Promotions at Do it Best Corp.
Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. promoted one of its senior leaders while also transitioning another manager into an executive leadership role. Vice President of Merchandising Steve Markley will serve as the company’s new executive VP of operations while William “Dent” Johnson, previously a divisional merchandise manager, will advance into the role of VP of merchandising.
The moves are effective immediately.
Markley has built on more than 30 years of industry experience, beginning his career in what was the company's original distribution center in Fort Wayne. He came back to the company in the mid-80s, and then moved on to work in the vendor community and also served as a manufacturer’s representative. In 1998 he returned to develop the company’s global sourcing capabilities and vendor export programs. He assumed additional responsibilities as the divisional merchandise manager for electrical, hardware, industrial/commercial, global sourcing and export before advancing to the role of VP of merchandising in 2007.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Steve’s caliber and extensive abilities ready to lead our teams forward as we drive growth for our member-owners through our supply chain excellence," said Do it Best CEO Dan Starr.
“I’m both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to work with our very talented and strong teams in IT, LBM, logistics, marketing, merchandising, and sales,” said Markley. “Our combined members-first mentality continues to deliver outstanding results and we look forward to driving additional value to Do it Best members across the country and around the world.”
With Markley’s promotion, Johnson moves into the open role of vice president where he will now oversee hardware products purchasing, global sourcing, inventory control, category management, content management, Alliance partner activities, and pricing teams. He joined Do it Best in March 2018 where he worked with numerous product category teams on strategic program development, vendor negotiations, promotional opportunities and supply chain enhancements. He previously served for more than 20 years in senior roles with Michelin Tire Corporation, both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, he was the site manager for Michelin’s BFGoodrich factory, overseeing all facets of operations for the 1,700-employee tire manufacturing facility.
“Already in my time at Do it Best I’ve been very impressed by the intense commitment our team has to serve our member-owners,” said Johnson. “I’m honored to carry on the great work already underway as we further our initiatives to ensure that Do it Best is the first and best choice for independent home improvement businesses.”
The moves are effective immediately.
Markley has built on more than 30 years of industry experience, beginning his career in what was the company's original distribution center in Fort Wayne. He came back to the company in the mid-80s, and then moved on to work in the vendor community and also served as a manufacturer’s representative. In 1998 he returned to develop the company’s global sourcing capabilities and vendor export programs. He assumed additional responsibilities as the divisional merchandise manager for electrical, hardware, industrial/commercial, global sourcing and export before advancing to the role of VP of merchandising in 2007.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Steve’s caliber and extensive abilities ready to lead our teams forward as we drive growth for our member-owners through our supply chain excellence," said Do it Best CEO Dan Starr.
“I’m both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to work with our very talented and strong teams in IT, LBM, logistics, marketing, merchandising, and sales,” said Markley. “Our combined members-first mentality continues to deliver outstanding results and we look forward to driving additional value to Do it Best members across the country and around the world.”
With Markley’s promotion, Johnson moves into the open role of vice president where he will now oversee hardware products purchasing, global sourcing, inventory control, category management, content management, Alliance partner activities, and pricing teams. He joined Do it Best in March 2018 where he worked with numerous product category teams on strategic program development, vendor negotiations, promotional opportunities and supply chain enhancements. He previously served for more than 20 years in senior roles with Michelin Tire Corporation, both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, he was the site manager for Michelin’s BFGoodrich factory, overseeing all facets of operations for the 1,700-employee tire manufacturing facility.
“Already in my time at Do it Best I’ve been very impressed by the intense commitment our team has to serve our member-owners,” said Johnson. “I’m honored to carry on the great work already underway as we further our initiatives to ensure that Do it Best is the first and best choice for independent home improvement businesses.”