The Golden Hammer strikes again

The 28th Golden Hammer Awards saw Bob Taylor enter the Home Channel Hall of Fame and Westminster, Mass.-based Aubuchon Hardware take home the Retailer of the Year award.

Single-store operator McDaniel’s Do-It Center of Snohomish, Wash., was also recognized as the Golden Hammer “Tools of the Trade” honoree. 

Do it Best Corp. CEO Bob Taylor said he was humbled by his induction. “When I look back at the list of past honorees, it’s a distinguished list, and it’s humbling to be recognized.”

Taylor, who was president of his family-owned hardware store chain in Virginia before joining Do it Best Corp., credited his father Dawson Taylor for being a great mentor and businessman. “My dad is always one who looks years out into the future and wonders what’s next,” Taylor said.

Taylor was introduced by John Shields, VP safety sales for Safety Works, the sponsor of the Home Channel Hall of Fame.

Aubuchon Hardware’s M. Marcus Moran Jr. accepted the Retailer of the Year award on behalf of 121-store Aubuchon Hardware. Moran, the grandson of company founder W.E. Aubuchon, credited the company’s 1,250 employees. “We’re very proud of all of them. Our store mangers have an average length of service today of 23 years. They are the backbone of the business. We will bring this Golden Hammer back home to them.”

The Golden Hammer ceremony also recognized Golden Hammer Award-winning vendors. Among them are these committee choice award winners in five categories:

• New product innovation: Scotts

• Inventory Management: Midwest Fastener

• Serving the pros: Weyerhaeuser

• Category management: Leviton

• Quality Control: Benjamin Moore

Tools of the Trade award honoree McDaniel’s Do-It Center owner Brad McDaniel recognized the joy of retailing in his remarks. “Retail is fun,” McDaniel said. “When the sun comes out and merchandise is flying off the shelves, it’s a lot of fun.“