HardlinesStrategies_Fall_2024

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Contents Transportation Update . . . . . . 2 Featured Products . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fall Market Preview . . . . . . . . . 8 SetupSuccess ............. 16 Golden Rule Lumber Co. Heart of Hardware.. . . . . . . . . 18 Teague Lumber Customer Profile. . . . . . . . . . . 22 Wylaco Supply Co. Customer Profile. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Prickly Pear Farm & Home Customer Profile. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Baylor Lumber Vendor Vignette . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Joe “DAP” Kovarik Operations ................ 36 Digital Marketing Insights Blish-Mize Inside. . . . . . . . . . . 38 On the Cover The team at Wylaco Supply Co. in Colorado provides the tools and products its customers need for projects from big to bigger.

Where’s the Beef?

A ndy Reid, head coach of Super Bowl Champions the Kansas City Chiefs, and I have two things in common: We love cheeseburgers and strategy. Coincidentally, those two things share a few similarities. A cheeseburger has many layers, as does a strategy. Our intentional investment in technology to improve efficiency and logistics are the two layers I embrace to reduce costs and improve operations, something I’m sure you all look at every day as business owners.

These investments in automation and functionality, as well as our new partnership with Schneider and their advancements in order tracking and route guidance, have proved effective in keeping costs down and delivery times quicker than ever before. Read more about that partnership on Page 2 . On Page 8 , we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our Market setup and our exclusive Buying Market App. Our teams (Purchasing, Marketing, Finance and Sales) cook up the best events twice a year. Months of planning go into the week of excitement, and the app technology is second to none. Our mobile Buying Market App is unlike anything else in our industry. While we’ll never totally get rid of paper Market books, our App is the most up-to-date form on what’s going on during our Markets. Plus, you, our customers, control the ordering on all orders and programs found through the App. Download it—it’s the key ingredient to Market success. The meat of our business is our customers, and this issue is packed with their stories. Meet these incredible people and learn about their diverse businesses throughout the issue, including Baylor Lumber, Wylaco Supply Co., Teague Lumber, Golden Rule Lumber and Prickly Pear Farm & Home. At Baylor, they live by the slogan, “We pride ourselves on delivering customer care to the best of our ability.” They know, like we do, that delivering more is the secret sauce. Wylaco, our cover story on Page 22 , is strategically defining its core audience. The company leaders have decided to target the construction industry and in turn, the business has become the largest supplier of tools and supplies to professional contractors. Wylaco has defined its essential layers and added toppings along the way. Also, check out the feature on Teague Lumber on Page 18 . The longevity of its employees rivals ours—and we’ve had people stay for over 50 years! Teague is a unique outfit, and we are happy to call them a customer. We are strategizing for a successful finish of 2024 and beyond. Take a look at Page 38 to learn about how our comprehensive investments in technology are helping you prepare for your future. We look forward to continue helping you succeed with optimal pricing, planning and performance strategy. And, we will see you at the Market to celebrate Red Friday and toast to your success.

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. Copyright 2024. For advertising rates and deadlines, please contact:

Blish Connor Blish-Mize

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

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

Jonathan Mize Chairman and CEO jonathan@blishmize.com

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