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:
- Bobby Baylis, VP of Merchandising, The Home Depot
- Ged King, CEO, Sales Factory
- Mark Fisher, President, TZ Recruiting
- Connor Lokar, Economist, ITR Economics
- Boyden Moore, President and CEO, Orgill
- Mark Herbek, Executive Director and Partner, Cleveland Research
- Dan Tratensek, Executive VP and Publisher, North American Retail Hardware Association
- Jon Surane, Executive VP, Chief Merchandising & Sales Officer, Ace Hardware
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 offers a unique opportunity to be in a room with people from different positions and experience levels in the home improvement industry. It allows me to build new connections, network and share best practices. The diverse group of speakers at each event ensures we are focused on current issues, making it a must-attend event for me.”
-Karen OConnell,
Sales Manager, InSinkErator
“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
December 3-5, 2024
Winter 2024 Meeting
May 20 – 22, 2025
Spring 2025 Meeting
Winter 2024 Meeting
Mission Inn
Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida
Dec. 3-5
Spring 2025 Meeting
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Durham, North Carolina
May 20 – 22
May 2024 Meeting Highlights
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The meeting included 70 members and guests, which included 19 new members.
- Speakers at the meeting included:
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DAN TRATENSEK, COO and Publisher at the North American Hardware and Paint Association reviewed the state of the independent retail channel over the past few years and five areas retailers are focused on in a presentation “Uncharted Waters: Independent Home Improvement Retailers Navigate the New Normal.”
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CONNOR LOKAR, Economist at ITR Economics shared an update on the current economic climate and predictions for the future in a presentation “2024-2025: A Changing Landscape.”
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DENT JOHNSON, EVP at Do it Best Corp, presented an overview of Do it Best, some of their key metrics and what to expect from the co-op in the future.
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SHARI KALBACH, President of the Hardlines Distribution Alliance, gave an overview of her company and the benefits of a distributor network in a presentation “HDA Works: Building a Stronger Industry.”
- BRIAN STEARNS, Founder and CEO of RingOFire, gave a presentation titled “Digital Media Planning in the Home Improvement Channel.”