Strategies Spring 2026_No Crops

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

A Legacy of Building America

Contents Ask the Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Featured Products . . . . . . . . . . 4 Spring Market Preview . . . . . 10 Customer Profile . . . . . . . . . . . 20 417 Lumber Winning Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Customer Profile . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Western Market Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 VendorVignette . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Blish-Mize Inside . . . . . . . . . . . 38 On the Cover The team at 417 Lumber opens a new contractor-focused location and has been thriving since, with the help of Blish-Mize.

A s America celebrates its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are taking a look at not just where we’ve come from but what keeps us moving forward. In Atchison, Kansas, HQ of Blish-Mize Co., this reflection feels very close to home. Our city was built by the dreamers, builders and small-business entrepreneurs of early America who believed that hard work, community support and a spirit of success could propel a small town ahead. Over 150 years ago,

my great-great-grandfather and his family shared that belief when they founded Blish-Mize Co. Today, we use our expertise to help small businesses grow and build. We feature two great examples of growth in this issue. Our first customer, 417 Lumber, wanted to open a second location in Branson West, Missouri. They turned to us for our expertise to maximize every square foot of opportunity in the layout and planning. We are grateful for their trust and love being part of their success. Western Market is another customer who looked to us for help when deciding to expand; doubling their available square footage with their expansion. They were able to strengthen their ability to service their customers for years to come with a commitment to growth. Watching any store expand is a proud moment for us, a reflection of our team’s vision and perseverance. We are continuously looking for ways to help our customers better serve their communities. Embracing the future is a large part of success, especially when it comes to technology. In this issue you will read about one of our vendor partners, Milwaukee Tool, on how they are using AI to make the products you sell better for your customers. You will also hear from Jill Hathaway about how to succeed by focusing on your integration in your community. AI has become an inevitable part of our business and we encourage you to embrace the training we are offering this year at our Spring Buying Market with Cody Goeppner from the North American Hardware and Paint Association. We will be embracing America’s 250th birthday at our upcoming market with classic American things like great pricing, amazing BBQ and friendly smiles. We hope you will join us March 19-21, 2026, for a party like no other! Our country’s success can only ever be written by the plans of inventors, the sweat of builders, the generosity of neighbors and the spirit of entrepreneurship. We all know those stories well and live them every day.

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. Copyright 2025. 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

Cheers to you and America! Jonathan D. Mize Chairman and CEO jonathan@blishmize.com

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

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