Golden Hammer strikes in Vegas
Las Vegas -- The 26th annual event held here during the National Hardware Show recognized suppliers that demonstrated their commitment to retailers through criteria ranging from category management to product innovation. Companies representing some 30 product categories took home Golden Hammers (Click here for list of winners).
The Golden Hammer Retail Committee honored Scotts as "Vendor of the Year," and 3M as Product Innovation Award winner.
The Golden Hammer Ceremony closed on a high note, with the induction of Pat Farrah into the Home Channel Hall of Fame. Farrah, a co-founder of Home Depot, became the 10th member of the distinguished group.
During the ceremony, John Shields from MSA introduced Farrah by reading a letter to him from Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, in which the two other co-founders of Home Depot wrote: "You were the genius behind our merchandising strategy, a risk-taker who knew how to lure customers into our stores, and a significant contributor to the unique culture that continues to set Home Depot apart in the industry."
In his acceptance speech Farrah pointed to the common denominators of the evening's award winners: "First, they all surrounded themselves with the best possible people," Farrah said. "Second, they love the customer. And third, they make and sell great product. This is an incredibly simple business."
Other retail winners included Marvin's Home Centers of Leeds, Ala., winner of the Golden Hammer Retailer of the Year Award; and Cole's Home Solutions of Millington, Tenn., the "Tools of the Trade Award" winner.
Craig Cowart began his career at Marvin's as a part-time paint mixer. Today, he's president of the 26-store chain. In his acceptance speech, he conjured the memory of founder Alfred Cohn, who passed away in 2009.
"He would want the credit for tonight's award to go to our nearly 600 associates," Cowart said. "They're the ones that take our vision and our mission to make our customers lives easier. They're the ones that make us successful."
Cole's Home Solutions of Millington, Tenn., received the Tools of the Trade award for its ambitious renovation and expansion of its showpiece home center. "I tell my people the great thing about retail is that it's part science, psychology, and it's also art. So let's play with it," said president Charles Cole during his acceptance speech. "The young people like to be catered to. Let's cater to them. Let's give them color, let's give them the excitement. Let's make it fun for them."
For its participation with fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network, Ace Hardware Corp. was recognized with the Community Service Award, a new award created for the 2010 event.
Ace has raised $42 million for the children's charity since 1991, and Ace Foundation president Jimmy Alexander thanked the vendors for their support.
"This industry is a sound industry, and we do good things for people all the time," he said. "Remember it's all about the kids, and that's what we try to drive home for our retailers and our associates, and we can't do it without our vendor partners and we thank you so much.”