Spring 2022 Hardlines Strategies

50 Years of Service

Serving the Community When it comes to giving back to their communities, the RAKS owners like to focus on local youth. This investment in youth activities has contributed to the number of high school students who work at the stores. According to Lorraine, young people view working at RAKS as a local rite of passage. “We are passionate about giving back to our youth, whether it be through supporting sports and 4-H programs or community-hosted events,” Kerry says. RAKS has donated to local public and private schools; youth groups, camps and conferences; and churches and local organizations, among others. The business also participates in and donates to local events and fundraisers. RAKS Building Supply has also been chosen for six straight years as the Best Hardware/Lumber Store

families to the employees and their families. Of the 13 original employees at the first location in Los Lunas, eight still work at RAKS today. This loyalty is reciprocated. Richie and Kenny reward hard work from their employees. They pay attention to who is going the extra mile, and they show gratitude through recognition and promotion. They believe in longevity with their employees—from the yard foreman to accounts payable and the cashier. “We really embrace the ‘like family’ mindset,” Kerry says. RAKS also employs many young people at its stores, including local high school students with their first jobs. “Most use it as a stepping stone to college or into a field they have become interested in through helping customers in the store,” Kerry says. “When an upper management position becomes available, we like to look first to promote from within.”

RAKS corporate secretary Gloria Trujillo is pictured with her Golden Hammer award, received in recognition of her 50 years of service in the hardware industry. She and RAKS co-owner Richie Tabet were presented their awards in 2020 by their Blish-Mize representative.

Stop by Booth # 452

42 Spring 2022 • Hardlines Strategies