DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. reported today that strong performance in core categories lifted the co-op to what it calls its "best first quarter for both revenues and net income in its 90-year history." 

The co-op reported total revenues of $1.1 billion for the first quarter, up 16.8% from the same quarter last year. Net income was $24.4 million, up from $4.4 million in the year-ago quarter.

Do it Best Corp. has announced the promotion of John Branigan and Tom Morgan to retail performance managers, effective immediately.

Branigan and Morgan will lead co-op efforts in aiding the growth and enhancement of member stores through retail performance programs developed exclusively for Do it Best Corp. member-owners.

Parker Do it Best Lumber, based in Beaumont, Texas, was chosen as a 2014 pro dealer Entrepreneur of the Year in the category of sales of over $50 million. 

Parker Lumber has been serving builders, remodelers and homeowners for more than 80 years in Texas and now southern California. Scott Parker runs the family-owned company that employs 350 people throughout 22 locations. 

Parker’s continued growth into new markets is cited as a key factor for its success. 

Last year, the original 50 Home Channel News Hardware Store All-Star honorees established a high bar and a hard act to follow. But the 2012 crop rises to the challenge. This year’s Hardware Store All-Stars, one from each of the 50 U.S. states, have at least one thing in common: Ask them what makes them special and you can bet they’ll include “excellent customer service” in the answer. From there, every path to stardom is unique.

West Coast-based Paint Sundries Solutions looks to turn on its Pennsylvania D.C. in June.

Do it Best Corp. promoted Rob Schmiedel to the role of national sales manager, effective immediately.

In this position, Schmiedel will work closely with the Do it Best Corp. executive team to develop and implement national sales and business development strategies. He will also oversee the co-op’s nationwide team of regional and territory sales managers, equipping them with the support and tools necessary to fuel their member-owners’ growth and drive even greater sales to their customers.