United Hardware names president

United Hardware announced that Chad Ruth has been named interim president and CEO.

“Chad brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and has been with the company for more than 15 years,” said United Hardware.

Doug Audette, the former president and CEO has stepped down to pursue other opportunities.

As interim president and CEO, Ruth will be responsible for overseeing the overall strategy and operations of the company.

“Chad will work closely with our leadership team and employees to drive growth and ensure that we continue to provide exceptional products and services to our members,” said the firm.

Previously, Ruth served as vice president of merchandising and retail operations for the past two years.

The company said he has served many roles at United Hardware including VP of sales, VP of sales and marketing, VP of retail growth initiatives, director of power programs and division manager of United garden and home.

Before joining United Hardware, said the firm, Ruth was a Hardware Hank dealer and the president and co-owner of Lyndale Gardens & Hardware, a retail garden hardware store in Richfield, Minnesota, for nine years.

The organization said it is, “confident and excited,” about the appointment.

Maple Grove, Minnesota-based United Hardware Distributing Co., home of the Hardware Hank brand, is a full-line wholesale hardware distributor providing, what it calls, “distinctive brands, services and capabilities to help our independent retailers build successful businesses and vibrant communities.”

United Hardware services retailers from its distribution center in Milbank, South Dakota, and delivers an extensive product line to more than 800 stores in the Midwest.