Do it Best VP of marketing retires

After nearly 13 years of dedicated service at Do it Best and over 35 in the independent home improvement industry, Rich Lynch has retired from his role as Vice President of Marketing at Do it Best.

Lynch joined the Do it Best team in 2011. During his tenure as vice president of marketing, and previously as retail marketing director, Lynch has been a central figure in the evolution of Do it Best's marketing strategies. His introduction of data-driven marketing and his enhancement of customer loyalty programs  significantly bolstered marketing programs, the co-op said.

A press release announcing his retirement said “His innovative vision led to the development of more dynamic and customized circular and digital marketing programs, driving increased store traffic and strengthening our members’ brands.”

In addition to playing an important role for the co-op behind the scenes, Lynch often played a visible role on the stage at Do it Best market events. At one such event, he recommended that anyone working in a hardware store would do well to adopt the unofficial slogan: "HI SAM," the initials for "Have I sold additional merchandise." He said he picked up the slogan working in a store as a teenager. 

The marketing executive also promoted six keys to marketing a store: the web, loyalty, advertising, store design, social media and in-store environments.

“These are not six stand-alone ingredients,” he said. “They all work together."

A replacement to fill the VP of marketing has not been named. 

Do it Best has annual sales of nearly $5 billion  serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 50 other countries.