HardlinesStrategies_Fall_2024

VENDOR VIGNETTE

Meet Joe 6 Questions on Industry and Life With Joe “DAP” Kovarik

S: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? JK: I always pictured myself as a businessperson, although more of the formal suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying big-city type. However, in hindsight, it has suited me well, becoming more of a jean-wearing, tool-bag carrying, small-town sales guy, as I love my job. S: What is your dream vacation? JK: I’m not sure that I have just one. My wife Deborah and I and our children enjoy traveling and experiencing exciting places together. We just had a trip to the Rocky Mountains for hiking, horseback riding and cooler weather. We are also planning a trip to Italy this fall. S: What advice do you have for someone just starting in this industry? JK: First, I would tell them congratulations on joining a great industry! The people in this business are the absolute best and help make work fun. Overall, if you focus on helping others and do what you say you are going to do, you will become more successful than you ever thought possible.

Strategies: Tell us about your history with DAP. Joe “DAP” Kovarik (JK): Having spent my entire career in the building products industry, I joined DAP Global in 2013 as a territory manager. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of being the account lead for Blish-Mize and have attended every Market with the exception of one. Recently, I was promoted to DAP’s southwest region manager to lead a team of DAP territory managers who cover all or parts of twelve states. DAP Global is an excellent company to work for and for dealers to do business with. Our products fly off their shelves! S: What do you enjoy most about the Blish-Mize buying Markets? JK: Mostly the people. I love the people at Blish-Mize and our mutual customers. Seeing the familiar faces at the event means a lot to me. Blish-Mize does a wonderful job with their show programs and dealers are smart to take advantage of them. The buying Markets also allow us to highlight our latest and greatest innovative products. Our products are proven winners, and dealers have learned over time to always stop by our booth to learn about our latest items and special promotions on our proven winners.

Joe “DAP” Kovarik Southwest Region Manager DAP

S: What excites you most about the future of the independent home improvement channel? JK: The immense possibilities. No one services the customer like an independent home improvement dealer. Their customers are their friends, and they also have a genuine personal stake in their local communities. And no one services the independent dealer the way that Blish-Mize does!

Stop by to chat with Joe and see

everything DAP has to offer at Booth #304 at the Fall Buying Market!

34 Fall 2024 • Hardlines Strategies