Fall 2022 Hardlines Strategies

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Teaming Up for Growth

A s I look back on the milestone moments we had celebrating our 150th last year, I have to admit that 151 might even look better. We’ve seen a true modernization of our business this year and an uncanny ability to survive the darkest times. I know your businesses have seen the same. We’ve all continued to fight the challenges of low staffing and supply shortages, but this industry is made up of survivors as we highlight in this issue. We unveiled our updated distribution center layout and state-of-the-art conveyor system in 2021 and have

Contents Ask the Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Featured Products . . . . . . . . . 6 Reset Success . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fall Market Preview . . . . . . 14 Heart of Hardware . . . . . . . . 20 Vince Fitzgerald Customer Profile. . . . . . . . . . 26 Legacy Building Supply Customer Profile. . . . . . . . . . 32 Toronto Lumber Hardware House . . . . . . . . . . 40 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 In Memoriam On the Cover Marion Herschberger and his cousin Larry Herschberger co-own what is now Legacy Building Supply. Nestled in the cornfields of Arthur, Illinois, the operation focuses on delivering stellar service to customers while providing specialized building materials.

successfully brought new efficiencies and accuracies to our 500,000 sq. ft. facility. The use of spirals and pick-and-pass conveyor systems, as well as ergonomical shipping tables, have allowed for a 30% increase in production and safety. This assists our team to fulfill the company’s slogan of DELIVERING MORE for you. Not only were physical improvements happening on the inside, but our company’s business practices were also modernizing as well, with the elimination of a 70 plus-year-old labor union, following an internal vote in March. We’ve now implemented a fair and competitive program for our distribution center employees which includes new pay rates and additional benefits, all of which were impossible under union control. We are now moving forward as “One Blish-Mize!” Also moving forward and up is our customer Legacy Building Supply, in Arthur, Illinois. Cousins Larry and Marion Herschberger formed a partnership and bought the store in 2020—counting on their contacts from the construction industry to build out their retail customer base. It worked. The business has grown so much in the last two years that they continue to expand. See the photos of their store and latest Open House on Page 26. Also featured in this issue is Sharri Fuller of Toronto Lumber in Toronto, Kansas, who celebrated 40 years of business in 2020. She has survived the roller coaster economy and has sage advice for those weathering any storm. She also believes in helping her community and creating an amazing environment of service for her employees. Hats off to Sharri and we look forward to many more successful years working together. See her great store on Page 32. The fall season to me is all about football (GO CHIEFS!), being outside in my yard, tailgating with friends and family and crafting beer in my basement. We hope you feel some of that same sentiment at our Fall 2022 Buying Market where the theme is Touchdown of Savings. Look for great food, fantastic prices and a wide selection of goods that we warehouse. Truly, I see the brightest times ahead for you and the hardware business in general. We are teammates in this industry, and I feel very optimistic about our upcoming victories.

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. © 2022. For advertising rates and deadlines, please contact:

Warm Regards, Jonathan D. Mize CEO and President jonathan@blishmize.com

Blish Connor Blish-Mize

223 S. Fifth St., Box 249 Atchison, Kansas 66002 Toll free: (800) 995-0525 (913) 367-1250

Make your plan to attend the Fall 2022 Buying Market today! Scan this QR code to register and get ready for savings. Read more about the Market on Page 14 .

(913) 375-2505 (cell) (913) 367-0667 (fax) Email: blish.connor@blishmize.com

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