Learning.
Networking.
Fellowship.
Bringing together senior sales and marketing executives in the home improvement manufacturing industry since 1971.
What is HMC?
The Hardware Marketing Council (HMC) was organized in 1971 by a handful of individuals representing leading manufacturers who were fulfilling the product requirements of home improvement retailers. The organization’s “founding fathers” included senior sales and marketing executives from leading name brand companies.
Today, the organization gathers twice a year to hear industry leaders speak on relevant topics so members keep pace with the rapidly changing trends within the industry. Some of the past speakers include:
- Darrin Clark, VP of Pro Services, Lowe’s
- Mark Veeder, VP Online Merchandising, The Home Depot
- Steve Barbarick, President and CMO, Tractor Supply Company
- John Hartmann, President and CEO, True Value
- Mark Herbek, Executive Director and Partner, Cleveland Research
- Dan Tratensek, Executive VP and Publisher, North American Retail Hardware Association
- John Surane, VP of Merchandising, Marketing and Sales, Ace Hardware
- Steve Markley, VP of Merchandising, Do it Best
Learning
HMC hosts two annual events giving members insights from notable industry figures, motivational speakers and industry experts on a wide range of topics including management skills, line reviews, team building, leadership and trends affecting the industry.
Networking
With more than 100 companies represented, HMC provides members multiple opportunities to connect, share ideas and learn practices at its two annual events, which include cocktail receptions, dinners, golf outings and more.
Fellowship
HMC members are able to build a large network of peers to connect with throughout the year. HMC represents the home improvement industry and its goal is to provide members an outlet to learn from each other and ensure a strong future for the industry.
Who belongs to HMC?
HMC members represent more than 100 companies including large and small manufacturing brands in the home improvement industry. Many of its founding companies are still active today.
Membership
HMC is made up of senior sales and marketing executives representing leading manufacturers that serve the material and equipment needs of the home improvement industry. Membership is granted exclusively to individuals who meet the criteria for membership including the individual’s company responsibilities, personal stature within the industry and ability to contribute to group discussion. New members are sponsored by existing members and are accepted into membership by a vote. HMC also employs and supports anti-trust protocol and have counsel in attendance to ensure we protect our members accordingly.
Membership benefits include:
- an invitation to two annual meetings with an excellent line-up of industry experts and speakers and endless networking opportunities
- follow leading indicators in the industry
- identify and quantify customer base
- monitor distribution trends in the industry
- analysis of new distribution trends
- access to a robust member directory of leading manufacturers
Why am I a member?
Hear from a few current members about how HMC has been beneficial for them in their businesses and professional careers.
“HMC has exposed me to on-trend industry information from top retail executives and experts on the state-of-the retail environment. All of the information is relevant and helpful for me and my company to grow our business.”
-Wendy Sender,
Director of Sales, Blue Rhino
“A true bond is formed with this trusted network of industry leaders, many of whom are also willing to support and share their wisdom outside of the meetings. This opportunity wouldn’t be available to many small companies if they hadn’t invested the time to participate. ”
-Dee Willoughby,
President, Fulton Corporation
“Members consist of an exclusive group of industry leaders with the opportunity to network in a small and intimate setting. This is our industry’s best option for networking with fellow vendors and our largest customer’s leaders.”
-Bill Lown, VP Retail Division & Business Development, The Stow Company
November 28-30
Winter 2023 Meeting
May 30 – June 1, 2023
Spring 2023 Meeting
Winter 2023 Meeting
Mission Inn
Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida
Nov. 28 – 30
Spring 2023 Meeting
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Durham, North Carolina
May 30 – June 1
Meeting Highlights
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Jon Easter announced on Wednesday morning that the 2020 Fall Meeting will be moved to Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.
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Jon Rose, who recently retired from The Wooster Brush Company was presented a plaque from NRHA and HMC to honor him for his long time support of the Home Improvement Industry, NRHA and HMC.
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There was an outstanding turnout for the meeting…. 70 members and guests attended the meeting which included 21 new members.
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MATT LEISER-Director, Home Improvement Council of Cleveland Research Company started the meeting off on Wednesday morning with an overall economic update and what to look forward to in 2020 in the housing and home improvement markets. He discussed the different personality profiles of the hardware store shopper vs. the home improvement store shopper and their evolving preferences. He further discussed the benchmarks and market shares for the hardware store market along with key concerns and priorities of hardware store owners.
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BOYDEN MOORE-President & CEO of Orgill, Inc. discussed the tremendous growth the company has seen since 2007 and the changes now incurring in the hardware industry. He discussed how Orgill helps their customers grow and how they use CNRG as a workshop laboratory to build better future store formats. He further explained the strategy of Orgill, CNRG and Tyndale Advisers working together and the future growth plans for Orgill.
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CYNTHIA BLACKWELL- President of Cynthia Blackwell Consulting discussed the concept of Servant Leadership and explained how personality types will impact performance and engagement. She further explained management styles and how they react to situations and decision making.
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TIM MILLER-President & CEO of VELUX America, Inc. discussed the benefits and merits of being an HMC member along with ways he has benefited personally from his long term HMC membership. Tim also discussed the benefits of being a member of HIRI (Home Improvement Research Institute). HMC members who join HIRI prior to 1/31/2020 will receive a $4,000 discount on their 2020 membership dues. If you are interested in joining or getting further information on HIRI, contact Brad Farnsworth at 303-886-5289 or gfarnsworth@
thefarnsworthgroup.com. -
MARK KNAUS-Business Manager of CSA Group discussed the various testing required on products in both the USA and Canada to meet certification standards for both the federal government and retailers. He discussed the services available from CSA to meet present and future standards along with what big changes are being made relative to product testing.
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MARK BICKENBACH-General Manager of The Home Depot Online concluded the meeting with a great overview of the challenges and opportunities online retailers have to maintain their tremendous growth and service the customers with the speed they expect. The Home Depot is presently the 5th largest online retailer. Mark spent a great deal of his time answering specific member questions about doing business with The Home Depot Online and what their plans are for the future.