty title of executive vice-president, operations central services, and affiliate dealers, has departed suddenly.

Brisebois joined RONA in 2013 and had been in his current role since June 2016. He managed to weather the changes at RONA as it transitioned through the takeover by Lowe’s Cos. to become Lowe’s Canada. Reporting directly to CEO Sylvain Prud’homme, Brisebois was a key member of the senior team that helped Prud’homme and the Lowe’s team manage RONA’s integration; and he was an important point person for RONA’s dealings with its independent, or affiliate, dealers.

Lowe’s Canada would not comment on Brisebois’ departure. However, according to a Lowe’s Canada spokesperson, “His responsibilities have been shared amongst the other members on the executive team.”

Brisebois had a range of duties in his role as EVP. But Lowe’s Canada confirms that his interaction with the affiliate dealers is being taken over by Tony Cioffi, senior vice president and CFO of Lowe’s Canada. Cioffi joined the company in September 2016, and was formerly with KPMG.

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B.C. association will celebrate 80th year with hot springs bash

SURREY, B.C. — The Building Supply Industry Association of B.C. (BSIA) is celebrating 80 years in existence and will cap off the milestone with an anniversary event at Harrison Hot Springs Resort on July 5 and 6, 2018.

According to Thomas Foreman, president of the BSIA, the purpose of the event is to bring the province’s building supply industry together in an environment that enables association members and supporters network, relax, and get inspired. The event will also have a trade show aspect featuring new products.

This event will begin late in the afternoon of July 5, when delegates will be able to view table top displays of products and services. In the banquet room, entertainer Andrew Johns, who also performed at the BSIA’s 75th anniversary in Whistler, will be performing. A guest speaker will lead of the evening, followed by a gala dinner. The gala will also play host to the BSIA’s annual Orion Awards presentation.

Day two will feature a series of leisure activities, starting with a continental breakfast, and include a golf tournament and sturgeon fishing.

The host hotel is the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and the BSIA has set aside a room block from July 5 to July 8. The venue features biking, swimming, hiking, fishing, paddling, and spas. Special rates have been negotiated for delegates for the 80th anniversary.

(For more information and to book your room at Harrison Hot Springs, please click here.)

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Castle adds three members in first weeks of the new year

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Castle Building Centres Group has hit the road running this year, with three new members announced already in the first half of January. The first is a dealer in Sherbrooke, Que. Murexpair Inc. has been serving the local community there for 17 years.

Murexpair owner Jonathan Sirois specializes in roofing and siding to contractors and local consumers. When he and his current partner Bruno Langlois began to consider a buying group, they were looking for an opportunity to grow their business by adding new products, while maintaining their store’s identity and branding. Through Castle, Murexpair expects to offer a wider range of steel roofing, siding, decking products, and commercial steel siding.

Also new to the group is Timber Spirit Supply in Spiritwood, Sask. Matt St. Onge founded the business in 2015 as a full-service lumber, building materials, and hardware destination for local contractors, home builders, and consumers.

“Our team is dedicated to accommodating our customers’ every need and ensuring the best possible fit and solution. We needed the same custom fit for our growing business and Castle was the only buying group that could offer this kind of flexibility,” said St. Onge. A grand opening celebration as Castle Building Centres is planned for the spring, once the store has gone through a complete rebranding.

The latest member to join the buying group is in Saskatoon. LKQ Building Supply is a specialty supply operation owned by Ken Spetz. The business provides building materials for restoration and finishing, along with a range of specialty building products for local contractors.

“When we decided to expand into retail, we saw the best opportunity for success with Castle,” said Spetz. That store will also hold a grand opening in the spring.

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At Orgill, Inc., Colin Carey has been promoted to the role of district manager for Western Canada. He was previously an Orgill sales representative in Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. In his new position, Carey will support Orgill’s customers throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Carey distinguished himself last year, and was recognized by Orgill, for his service to his customers and community during the 2016 wildfires that tore through Fort McMurray. As a volunteer firefighter, Colin used his vacation time to head to the area and help fight the fires.

At Doidge Building Centres Ltd., Jake den Hollander has been promoted to general manager operations. He was formerly GM. The six-store chain recently joined RONA as an affiliate store.

At Walmart, Judith McKenna has been named the company’s international president and CEO. She was formerly COO. McKenna succeeds David Cheesewright, effective February 1.

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CLASSIFIED ADS

Organizational Announcement

Positec Tool Corporation is pleased to announce:

Philip Fitzpatrick has been promoted to Vice President &  General Manager of Positec Canada.  Philip will be primarily responsible for overseeing planning and implementing sales, marketing and product development programs for both short and long range, targeting existing and new markets.

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Position Description

Position: Milwaukee Strategic Account Manager- Hardware/LBM 2-Step Channel     
Location: Markham, ON Headquarters
Reports To: Director of Sales - Hardware

General Responsibility
Manage Milwaukee Electric Tool sales activities of key accounts in the Canadian Hardware/LBM 2-Step channel; coordinating the efforts of all internal functions to service and profitably grow the 2-Step account base. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long term sales strategy to grow sales and drive profitability.  Must regularly meet with account(s) to identify long term and short term needs and develop plan to deliver.  Must stay abreast of industry trends to understand account needs and positioning.
• Develop and implement annual sales plan.  Work with marketing, product management, finance, sales administration and distribution to communicate and execute plan.
• Develop accurate and timely annual, quarterly and monthly sales forecast.  Communicate changes immediately.
• Develop budget and profitability plan for account.  Manage expenses and account activity to meet or exceed profit plan. Use account profitability model to consistently assess status of accounts.
• Effectively utilize marketing resources for advertising coordination, promotional materials and presentation materials.
• Coordinate with product management to capitalize on current and future product offerings and ensure we are maximizing the accounts’ potential.  Work to develop any specific SKU’s needed.  Shares ideas and customer needs through all phases of product life cycle.
• Extensive communication with and travel to assigned accounts. Coordinate and deliver sales presentations effectively utilizing resources available.  Promote, sell, and secure business for both existing and new products. Obtain feedback and use effectively with internal resources.
• Plan/Participate in Buying Group meetings and Trade Shows representing the company and presenting products and programs.
• Communicate any specific distribution needs internally.
• Expedites the resolution of customer problems and issues.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements

• Minimum 7-10 years successful consumer products sales experience to retail accounts at key or national account level.
• Experience in Hardware/LBM 2-Step distribution channel.
• Demonstrated track record of growing profitable sales.
• Development of account business plans to include: product offerings, forecasts, advertising/co-op, profitability, expenses and any specific distribution needs.
• University degree or College diploma.
• PC literate in Microsoft Office products. 
• Demonstrated strong analytical and organizational skills, including forecasting.
• Strong communication skills – written, verbal and excellent presentation skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Takes positive approach and has sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal resources.

Resumes are to be forearded to HRCanada@ttigroupna.com.  Please put in the subject line:  Strategic Account Manager- Hardware/LBM 2-Step Channel  

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Sales Consultant, Outdoor Storage Solutions, RTM 

Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Star Building Materials is an independent, wholly owned division of Qualico, and we are seeking a Sales Consultant, Outdoor Storage Solutions to join our team. 

Reporting to the Sales Supervisor, the Sales Consultant contributes to the success and effectiveness of Star by providing sales expertise for garden sheds, garages, shops and agricultural buildings. The Sales Consultant will be responsible for the direct sale of outdoor storage buildings and will provide exceptional customer service to existing and potential customers throughout all stages of the sale and construction process. 

Education & Qualifications: 

· High School Diploma or equivalent is required. 

· Knowledge of building construction is required. 

· Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle is required. 

· Strong customer service orientation and exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. 

· Strong time management and high attention to detail. 

· Satisfactory verification of criminal record check. 

How to Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to careers.winnipeg@qualico.com.

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Marketing Manager, Schlage Canada 

Location: Mississauga, Ontario 

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing, the Marketing Manager, will manage all brand responsibility for Schlage brand for all channels retail, ecommerce, single family builders and residential wholesale channels. This position will manage the Schlage residential product portfolio and lead the commercialization process for all new Schlage products launched in Canada. 

What You Will Do: 

· Develop and execute a localized marketing plan aligned with brand, store objectives, and within budget parameters. 

· Work closely with the retail channel team to execute sales and marketing plans. 

· Network with associations, clubs, contractors, designers and retail partners. 

· Execute store community events aligned with the consumer calendar to maximize brand engagement in the market. 

· Analyze and report on data to take a 360⁰ view of all analytics to support the brand and help shape consumer outreach and promotion activities. 

· Produce monthly reports on engagement from web traffic, digital advertising and social media events. 

· Promote and monitor quality service among co-workers through training and by acting as a positive role model. 

· Develop consumer marketing plans and advertising campaigns, based on global creative development modified as required for the Canadian consumer, to profitably build consumer equity for the Brand. 

· Execute the consumer marketing plans in collaboration with the marketing group, the retail channel team, packaging, PR and creative agencies and media planning 

· Maintain in-depth knowledge of core category to ensure both consumer and customer marketing programs are optimized; perform strategic analysis and consumer segmentation analysis, as appropriate. 

What You Will Need: 

· A Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications or a related field. 

· 7+ years of creative development experience in Brand Management, Creative Services, or agency experience. 

· A minimum of 5 years of experience leading and managing a team, creative communications, or branding. 

· 10% travel with occasional visits to the United States 

· Superior understanding of strategic marketing communications, hands-on experience with targeted segmentation, messaging, integrated marketing processes and related deliverables. 

· Strong interpersonal skills, professional maturity and judgment, and be capable of communicating with a diverse range of individuals at all professional levels. 

· The ability to express complex topics in a simple, straightforward manner. 

· To participate in monthly planning and budget reviews to manage monthly costs and year-to-date finances. 

· The drive for results while maintaining focus in fast-paced, demanding environments. 

Apply Today 

Join our team of experts today and help us make tomorrow a safer place! Please visit https://allegion.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Mississauga-Canada/Marketing-Manager--Schlage-Canada_JR8230 to see the full job description and to apply today! 

We are committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

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