2025 Beacon Awards

When Dave and Lori Ables set out to open a new hardware store, they weren’t just looking to start another business—they wanted to create something meaningful for their community. Drawing on years of experience from their first Three Sons Hardware store in Ohio, they saw a chance to bring that same energy to Big Lake, Minnesota. 

Their opportunity came in early 2022, when a longtime local hardware store went up for sale after serving Big Lake for 50 years. 

“We could buy both the building and the store, which was key for us,” Dave says. 

Set along Highway 10—a high-traffic corridor that swells with weekend lake-goers—the location offered prime visibility and easy access for potential customers. By January 2022, the Ableses had purchased the property and set their sights on transforming it into the newest Three Sons Hardware. 

Starting Fresh 

The store they bought had good bones but lacked investment—and vision. “It was a clean, nice store, but there was hardly any inventory,” Dave explains. Adds Lori: “It was clear they hadn’t put much into it recently, so it was a blank canvas for us.” 

Lori took the lead on a top-to-bottom remodel, juggling construction projects while overhauling the outdated point-of-sale system: “I was starting from scratch with no historical data, so I had to build it up from the ground.” 

The improvements were extensive. The Ableses upgraded everything from the roof and parking lot to shelving, LED lighting and signage. They reconfigured aisles for better flow and added 1,000 square feet of retail space by reducing the warehouse footprint. “We kept some fixtures, but pretty much everything else is brand new,” Dave says. 

Inventory also received a major upgrade. The couple added new departments including outdoor power equipment, grills and a significantly expanded
STIHL lineup. A car enthusiast, Dave takes pride in the store’s extensive nuts-and-bolts selection, now one of the largest in central Minnesota. “We’ve got every type of bolt you could need, American and metric,” he says. 

Bold New Look 

The remodeled store reopened in September 2022 with a fresh layout designed to surprise returning customers. “We took our time to get it right,” Dave says. “We wanted people to really notice the difference.” 

They certainly did. “People would walk in and say, ‘Wow, it’s completely different!’ ” Lori recalls. The reopening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, grill demonstrations and a paint sale, signaling a new era for hardware in Big Lake. That kind of dedication and community engagement is a big reason Three Sons earned the 2025 Beacon Award for Best New Store. 

Stocked for Lake Country 

Located in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, Three Sons Hardware caters to its customers’ lifestyles. Fishing is a cornerstone category, and Lori has more than doubled that department’s size, creating a destination stocked with rods, reels, tackle and locally sourced live bait. Ice fishing gear—augers, shelters, jigs—rounds out the selection, ensuring anglers are covered year-round. 

The store also serves RVers, campers and boaters whether they’re looking for lake-themed décor or Yeti coolers. “We’re stocked for everything lake life,” Dave says. 

The Ableses tailor their offerings to meet local demand, having learned early that success meant adjusting to residents’ preferences. “What worked in Ohio doesn’t always work here, so we focus on what the community needs,” Dave explains. After bringing in high-end grills that didn’t sell, for example, Three Sons shifted to midrange models better suited to their customers. “We learned fast, and it’s paying off.” 

Continue Reading in the September Issue

Coulee Hardware sits on a narrow strip of land between Crescent Bay and Banks Lake in Grand Coulee, Wash., a rural town with fewer than 1,000 residents. It’s the kind of place where neighbors greet one another by name and local businesses double as gathering spots. 

With just a handful of restaurants, shops and services stretched along the main road, Coulee Hardware stands out as a hub for both homeowners and contractors. The surrounding natural beauty is undeniable, but it’s the town’s tight-knit character and sense of community that truly define the area—and make the store’s role even more essential. 

For Kerry Higgins, a longtime team member and now part-owner of Coulee Hardware, its place in the community has always encompassed more than just selling products. His devotion to serving his neighbors inspired an ambitious remodel, one driven by his desire to create a better shopping experience and ensure that the store could meet residents’ needs for years to come. That commitment to both innovation and service is a big reason Coulee Hardware earned the Beacon Award for Best New Store, showing what’s possible when small-town values meet forward-thinking leadership, merchandising and design. 

“We started as a little nuts-and-bolts store,” Higgins says. “We’ve grown into something much bigger, a place where people come not just for supplies, but for guidance and support.” 

A Strategic Overhaul 

In August 2022, Coulee Hardware began a bold remodel designed both to retain the new customer base it gained during the pandemic and create a shopping experience that would meet the expectations of today’s clientele, all without losing its small-town character. 

The expanded, 14,000-square-foot transformation, completed in October 2023, touched every corner of the operation. The redesign opened new entrances, cut through walls to connect previously disjoin­ted buildings and reimagined the layout for a bright, open and wel­coming experience. “You used to have to walk outside to get from one part of the store to the other,” Higgins says. “Now it feels unified and customer-friendly.” 

The investment is already paying dividends. Since the remodel was finished, the store has enjoyed an 8 percent sales increase, building on the 35 percent growth it saw during the pandemic. Average transaction size is up nearly 13 percent, and gross margin percentage has risen by 4.5 percent—results that underscore how a well-planned reinvention can energize a community business. 

Merchandising for Real People 

The store’s product strategy is focused, intentional and rooted in local demand. Every aisle is thoughtfully stocked to serve the specific needs of rural customers, from gardening supplies and livestock fencing to home repair essentials and seasonal items. 

“We know our customers by name,” Higgins says. “So we stock for real people, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. If it matters to the community, it matters to us.” 

Looking ahead, the store is preparing to launch a kitchen design center, complete with stocked cabinets and plans for full-service design consultations. This expansion will make Coulee Hardware a go-to destination for both weekend DIYers and contractors tackling larger remodels. 

Innovation Meets Independence 

Coulee Hardware is a reminder that small-town stores can lead with big ideas. Higgins and his team have embraced technology to streamline operations and improve customer convenience, adopting a modern point-of-sale system and an online ordering platform that makes shopping seamless. 

Digital hiring tools simplify onboarding new team members, while targeted digital promotions keep seasonal offers relevant and well-timed. “We’ve embraced change,” Higgins says. “Technology helps us serve people better, and that’s what it’s all about.” 

Community at the Core 

Coulee Hardware’s transformation has reverbera­ted well beyond its walls. The store was named 2024 Business of the Year by the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, recognition of its deep roots and continued investment in the community. 

The Coulee team supports local events, fundraisers and neighbors in need—showing up wherever they can lend a hand, whether that entails stocking just the right part for a tricky repair or offering advice to help a weekend project go smoothly. “We’re not just selling things,” Higgins says. “We’re helping people figure things out. We take pride in being there when it matters.” 

Continue Reading in the September 2025 Issue

When a devastating fire destroyed the 120,000-square-foot Pharr, Tex., flagship store of Matt’s Building Materials on New Year’s Day 2022, the loss could have crippled the family-owned business. Instead, it became the spark for a remarkable comeback. 

The morning after the blaze, co-owner Danny Smith addressed his team with what became the rallying cry for recovery: “That building behind me isn’t Matt’s Building Materials. . . . It’s not the building. It’s the people. You are Matt’s Building Materials. We are Matt’s.” 

Today, Matt’s operates four locations across the Rio Grande Valley and has witnessed record growth. The rebuilt store, which opened in 2024, blends modern retail innovation with hometown tradition while anchoring an ambitious new development that includes leased retail space and a full-scale events center. 

Because of its resilience in the face of tragedy—and, more importantly, its commitment to rebuilding a store that better serves its customers and community—Matt’s Building Materials has earned the 2025 Beacon Award for Best New Store. 

Turning Adversity Into Opportunity 

The fire could have halted operations, but the Smith family and their team used it as an opportunity to rethink every aspect of the business. 

The rebuilt facility is about 90,000 square feet, smaller than the original footprint but a more efficient, customer-friendly layout. Salvaged beams were incorporated into the design, preserving a sense of history while introducing better lighting, open sightlines and an expanded parking lot. A dedicated lumberyard entrance now streamlines traffic for contractors and DIY customers alike. 

The new store is also the heart of Woodrow Plaza, a mixed-use development that includes additional retail and the Brookhaven Event Center, a venue for community events, weddings and gatherings. By integra­ting retail and civic use, Matt’s has redefined what a building materials store can be: More than a shopping destination, it’s a central hub for the Rio Grande Valley. 

Growth That Speaks for Itself 

The rebuild has delivered impressive results. With help from its distributor, Orgill, average ticket sizes have surged an astounding 300 percent since reopening. Sales, profits and margins have all exceeded pre-fire levels. 

This growth reflects strategic planning and savvy investments in both facilities and merchandising. By focusing on customer experience and tailored product assortments, Matt’s has achieved operational efficiency while expanding its reach across the Valley. 

Orgill has been a steady partner throughout. From product sourcing to merchandising support, Orgill’s distribution network ensured that essential materials and updated assortments were available quickly and reliably during construction. Orgill also colla­borated with Matt’s to optimize product placement and fine-tune the new layout to better serve both contractors and DIY customers. 

A Smarter Store for South Texas 

Matt’s merchandising strategy showcases deep knowledge of customers’ needs. The spacious Pharr showroom and branch locations are organized for intuitive shopping, with core assortments in lumber, roofing, paint, flooring, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical supplies. Plumbing and electrical, two of the fastest-growing categories, are prioritized with prominent displays and strong inventory support. 

The team continuously reviews every product category, analyzing sales trends and customer feedback monthly to adjust mixes and floor layouts. High-demand items are always in stock and easy to find, while slower movers make way for trending products. 

Matt’s also delivers value through unique offerings that set it apart from the big boxes: custom door and cabinet workshops, a full-service flooring department with free quotes and professional installation, and in-house blueprint interpretation services. 

“Danny’s Backyard,” an expanded outdoor living section, features grills, lawn-and-garden supplies and power tools. Convenient delivery across the Rio Grande Valley further extends the store’s reach, bringing bulky materials directly to job sites and homes. 

Celebrating Community 

The grand reopening of the Pharr flagship in April 2024 was more than a ribbon cutting—it was a community festival. Thousands of customers, local officials, vendors and neighbors came together for a day of food, live music, family-friendly activities and prizes. 

After the public celebration, Matt’s hosted an exclusive afterparty for employees, vendors and partners at the new Brookhaven Event Center. The private gathering featured dinner, entertainment and heartfelt speeches recognizing the team’s determination and hard work. It was a celebration of resilience, gratitude and the company’s enduring connection to the region. 

That community-first mindset drives Matt’s year-round promotions, from DIY clinics and contractor demos to sponsorships and family holiday events. Social media channels, local radio and in-store promotions keep customers informed and engaged. 

Continue Reading in the September Issue

In an era in which customers can buy nearly anything online, Pat Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Hardware & Garden in Indianapolis, employs a different strategy: Make the store an experience worth leaving the house for. 

That philosophy has fueled Sullivan’s growth and earned the store the inaugural Beacon Award for Digital Excellence, which recognizes independent retailers using digital tools to amplify their brand, connect with customers and drive business forward. Sullivan Hardware & Garden stood out for its end-to-end digital approach—blending website visibility, e-commerce capabilities, event marketing and a distinctive social media presence that draws customers in, both online and off. 

A Business Built on Experiences 

Sullivan Hardware & Garden began in 1954 as a small neighborhood store and has evolved into a multi-location destination combining hardware, lawn and garden, patio and seasonal products. By the early 2000s, Sullivan recognized that competition wasn’t just coming from other independents but from big boxes and, increasingly, the internet. 

When Lowe’s entered the local market, Sullivan responded by expanding and modernizing. But as online shopping became mainstream, he realized simply adding square footage wasn’t enough. If customers could order products from anywhere, Sullivan Hardware needed to offer something they couldn’t get elsewhere. 

That’s when the company began leaning into what Sullivan calls being an “experience-driven retailer.” Seasonal products like live plants, grills and patio furniture became anchors, but the store also turned into a gathering place built around events, storytelling and connection. The lawn-and-garden business helped give the store a natural advantage—after all, customers can’t fully replicate the experience of browsing trees, plants and flowers through a computer monitor. 

By 2008, Sullivan Hardware was investing in entertainment-driven retail, and social media quickly became the megaphone it used to share that story. 

Building a Digital Strategy That Feels Human 

Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s digital presence isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of business operations. Its website (sullivanhardware.com) showcases depth in core categories like grills and outdoor living and seasonal items such as artificial Christmas trees, helping customers plan purchases and often motivating them to make long drives to visit in person. 

E-commerce supports that strategy without replacing it. Annual online sales fall between $700,000 and $1 million, focused on larger-ticket items such as patio furniture, grill accessories and local pickup and delivery. “People will drive a couple hours because we have such a large selection,” Sullivan says. “The website shows them why it’s worth coming.” 

But it’s social media where Sullivan Hardware’s personality shines. Led by Pat’s daughter-in-law Arden, who serves as the creative force behind most content, the store produces short, fast-moving videos that blend humor with promotion. Posts usually run under a minute and a half, catering to customer attention spans and platform trends. 

Content ideas come from everywhere: the team, TikTok and spontaneous moments in the store. Arden filters those ideas into watchable stories, giving Sullivan Hardware’s online presence a playful, approachable voice. 

Making Fun of the Hook 

Sullivan Hardware’s social media strategy goes beyond traditional “product-price” advertising. While posts occasionally spotlight new items or promotions, much of the content focuses on showing off the store’s personality. 

A favorite example is the “Hanging Basket Arm Association” video, which pokes fun at the garden center staff’s ritual of constantly reaching up to place and retrieve hanging baskets. The post resonated with garden center employees nationwide and generated a surge of engagement. 

“It had nothing to do with selling anything,” Sullivan says, “but it still helped our business.” 

That mindset—that content can entertain first and sell second—has helped Sullivan Hardware’s videos gain traction, with some going viral over the past year. 

Continue Reading in the September Issue

Randy’s Do it Best Hardware 

Retail Beacon Award

Randy Andes, owner of Randy’s Hardware, vividly remembers his store’s first sale—a pack of vacuum cleaner bags—and even the customer’s name. It wasn’t a big transaction, but it represented something larger: helping one customer, solving one problem and creating one more reason for someone to come back. Nearly a quarter-century later, that same people-first philosophy has transformed a single Timberville, Va., store into four thriving locations, with Randy’s Hardware growing into a must-shop home improvement emporium in the Shenandoah Valley—and a 2025 Retail Beacon Award recipient. 

“We don’t try to be the biggest. We try to be the best for the people who walk through our doors,” Andes says. “If we take care of them, everything else follows.” 

Building the Brand 

As he considered his business plan before opening, Andes carefully evaluated his options by talking with representatives from several co-ops and attending a Do it Best Market as a prospective member. There, he connected with the Farnsworth Group consultancy, which conducted a market potential study for his planned Timberville location. Although the analysis was inconclusive, Andes’s familiarity with the area’s accessibility and traffic patterns gave him confidence. He secured a long-vacant storefront and partnered with Do it Best to open Randy’s Do it Best Hardware in 2001. 

He took a risk opening a small store when big-box competitors were already expanding nearby. He built the business around one principle: Know your customers and take care of your people. 

That focus has helped propel steady growth. Today, Randy’s Hardware operates four stores in Virginia (Timberville, Bridgewater, Ruckersville and Mount Jackson), each woven tightly into the local fabric. “We’re not just selling hammers and screws,” Andes says. “We’re helping people build decks, remodel kitchens, fix plumbing issues—whatever they need. If we can do that better than anyone else, we’ll have customers for life.” 

Putting People First 

Ask Andes what sets his stores apart, and he’ll point to his team before talking about products. “We’ve always focused on creating an environment where people want to work,” he says. “If our team feels valued, they’ll make customers feel valued, too.” 

That philosophy has paid off. Many associates have been with Randy’s Hardware for years. Andes is intentional about mentoring employees and giving them room to grow, fostering a culture in which innovation is encouraged and successes are shared. “I’ve always believed you don’t build a business,” he says. “You build people, and they build the business.” 

The stores regularly support local schools, civic groups and nonprofits, contributing donations and resources to a wide range of causes. The Randy’s team also participates in area festivals, parades and charity fundraisers, helping strengthen ties with neighbors and customers alike. In-store events often double as community gatherings, bringing people together while highlighting new products or seasonal promotions. 

Beating Competition with Service 

Independent retailers often face pressure to match big-box pricing, but Andes doesn’t see it that way. Instead, Randy’s Hardware focuses on service and community trust, carving out a space where personal relationships matter more than price tags. 

“When a customer comes in with a project, we don’t just point them to aisle seven—we walk them there, talk them through it, make sure they leave confident,” Andes says. “That’s something a big-box store can’t replicate.” 

This approach has helped Randy’s weather competition from chains such as Walmart and Home Depot while maintaining consistent growth and customer loyalty. 

Continue Reading in the September 2025 Issue

Peter Grebeck, owner of Peter’s True Value in Milford, Mich., has spent a lifetime strengthening his family business while helping shape the independent home improvement industry. Known for his dedication, perseverance and innovative spirit, Grebeck continues to lead with quiet strength, even as he faces the personal challenge of living with Parkinson’s disease. 

A third-generation hardware store owner, Grebeck has expanded his family’s legacy while building a business defined by service, relationships and community trust. His influence reaches well beyond the Detroit area, though. Over the years, he has shared his hard-won expertise generously with fellow retailers, mentoring store owners across the True Value network and guiding others through the many challenges of independent operations. His steady leadership and selfless willingness to collaborate have earned him a deep well of sincere respect among his industry peers. 

Grebeck’s story reflects the best of independent home improvement retail: hard work, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to people—customers, employees and colleagues alike—and makes him a truly worthy recipient of Hardware Connection’s 2025 Retail Beacon Award. 

A Legacy Built on Family and Service 

Grebeck clocked into the hardware business early in life. His grandfather opened the family’s first store in the early 1960s, and Peter grew up immersed in the rhythms of small-town retail. At just 7 years old, he was already helping assemble bicycles and learning how to take care of customers. “It wasn’t something I had to do,” he recalls. “It was just part of how I grew up. Hardware was in our blood.” 

Those early lessons shaped his philosophy of service. In 1983, he played a key role in expanding the business by opening a 5,000-square-foot location in Milford. Over time, that store grew into a 20,000-square-foot home center that has become a cornerstone of the community. 

The company’s success has been rooted in anticipating customer needs and adapting to changing markets. Through careful planning and an intimate understanding of his customers, he has guided the store’s growth while maintaining the personal touch that keeps people coming back. 

Innovation and Adaptation 

Grebeck has consistently embraced innovation, identifying new opportunities and investing in areas that set his store apart from larger competitors. He identified niche markets well before they became mainstream categories, recognizing early demand for products such as outdoor power equipment, party rentals and tree service gear. 

His Milford store became one of the first in the area to introduce gasoline-powered go-karts, Amish outdoor furniture and a wide selection of rental equipment. Today, rentals remain a major differentiator for Peter’s True Value—everything from party supplies to home improvement tools. This focus has turned the store into a destination for customers seeking services the big boxes can’t match. 

Grebeck’s willingness to try new ideas, refine operations and continuously improve his business has helped his store thrive, even as retail has steadily evolved. 

Continue Reading in the September Issue

From its first tire shop in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1927, Theisen’s Home•Farm•Auto has rolled steadily forward, growing into a 24-store retail chain serving Iowa and Wisconsin. Nearly a century after its founding, the family name remains at the center of a business built on hard work and local roots. 

Theisen’s strong, longstanding ties to its customers helped earn the company and its namesake family a 2025 Retail Beacon Award, recognizing excellence in performance, innovation and leadership. 

Foundation of People-First Trust 

The Theisen’s story starts with that tire shop and a philosophy: “People buy from people, not companies.” That principle has endured across four generations of family leadership and remains central to the business’s operations today. 

“Each generation has built on the last,” says J.R. Bellamy, Theisen’s director of purchasing. “We’ve evolved from hard goods into a modern mix of farm, home and lifestyle products, but the culture hasn’t changed. It’s still about relationships, trust and serving our communities.” 

Those values have shaped a culture defined by integrity, Midwestern work ethic and a focus on people—a formula that has enabled Theisen’s to grow steadily while maintaining its identity as a family business. Its two dozen stores across Iowa and Wisconsin average over 20,000 square feet and offer all the core home improvement departments. Still headquartered in Dubuque, it’s now overseen by the third and fourth generations of the founding family. 

Award-Winning Retail Experience 

Beacon Awards aren’t given to the biggest businesses, but to the most exceptional. Theisen’s earned its recognition through consistent performance, a willingness to innovate and investment in the customer experience. 

The company has embraced strategic category resets and data-driven merchandising, often in partnership with Orgill’s Retail Services team. One standout example: a recent comprehensive reset of its hand tools department. With Orgill, Theisen’s was able to optimize shelf layout to better match demand, resulting in a sales surge. The reset improved inventory productivity and enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring the right mix of tools was in stock. 

“Leveraging Orgill’s analytics and planning tools, we were able to rethink the store’s entire layout and assortment,” Bellamy explains. “The result was double-digit sales growth, happier customers and more productivity per square foot.” 

A Trusted Partner: Working with Orgill 

One reason Theisen’s has been able to evolve without losing its roots is its strong partnership with Orgill—“a big part of how we serve our customers,” Bellamy says. “Their weekly deliveries keep us stocked on project items, and their broad SKU selection gives us access to the products people are looking for.” 

Orgill has also supported category resets across all 24 locations, helping Theisen’s align assortments with regional trends and store-level needs. The overall sales trajectory has been positive, fueled by its focus on understanding customer needs and investing in the shopping experience. 

Its steady expansion testifies to its long-term financial health. Each new or remodeled store benefits from careful market research and planning. Theisen’s embodies the principle that listening to customers and fine-tuning product assortments leads to sustainable growth. Its financial discipline, combined with strategic category initiatives like the hand tools refresh, has solidified its reputation as a profitable retailer that’s always growing. 

Serving the Community Every Day 

To understand what sets Theisen’s apart, look beyond the sales numbers and into the neighborhoods that its stores call home. Giving back isn’t a rote corporate initiative; it’s a defining part of its identity. 

At the center of that philosophy is the “More for Your Community” grant program, which donates $350,000 annually to nonprofits across Iowa and Wisconsin. Through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, every store community receives at least $5,000 each year, supporting causes that address the basic needs of children and families, including food, shelter, education, safety and health. Since its launch in 2009, the program has contributed nearly $3.4 million to hundreds of local organizations. 

For Chris Theisen, a third-generation family leader, that mission is personal. He serves as president of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque and has been involved with the Hills & Dales Board (a not-for-profit human services organization), Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees and Holy Family Catholic Schools. “Our stores are part of these towns,” Bellamy says. “When our neighbors thrive, we thrive. That’s why you’ll see our people volunteering at events, donating to schools and supporting first responders—it’s all part of who we are.” 

Theisen’s also invests in youth development and education through scholarships and sponsorships. The company contributes to organizations such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization and the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA). It funds annual 4-H scholarships through the Iowa 4-H Foundation and supports the IFAA Winner’s Circle program, which benefits Iowa FFA and 4-H members. Theisen’s has also established scholarships at local colleges, including Kirkwood Community College and Northeast Iowa Community College, encouraging students to pursue trade skills and agricultural sciences. 

Continue Reading in the September Issue

Honorees to Be Recognized During Awards Gala at the 2025 IHI Conference, July 30–31 at JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

Hardware Connection will present its annual Beacon Awards during the 2025 Independent Home Improvement (IHI) Conference, July 30–31 in Orlando, Fla. Now in its 14th year, the Beacon Awards program honors standout performers in the hardware retailing industry. Winners will be recognized during the Awards Gala the evening of July 30 at the JW Marriott Grand Lakes.

Since 2013, the Beacon Awards have recognized independent hardware retailers across North America for excellence in customer service, innovation, leadership, and business growth. Each award celebrates a commitment to improving operations and strengthening communities through exceptional performance.

“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of independent retail,” said Doug Donaldson, editor of Hardware Connection. “Their accomplishments reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of the hardware industry—and we’re honored to spotlight their work.”

This year’s Beacon Awards are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Do it Best, Orgill, and True Value—wholesale partners dedicated to independent retail success—anchor the program. Additional sponsorship from Ettore, Epicor, and Fluidmaster reflects a shared industry commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence. Hardware Connection sincerely thanks all sponsors for their essential support.

2025 Beacon Award Honorees

Retail Beacon Award 

Honors individuals or companies with a lifetime of contributions to the hardware retail industry.

• Randy Andes, Randy’s Hardware, Ruckersville, Va.
• Peter Grebeck, Peter’s True Value Hardware, Milford, Mich.
• Theisen Family, Theisen’s, Dubuque, Iowa

Beacon Award for Best New Store 

Recognizes innovation, design, and execution in launching a new hardware retail location.

• 3 Sons Hardware True Value, Big Lake, Minn.
• Coulee Hardware, Grand Coulee, Wash.
• Matt’s Building Materials, Pharr, Texas

Beacon Award for Digital Excellence 

Sponsored by WD-40 Low Odor, this award honors a retailer whose website, social media, and digital marketing work together to deliver outstanding customer experience.

• Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Indianapolis, Ind.

For a full look at the Digital Beacon Awards—including all category winners—click here.

These winners will be celebrated during the Awards Gala during the IHI Conference on July 30. Full profiles of each honoree will appear in the September issue of Hardware Connection.

Hardware Connection is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Digital Beacon Awards, a new initiative launched this year to honor outstanding achievement in online marketing, social media, and digital presence within the independent hardware retail channel.

These awards highlight how digital tools and tactics help retailers grow customer loyalty, drive sales, and enhance community impact.

The Digital Beacon Awards are presented in proud partnership with WD-40 Low Odor, whose sponsorship underscores the importance of innovation not just in product development, but in how retailers connect with their communities online. We thank WD-40 Company for its support and industry leadership in helping independent retailers achieve digital excellence.

Each category below showcases an aspect of digital engagement, with links to the winning entries that demonstrate standout performance in action:

Beacon Award for Digital Excellence 

This top honor recognizes a retailer that exemplifies industry-leading performance across all areas of digital engagement. As the highest distinction among the Digital Beacon Awards, it represents a best-of-the-best achievement. This recipient will be honored during the Independent Home Improvement Conference Awards Gala on July 30 at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

• Sullivan Hardware & Garden, Indianapolis, Ind.

Outstanding Community Engagement 

Honors retailers that use digital tools to actively engage with and support their local communities in meaningful and measurable ways.

• Valu Home Centers, Buffalo, N.Y. – Dog Adoption Event 

Top Digital Advertising Campaign Recognizes effective use of paid online campaigns, including search, display, and video ads that drive traffic, sales, or awareness.

• McGuckin Hardware, Boulder, Colo. – McGuckin Tasty Traditions Sale

Best Social Media Campaign 

Highlights a retailer that has created a strategic, consistent, and engaging social media series to build brand identity and connect with customers.

• Taylor’s Do it Center & Pleasants Hardware, Virginia Beach, Va. – 2024 Plantlympics 1, 2024 Plantlympics 2, 2024 Plantlympics 3, 2024 Plantlympics 4

Best Individual Social Media Post 

Celebrates a single social post that resonated with audiences through creativity, timing, or storytelling.

• Valu Home Centers, Buffalo, N.Y. – The Legend of the Do-it Yourselfer

Best Website or E-Commerce Experience 

Acknowledges exceptional design, functionality, and user experience on a retailer’s website or online store.

• Taylor’s Do it Center, Virginia Beach, Va.

Industry Influencers Who Shaped the Digital Beacon Awards

To help evaluate Digital Beacon Award entries, Hardware Connection enlisted a panel of expert influencers with deep roots in home improvement and digital media:

Kathryn Emery is the founder of BeTheBestHome.com and a nationally recognized home improvement expert, bringing a consumer-focused lens to digital communication and strategy.

Brent Gentling is the creator of BYOTools, which include social media and a YouTube channel where he shares expert advice, DIY tutorials, and home improvement solutions from a contractor’s perspective.

Chip Wade is a HGTV personality and founder of Wade Works Creative. With a strong digital brand and a background in architecture, design, and engineering, Wade brought insight into effective online storytelling.

Kelly Wright is a columnist for Hardware Connection and founder of Hello Yuns. Wright offered unique insight as both a digital content creator and a hardware retailer.

“This first year of the Digital Beacon Awards set the bar high,” said Doug Donaldson, editor of Hardware Connection. “With more than three dozen impressive entries, it’s clear that independent retailers are embracing digital platforms not just to sell, but to connect, inform, and inspire. We look forward to celebrating these winners at the IHI Conference and seeing what they and other retailers will do next to redefine the digital landscape within the independent channel.”

Full profiles of all Digital Beacon Award recipients will appear in the September issue of Hardware Connection and, of course, online.