B&B Hardware builds on culture
How’s your hardware culture?
(We’ll pause a moment.)
You’re probably thinking of ways you’d answer that.
Before you do, consider the many definitions of culture. Consult the friendly dictionary and you’ll find that culture is “a custom or belief,” and a group of “social practices.”
But today, let’s concern ourselves with the scientific take on the word culture, which is to “grow in a prepared medium.”
Isn’t that what you really seek: To grow together in your hardware business?
That definition speaks to developing a rapport with, and building trust in, each other on the team and with the all-important customers – who are likely friends, friends-of-friends, neighbors and townspeople.
R.J. McDaniel, the owner and president of B&B Hardware located in Milan, Illinois, a small town on the Rock River in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa, talks “workforce culture” and the factors that influence the employment market today.
“We all new knew the workforce and culture would be different,” he said. “After 2020 there is no denying the change; the last two years have been incredibly challenging.
“We have had economic and financial disruption; a pandemic that shut down the world; and an increase in mental health awareness due to all of this.”
His store, a Do it Best dealer, sells mainly traditional hardware, equipment rental, firearms and grilling, and serves homeowners and local contractors.
The focus on hiring today, beyond the monetary aspect, includes a need for health and well-being.
“I am seeing far less applications looking for part-time work after they have retired. I have seen an increase in the younger generation applying for jobs,” McDaniel said.
“Many are looking for after school and weekend positions. Specifically, I believe the younger people are seeking employment because they feel their safety and health will not be compromised.”
There are fresh methods hardware owners can try beyond the traditional “help wanted” sign.
Social media has opened a whole new channel, and a new mindset when job posting. “It comes with pros and cons,” said the owner.
McDaniel said he can reach a huge audience in a short amount of time with a job posting that is blasted out to hundreds – but looks can be deceiving.
“I feel social media profiles present unreliable and inconsistent representations of the applicants. A good recruitment process should be fair and non-discriminatory of people’s social media.”
Store dogs and more
He said that B&B’s most successful method of hiring “still stands true after all these years, word of mouth and people recommendations. I have added the best employees from a recommendation from a customer or friend.”
There remains obstacles to overcome for retail owners.
“The workforce will never be the same, even after COVID-19 has passed. It is challenging to address physical and mental health. I need my employees to be safe and hopefully keep a bright mental outlook,” said McDaniel.
A bright and positive element in his store came on four paws, and it is one that has been used by others in retail.
B&B added a store dog, who McDaniel said, “moseys around the store most days and greets customers. Henry, a yellow lab, has been a wonderful addition to our B&B family and he looks forward every day, greeting employees with a toy and a tail wag.”
The owner said, “dogs have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Dogs almost have a magical effect. I do believe Henry loves everyone at B&B. Customers come into B&B first asking where Henry is, and second asking what isle a screwdriver is in.”
The workplace is quickly changing and so is the culture.
McDaniel feels there is no clear-cut path for retail anymore. “It is challenging to anticipate where it will end up. Even as companies move to work from home, physical stores and buildings will always be very important.”
He pointed out that B&B builds its connections, culture, and brand in person. “We lead a family culture with our retail store and employees. I have worked alongside different family members in the last 24 years and there is not one thing I ask an employee to do that I have not done in the past. Leading by example, past or present is important.”
Customers come to them because they know they can get assistance and advice. Trends change, but his family culture, he said, can survive.
