Spring 2021 Hardlines

BLISH-MIZE: 150 YEARS

Secrets to Success: A Conversation With John and Jonathan Mize

Strategies : When you reflect on the past 150 years, where do you see Blish-Mize in the future? JHM: If this year has taught me anything, it’s that we need to be flexible. We need to constantly innovate to remain successful, which we are doing on a daily basis. JM: I still see us continuing to serve the independent hardware retailer. Whether they are brick-and-mortar, strictly online or a combination of both. I see us always becoming more efficient and improving how accurately we can get orders out to our customers. What we are currently working on within our distribution center— installing a new conveyor system throughout our facility, a flow rack for fast-moving case goods or even in shipping, by making it easier for our loaders to stage and palletize orders for delivery— is putting us right up there with the major fulfillment centers in the country.

Strategies : What does 150 years of Blish-Mize mean to you? John H. Mize (JHM): I suppose I should say it means a wild success. If I read an article about one of our longtime stores doing great businesses in a tough environment, that means the most. Jonathan Mize (JM): Survival. In my 30-plus years of being in this industry, it’s somewhat amazing to me that much larger companies than ours have gone away, and we’re still here. I was telling someone recently that be it pandemics, World Wars, grasshopper plagues, a Dust Bowl or land rush, territory or state establishments, Blish-Mize has survived, evolved and continued to be of service for the past 150 years. I’m sure our founders David Blish, Edward Mize and Jack Silliman would be amazed that we have been “delivering more” for this many years and we’re here to celebrate our sesquicentennial.

John H. Mize Chairman of the Board

Jonathan Mize CEO and President

YOUR PARTNER INPAINT. Grow your business with a partner who gets results. PPG has the product selection, color resources and project expertise you need to achieve success. VISIT US AT BOOTH 238

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online