Nation’s Best Hosts Third Annual Women’s Leadership Retreat
Nation’s Best held its third annual Women’s Leadership Retreat October 12–15 at Rough Creek Lodge & Resort in Glen Rose, Texas. Nearly 60 women and supporting sponsors from 35 locations across 13 states attended the event, themed “Lead Out Loud.”
The three-day retreat featured professional development sessions, networking activities, and team-building experiences focused on helping women embrace their strengths and amplify their leadership impact. Programming included a CliftonStrengths workshop led by coach and author TyAnn Osborn of Osborn Consulting Group and a keynote presentation by Stefanie Couch, founder of Grit Blueprint. Participants also took part in interactive events such as a scavenger hunt, live dueling pianos, and a creative Hat Bar social.
“This conference was truly empowering—one of the best I’ve experienced in a long time,” said Debbie Fuller of PLM Insurance, a returning sponsor.
Miranda Hudson, store manager at Panhandle Lumber and Supply in Bonifay, Fla., added, “Thank you for the opportunity to come together with our amazing women team members. Here’s to empowering each other, sharing ideas, and building a stronger future—together.”
Now in its third year, the Women’s Leadership Retreat continues to grow in size and scope, underscoring Nation’s Best’s commitment to supporting women in the lumber and building materials industry. The program provides a dedicated space for women to connect, reflect, and return to their teams with renewed focus and confidence.
“Our goal has always been to make space for women to lead with confidence, courage, and authenticity,” said Amber Little, chief human resources officer at Nation’s Best and creator of the retreat. “Lead Out Loud is about owning your strengths, using your voice, and recognizing that leadership isn’t a title—it’s the way you show up.”
Nation’s Best CEO Chris Miller emphasized the value of the event to the organization as a whole. “Supporting this initiative isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business,” Miller said. “The energy, innovation, and leadership our women bring back from this retreat directly strengthen our stores, our teams, and our culture.”
Sponsors of this year’s retreat included PLM Insurance, Specialty Building Products, Creeden, Great Southern Wood (YellaWood), Lockton, and Milwaukee Tool, among others.
Nation’s Best plans to build on the momentum of this year’s event through expanded mentorship, networking, and leadership development programs designed to support women across its organization. The 2026 Women’s Leadership Retreat will continue the “Lead Out Loud” mission, bringing together even more participants and sponsors from across the industry.
Nation’s Best, a Dallas-based home improvement retail group, was honored with the 2024 Retail Beacon Award from Hardware Connection magazine in recognition of its strategic growth, community focus and innovation in hardware retail.
