Denise Brookhouse and Dirk Koopman mark Koopman Lumber’s upcoming leadership transition, with Denise becoming CEO and Dirk moving into the role of president on January 1, 2026.
Koopman Lumber will enter 2026 with a significant leadership transition, as the family-owned company prepares to shift its top executive role to the next generation. Beginning January 1, Denise (Koopman) Brookhouse will become chief executive officer, succeeding outgoing CEO Dirk Koopman, who has led the company since 2010.
Dirk will move into a newly created role as president, where he will support long-term strategy and help guide the company’s continued growth. Chief Operating Officer Tony Brookhouse will remain in his position. The transition reflects the company’s long-standing focus on stability, values-driven leadership, and a multigenerational approach to stewardship.
Founded in 1939, Koopman Lumber has grown from a single retail store in Central Massachusetts to 17 locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, including the recently acquired Lyon & Billard. The company’s expansion and strong operational performance earned industry recognition in 2024 when Koopman Lumber received Hardware Connection Beacon Award for Best New Store.
Dirk described the transition as a natural step for the third-generation company.
“It has been an honor to serve as CEO and soon-to-be President, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together,” he said. “Moving forward, Denise brings a fresh perspective and strong financial management experience, and she keeps our values and culture at the forefront. I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to lead Koopman into its next chapter and do right by our employees, customers, and partners.”
As president, Dirk will continue contributing industry expertise and institutional knowledge to support the company’s direction and uphold the values that have shaped the business for more than eight decades.
Incoming CEO Denise Brookhouse said she is ready for the responsibility ahead. “I’m honored to step into the role of CEO, positioning us for continued growth and new opportunities,” she said. “I’m excited to work alongside our talented leadership team to grow thoughtfully and keep our values at the heart of everything we do.”
Dirk emphasized that the company’s success has always been driven by its people. “We believe the strength of Koopman comes from the collective expertise of our entire team,” he said. “Every person here plays a part in shaping the future of our company. We are grateful for our incredible team and what we have accomplished together.”
Orgill has named Sharmeelee “Sharms” Bala as the company’s new chief digital and information officer. Bala, who begins Dec. 1, brings more than two decades of experience from major retail organizations such as JCPenney, Gap Inc., and Walmart.
Boyden Moore, Orgill president and CEO, said Bala’s background aligns directly with the challenges and opportunities facing independent retailers.
“We have always believed that to serve retailers, you need to understand the real-world challenges they face,” Moore said. “Sharms’ extensive retail background, her subject-matter expertise and her leadership style align perfectly with Orgill’s vision for a more digitally empowered future—for our company and for the thousands of independent retailers we serve.”
Bala most recently served as CIO and head of product management for JCPenney (Catalyst Brands), where she oversaw a digital transformation effort that drove incremental sales growth, modernized in-store technology and improved operational efficiency. Her earlier roles at Gap Inc. and Walmart included responsibilities across global engineering, merchandising systems, enterprise data platforms, logistics and master data management.
In her new role, Bala will lead Orgill’s internal technology organization, which was recently restructured to better support the company’s supply chain, dealer services and digital initiatives. Her first areas of focus will include mainframe development and operations, enterprise software development and architecture, enterprise applications and project management, along with continued modernization of Orgill’s technology infrastructure. She will also guide broader digital efforts related to customer- and dealer-facing tools, data analytics, and supply chain visibility.
“Both the distribution and retail industries are undergoing rapid digital disruption,” Bala said. “I’m excited to join a company that is investing in innovation where it makes sense, harnessing technology to better serve its customers and helping those customers use technology to enhance their own operations.”
Moore says Bala’s experience strengthens the company’s ability to support retailers navigating technology change. “Her accomplishments in areas like AI-driven innovation, supply chain modernization and enterprise transformation will put us in a much stronger position to accelerate the next chapter of growth for Orgill and our customers,” Moore said.
Orgill executive vice president and COO Clay Jackson says the hire signals the company’s continued emphasis on technology leadership. “As CDIO, Sharms will play a central role in helping Orgill’s continued evolution amidst industry transformation—from enhanced digital expectations to the need for predictive, efficient merchandise, supply chain, and retail operations,” Jackson said.
Independent hardware retailers tracking big-box performance received a clearer picture of the home improvement landscape as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply recently released their third-quarter earnings reports. The three major chains posted modest sales gains but described a market shaped by consumer caution, soft discretionary spending and operational discipline heading into the final stretch of 2025. Their results offer context for independent hardware retailers navigating the same housing-driven drag on project spending, the same pressure on seasonal categories and the same competition for pro customers.
Big-box Q3 results show a market defined by caution, slow demand and selective category strength. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply all reported year-over-year sales increases, but the gains largely came from acquisitions, strong consumables and category-specific lifts—not broad improvements in discretionary home improvement demand. For independent hardware retailers, the quarter reinforces the challenge of delayed projects and softer big-ticket activity across the industry.
Home Depot posted slight comp-sales growth, but missed expectations because of weak storm activity and housing pressure. Third-quarter sales reached $41.4 billion, up 2.8 percent, including about $900 million from its GMS acquisition. Comparable sales increased 0.2 percent overall and 0.1 percent in the United States. Net earnings held steady at $3.6 billion. In the company’s press release, Home Depot CEO Ted Decker cited a lack of major storms, ongoing consumer uncertainty and continued housing pressure as key factors limiting demand. The company lowered full-year expectations, projecting slightly positive comps and a 6 percent EPS decline. Home Depot plans about 12 new stores this year and expects GMS to contribute about $2 billion in annual sales.
Lowe’s grew comps through digital gains, pro momentum and home services, but overall demand remains subdued. Total sales rose to $20.8 billion from $20.2 billion last year, while comparable sales increased 0.4 percent on the strength of 11.4 percent online growth, double-digit home services gains and continued pro activity. Adjusted diluted EPS climbed to $3.06, up nearly 6 percent. In the company’s press release, CEO Marvin Ellison pointed to early contributions from the newly closed Foundation Building Materials acquisition, which expands the company’s reach with contractors and builders. Lowe’s updated its full-year outlook to reflect a flat comparable-sales environment and ongoing macro uncertainty.
Tractor Supply delivered the strongest growth, driven by consumables, strong traffic and extended seasonal strength. Net sales increased 7.2 percent to $3.72 billion, with comparable store sales up 3.9 percent. Transaction count grew 2.7 percent, and average ticket rose 1.2 percent. Seasonal categories performed well, and core consumables—its C.U.E. mix—continued to drive steady momentum. Gross margin improved to 37.4 percent due to effective cost management despite tariff and freight pressure. In a company press release, CEO Hal Lawton cited market share gains, disciplined operations and progress on the company’s Life Out Here 2030 strategy.
Independent retailers should note the industry’s emphasis on efficiency, pro competition and the resilience of consumables. Home Depot and Lowe’s both reported softer big-ticket demand and highlighted the need for operational discipline—a signal many independent hardware store owners already see in their stores. Both chains are intensifying their efforts with contractors and builders, supported by acquisitions and expanded service models. Tractor Supply’s results highlight the relative stability of consumable and necessity-driven categories, an area where independents often compete effectively.
Across the board, Q3 reflected stability rather than recovery, setting the tone for a holiday season shaped by execution rather than expectation. With consumer hesitancy lingering and housing-related pressure showing little sign of easing, big-box results point to a cautious finish to 2025. Independents navigating the same macro environment will find familiar themes: disciplined inventory management, category selectivity and competitive positioning with pro customers as essential tools for the months ahead.
Ace Hardware Corporation reported record third-quarter 2025 revenues of $2.5 billion, up 5.5 percent from the same period in 2024, driven by higher wholesale volume, strong retail performance, and a surge in digital sales. Net income for the quarter reached $99.7 million, a 0.7 percent increase from last year, despite $17.8 million in non-recurring impairment charges tied to international operations.
“Ace had a very strong third quarter,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO. “I’m delighted to report a 5.5 percent increase in revenue, a 1.6 percent increase in same-store sales, and a 34.9 percent surge in our digital business.”
Wholesale and Retail Growth
Wholesale revenues rose 5.6 percent to $2.3 billion, led by gains in outdoor power equipment, grilling, fertilizers, power tools, and impulse items. Ace Wholesale Holdings posted a 25.4 percent revenue increase due to new customer growth. Retail revenues from Ace Retail Holdings climbed 4.8 percent to $213.1 million, with Great Lakes Ace up 4.6 percent and Westlake Ace up 0.6 percent in same-store sales.
Ace added 41 new domestic stores and closed 16 during the quarter, bringing its total U.S. count to 5,220 locations, 127 more than a year ago.
Digital and Financial Highlights
Digital revenue rose 34.9 percent year-over-year, reflecting continued investment in online ordering and omnichannel integration. Gross profit increased 9.3 percent to $445.8 million, while shareholder dividends climbed 15.8 percent to $122.1 million.
Operating expenses rose because of international impairment charges, compensation growth, and higher supply-chain spending. The company also reported $4.1 million in additional income from an insurance recovery related to its 2023 cybersecurity incident.
At quarter-end, Ace reported $472 million outstanding on its revolving credit facility and long-term debt totaling $503.7 million.
November Issue — Explore this month’s new products, glues and adhesives category performance, and coverage of retail theft affecting hardware stores nationwide
Founded in London, TOPL is a family-run drinkware company focused on creating reusable cups that people actually want to use every day. During our meeting, one company representative summed it up by asking, “What innovation is in the tumbler?” The answer lies not in flashy features but in small, practical improvements that make a real difference in daily routines.
TOPL’s patented 360-degree “pour-through” lid enables users to sip from any side, twist to control flow and even refill without removing the lid. It’s easy to disassemble for cleaning, dishwasher safe and features a clear viewing window so users can see the contents all the way to the bottom. These thoughtful touches eliminate the frustrations often found in traditional travel mugs—leaks, spills or complicated lids that never quite align.
The To Go line is available in stainless steel and recycled plastic, with sizes ranging from eight to 20 ounces. The stainless model is made from 90 percent recycled steel and keeps beverages hot or cold for hours, while the lighter plastic version uses 50 percent recycled material. Both are available in a modern color range that includes Olive, Charcoal, Peach and Navy. Each tumbler fits standard car cup holders, making it a dependable option for commuters and on-the-go users alike. Click here for a video.
We provided samples to two local testers—a daily commuter and a regular coffee drinker. Both noted the sturdy, leak-free seal and appreciated how easy it was to take apart and clean. Said one, “It’s the first reusable cup I didn’t have to fight with to open or wash.” The clear lid window was another favorite feature, making it simple to check how much was left without removing the lid.
TOPL offers an attractively designed, midrange reusable cup that bridges the gap between generic mugs and high-end drinkware. With strong packaging, practical innovation and a growing focus on sustainability, the brand presents an appealing opportunity for gift, travel and household displays.
Cory Martin and Julie Walker-Martin stand beside the original fire door inside Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, where a portrait of Julie’s late father (inset)—teacher, pastor and the store’s namesake—reminds them daily why they built it.
Cory Martin and Julie Walker-Martin share lessons they learned from transforming the historic Olsen-Stelzer Boot & Saddlery building into Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, which helped revitalize downtown Henrietta, Texas.
In downtown Henrietta, Texas, the past has found new life inside a building that once echoed with the rhythmic thump of mallets, the rasp of files on boot soles and the clatter of tools and murmur of craftsmen shaping hides into saddles. The former Olsen-Stelzer Boot and Saddlery, a landmark from the early 1900s, now hums with the steady rhythm of a modern, well-stocked hardware store. Reimagined as Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, the 12,000-square-foot space stands as a thriving retail operation—and a living memorial.
On the exterior of Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, the Martins meticulously restored the historic Olsen-Stelzer lettering—Cory researched old photos and paint layers to match the original colors and design, bringing the landmark’s façade back to life.
Owners Cory Martin and Julie Walker-Martin spent nearly two years refitting and restoring the historic building, transforming it into a cornerstone of Henrietta’s rebounding downtown. More than a new store, Howard Walker’s True Value is the Martins’ way of honoring Julie’s late father, Howard Walker—a beloved math teacher and pastor who devoted more than six decades to serving the Henrietta community.
“Dad was just a beloved man in this county—everybody knew him,” Julie says. “He was a lifelong citizen, and not a day goes by that I don’t try to make him proud. I want people to look at our store and remember him.”
A Downtown Revival
When the couple began planning the store, they considered other locations, but the pull of Henrietta’s historic downtown proved too strong. “At one point we thought the cost to remodel the Olsen-Stelzer building would be too high,” Cory says. “But we realized coming back downtown would help revitalize the area. It was where we wanted to be in the first place.”
The renovation, which began in 2023, was anything but simple. The building, pieced together in stages since the 1950s, needed everything from its ceiling to foundation replaced. The project kicked off at a time when it was difficult to find contractors, and the building had historic architectural elements whose restoration required special skills.
Julie Walker-Martin meets with local contractors inside Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, part of her ongoing effort to boost the store’s pro sales by building relationships grounded in trust, service and community connection.
“We had to find specialists just to rebuild some of the arches,” Cory says. “It took almost two years to clean up the building and bring it up to code.”
Inside, many echoes of the past remain. The couple preserved the original fire door and uncovered murals that had been hidden beneath layers of plaster. On the exterior, Cory researched the building’s original paint and lettering to restore the Olsen-Stelzer name to its historic look.
“Everyone in Henrietta has a story about this building,” Julie says. “People come in and tell us about the boots or saddles they bought here, or the family member who worked in one of the departments. It means a lot to keep that history alive.”
The couple has even discussed creating a small in-store museum with photos and artifacts from the old saddlery. “It was something important for the town,” Cory says.
Inside the 12,000-square-foot Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, bright aisles showcase a full assortment of products—with standout selections in plumbing and electrical—alongside personal touches, such as a vintage jukebox that reflects the store’s lively small-town spirit.
A Labor of Love—and Memory
Howard Walker had planned to help with the store after retiring.
“He wasn’t going to run the store but be more like a greeter,” Cory says with a smile. “He loved people. As a pastor, he liked meeting everyone in town, and that’s what he would have done here.”
When Howard passed away in 2022, the couple decided to continue the project in his honor.
“We could have started a scholarship in his name,” Cory says, “but this way, people will never forget him or his legacy. His name will go on forever.”
Julie took over management of the store in October. “I absolutely love it—it’s a lot of work, but I love it,” she says. Like her father, she’s known for her warmth and connection to customers. “Old farmers come in and tell me what they’re working on, and I really want to know. That’s what small-town hardware is about.”
The store’s customer service philosophy was deeply influenced by Howard’s example. “Dad was always kind to everybody,” Julie says. “We’re not going to lose a customer because of our service. Carrying things out to someone’s car or taking the time to listen—those are small things that matter.”
Restoring the historic Olsen-Stelzer Boot & Saddlery building meant rebuilding its distinctive interior arches—an intricate process that required finding specialized craftsmen to re-create the original curves that define the store’s character today.
True Value’s Guidance
From planning to grand opening, True Value played a critical role in the project’s success. “We had some hurdles to jump, and the True Value team helped out tremendously,” Julie says. She credits Territory Sales Manager Kellye Waller and her team for “everything from project management to merchandising, paint and training.”
“They really do honor their members,” Julie says. “They were willing to listen to our ideas. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Cory echoes that sentiment, noting the ways True Value’s support team made the overwhelming process more manageable.
Cory and Julie gained firsthand experience through the challenges of restoring a century-old building—learning patience, adaptability and the importance of planning for surprises hidden behind every wall.
Rooted in the Community
Since its grand opening on April 12, 2025, Howard Walker’s True Value has become part of downtown Henrietta’s revival. Once dotted with empty storefronts, downtown is now more than half full again—and the hardware store has been a major catalyst.
“People tell us all the time how happy they are that the store is here,” Cory says—and its community involvement extends far beyond retail. “We’re involved in everything: barbecue teams, the baseball parade, the [Future Farmers of America] and Turkey Fest. Keeping Howard’s memory alive means being part of the town, not just doing business here.”
During renovation, the Martins uncovered a long-hidden mural beneath layers of plaster—now fully preserved as a centerpiece inside Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware, linking the store’s modern purpose to the building’s storied past.
Julie agrees. “I wanted shopping local to happen again. When I was a kid, downtown was always active—you could walk to stores, see people you knew. Now we’re seeing that come back. There’s a big pull from younger generations, too. They’re supportive of local businesses and want Henrietta to thrive again.”
The 12,000-square-foot store carries everything from plumbing and electrical supplies to farm and ranch goods, with plans to expand its equine offerings. “We’re developing strong niches and a great contractor base,” Julie says. “Every week we grow stronger.”
As they manage the business, they find ways to serve their community and improve operations. “I was really surprised by how well wildlife licenses and sporting goods have sold,” she says. “We didn’t expect that to be such a steady category.”
Through it all, the store’s purpose remains clear: to serve the town Howard Walker loved. “Not a day goes by that his name doesn’t come up,” Julie says. “I continue to feel his presence here. He would have been thrilled to see what we’ve built.”
5 Remodeling Lessons from Howard Walker’s True Value
Bringing a historic building back to life takes patience, planning and a willingness to adapt on the fly. Based on their experience renovating the 120-year-old Olsen-Stelzer Boot & Saddlery building, Cory Martin and Julie Walker-Martin share five takeaways for other independent retailers.
Have patience—and a budget buffer. “When you open one thing up, something else pops out,” Cory says. “You have to have money set aside for the unexpected.”
Preserve what makes the building special. Julie advises keeping original features whenever possible. “We kept the mural, the arches and even the old fire door,” she says. “Those details connect the store to the town’s history and give it character that people recognize.”
Lean on your co-op team. Julie credits True Value’s guidance as essential. “They walked us through every step—merchandising, hiring, training, everything. Their willingness to listen made all the difference.”
Engage with the community early. For both owners, being visible and involved is essential. “You can’t just open your doors and wait for people to come,” Cory says. “Get out there—sponsor events, talk to people, make them feel part of it.”
Find joy in the process. “Don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it,” Julie says. “For us, it was about honoring my dad and helping our town. That’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
Every workshop, garage and job site faces the same problem: keeping cords, cables and hoses organized without creating a tangled mess. The Stapll Tack Strap is a practical and reusable solution that outperforms traditional zip ties and hook-and-loop wraps. Designed for professionals and DIYers, the Tack Strap combines strength, flexibility and ease of use in one smartly engineered tool.
The secret lies in its internal “tack” surface, a proprietary rubberized material that grips securely without slipping or over-tightening. Whether used to bundle electrical cords, hang air hoses or secure garden tools, the Tack Strap stays firmly in place, even in demanding environments. The durable thermoplastic elastomer construction ensures flexibility across a wide temperature range and resists cracking or stretching with repeated use.
An integrated hanging loop allows users to store items conveniently or daisy-chain multiple straps for larger bundles. Available in several lengths and bright, color-coded sizes, it helps users quickly identify and organize their gear. Its clean design and simple operation make it ideal for use around the home, workshop or vehicle.
Our testers found it easy to apply, quick to release and notably more secure than conventional fastening methods. It maintained its grip through repeated use, exposure to moisture and the rigors of job site conditions without showing wear or loss of elasticity.
For retailers, the Tack Strap presents a compact, high-margin impulse product that pairs well with electrical, lawn and garden or storage accessories. The packaging clearly communicates its reusability and durability—key selling points that help customers instantly recognize its long-term value.
Stapll’s Tack Strap is proof that even small innovations can have a big impact. By focusing on real-world performance and user convenience, the company has created a dependable fastening solution that makes everyday organization faster, cleaner and more efficient. Independent hardware retailers would do well to add it to their assortments.
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