Do it Best

From military service to hardware retail, Joe Rawson has found a new way to serve. 🇺🇸🛠️

As the general manager and part owner for the hardware division of RJ Dunham's Inc., Joe has transitioned from a decorated military career to leading a local independent store. After completing eight deployments during his time in the service, he is now utilizing the core leadership and operational skills he learned to guide his retail team and support his local community.

You can read more about Joe's journey and how veteran leadership drives success in the independent channel in the latest issue of Hardware Retailing.

Read the feature here: https://issuu.com/yournhpa/docs/hardware_retailing_june_2026/42

A record-breaking day on the green for a fantastic cause! ⛳🏆

The Do it Best and True Value Foundation teamed up for the sixth annual Fore the Cause golf tournament in Fort Wayne. Thanks to the incredible support of nearly 450 golfers, including our suppliers, vendors, and industry partners, the event raised a record $1.73 million! 🥳🎉

We easily blew past our original $1.5 million fundraising goal, and every single dollar will go toward supporting vital nonprofit organizations across the country.

A massive thank you to Fort Wayne Country Club, Orchard Ridge Country Club, Pine Valley Country Club, and Sycamore Hills for hosting us, and to everyone who participated to help make a positive impact in our communities! 🤝❤️

From the showroom floor to the national spotlight! 🌟

Huge congratulations to Ambridge Do It Best Home Center for being featured by LBM Journal! David Strano and Leah Wallace jumped on the LBM Talks podcast to break down how their hilarious, community-focused Facebook content keeps their store top-of-mind. 🛠️📦

We love seeing our member-owners shine!

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent tragedy at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine. In times of hardship, the independent hardware family always rallies together, and we are so proud of the teams at Damariscotta Hardware and Randolph Hardware for stepping up to lead the way. ✨

Co-owner Rob Gardiner and his staff have launched a Register Round-Up fundraiser to support relief efforts for the families, employees, and heroic first responders impacted by the event. To make every contribution go further, Rob is personally MATCHING all checkout donations raised through June 6, with funds being distributed by the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation.

Thank you to the generous customers and dedicated staff in Damariscotta and Randolph who prove that we are always stronger together! 🛠️🏅

Full story: https://bit.ly/3S1d4J9

it Best

Finding the right niche is all about giving customers more reasons to walk through your doors. 🛠️🖼️

We love this recent feature in Hardware Connection spotlighting Do it Best member Larry Myers, owner of River Ridge Hardware in Spokane, WA.

Larry shares how the store's unique, built-in custom framing shop (Frame It Today) is a steady driver of foot traffic, healthy margins, and deep community connection.

Read the full article to explore Larry's 6 key insights on how independent retailers can identify, build, and commit to profitable niches in their own markets: https://bit.ly/4evU1PY

Join us in celebrating an incredible milestone for one of our own! 🌟 Jason Blair, CEO of TAL Building Centers, has officially been named a 2026 NHPA Top Guns honoree by the North American Hardware and Paint Association - NHPA.

This prestigious award honors the "best of the best" in the independent hardware and lumber industry—leaders who drive innovation, support their local communities, and empower their teams to succeed every day.

Jason’s dedication to excellence in the Pacific Northwest is an inspiration to the entire Do it Best family. Congratulations, Jason, on this well-deserved honor! 🥂👏

Congratulations to this year’s LBM Journal 40 Under 40 honorees from the Do it Best Group family! 🚀📈

We’re proud to celebrate:
🌟 Danielle Hoover, Your Building Centers
🌟 Shelby Leonardis, Sparr Building and Farm Supply - Sparr, FL
🌟 Daniel Matsuura, HPM Building Supply
🌟 Rory Menhennett, Northwest Ranch Supply
🌟 Kelly Roper, Harbin Lumber Company, Inc.
🌟 Matt Saines, Do it Best
🌟 Rebecca Vaughn, Mead Lumber
🌟 Jacob Kalabich, Acme Lumber and Building Materials

Each year, LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 program recognizes emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of the lumber and building materials industry through innovation, leadership, service, and a commitment to growth.

These eight individuals represent the strength, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to drive our industry forward. Whether leading teams, serving customers and communities, advancing operations, or embracing new ideas, each honoree is making a meaningful impact in their own unique way. We’re honored to have them as part of our network and excited to see what’s ahead for each of them.

Please join us in congratulating all eight on this well-deserved recognition! 🤝🏆

Do it Best and True Value retailers just earned 25 of the 50 HBSDealer Hardware All Star honors for 2026—representing 50% of all winners nationwide! 🏆📈

From rural community anchors to high-performing home centers, these stores are proving what independent retail does best every day:
✔ Exceptional service
✔ Deep community impact
✔ Relentless ex*****on

This year’s winners span coast to coast and reflect the strength, diversity, and resilience of our network.

A special congratulations to Paul Montalbano of Monnick Supply, who is featured on the cover of the May issue of HBSDealer, showcasing the visionary leadership driving our industry forward. We are incredibly proud of our retailers, our teams, and the incredible momentum we are building together. 🤝🛠️

🔗 https://issuu.com/ensembleiq/docs/hbsd_may_2026/19

A legacy continues! 🌲✨ Huge congratulations to Ganahl Lumber Company on their recent acquisition of Nichols Lumber in Baldwin Park.

For decades, Nichols has been a staple of its community. Now, as part of the Ganahl family, that history is being preserved and propelled into a new era. We love this quote from Ganahl COO Dan Delaney: “We didn’t just buy a lumber yard; we invested in a legacy.”

We’re proud to see our member-owners growing their footprint while staying true to the roots of independent retail. Welcome to the next chapter, Baldwin Park! 🛠️🏠

Full details: https://ow.ly/kxI250Z57vI

What an incredible night at Electric Works! We are still celebrating the success of Cookin’ Fort Wayne, hosted by the Do it Best and True Value Foundation.

This year’s event brought together our community's top chefs, culinary enthusiasts, and local leaders for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and philanthropy. Attendees sampled outstanding dishes across four unique categories: Mini Mains, Grill Seekers, Pour Decisions, and Sweet Stops; while enjoying live music from Whoa, Man! and a special VIP experience on the Do it Best rooftop.

Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from the night directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana, providing critical support to local families when they need it most.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteer crew, the talented participating chefs, and everyone who attended to support this vital mission. Together, we are helping build stronger communities.

Learn more about our foundation's work at doitbestfoundation.org.