Shurtape acquisition; Owens Corning, Home Hardware upgrade tech; Nation’s Best names new VPs; and much more
Nation’s Best Names Wilson, Peffley as Regional Vice Presidents
Nation’s Best has appointed Chad Wilson and Kim Peffley as regional vice presidents. Chad Wilson, formerly with Ace Hardware, will lead the East Region, focusing on enhancing store models and customer experience. Kim Peffley, with over 30 years in the home improvement industry, will drive growth and workforce development in Nation’s Best North Region. CEO Chris Miller, who recently accepted the Hardware Connection’s Retail Beacon Award at the Independent Home Improvement Conference in Marco Island, Fla., praised their expertise and alignment with the company’s community-focused values.
Dyson Building Center Celebrates 70th Anniversary
Dyson Building Center in Great Mills, Md., is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a three-day event. The family-owned hardware store opened in 1954 and has been a local staple for decades, with family members working in the business for generations. The celebration honors their long-standing commitment to the community. “We so excited to be celebrating our 70th Anniversary,” said current owner Melanie Dyson. “The other neat thing is out of the 70 years my dad has been working for 57, my aunt 54, and my mom 45 years!”
Ivey’s Building Materials Center Opens Third Location in Blanchard, La.
Ivey’s Building Materials Center celebrated the grand opening of its third location in Blanchard, La., on Sept. 14. The 26,000-square-foot center offers a variety of building materials, home improvement tools, and a large lumberyard. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, food trucks, vendor demonstrations, and prize giveaways. “The community response has been humbling,” said owner Mitch Johnson.
LBM Advantage Promotes O’Neill to Director of Risk Management
New Windsor, N.Y.-based LBM Advantage, a leading cooperative serving independent building material dealers, has promoted Kathy O’Neill to Director of Risk Management. O’Neill will oversee member credit, manage reload inventory, and assess financial health of prospective members, focusing on mitigating risks in the cooperative’s operations.
Home Hardware Adds First Zero-Emission Volvo Electric Trucks to Fleet
Home Hardware Stores Limited, Canada’s largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer, has integrated two Volvo VNR Electric trucks into their fleet, marking their first zero-tailpipe emission vehicles. These battery-electric trucks will support last-mile deliveries from the St. Jacobs distribution center to stores within a 100-to-150 kilometer radius, helping to reduce emissions while enhancing urban delivery efficiency. This initiative is supported by Volvo Trucks North America and Vision Truck Group, with plans for future electromobility growth and charging infrastructure expansion. For more information, see Volvo’s press release.
Owens Corning Introduces Cutting-Edge VR Training for Insulation Contractors
Owens Corning has launched an industry-leading Virtual Reality (VR) training program for insulation contractors, offering immersive, on-the-job experiences. With nine modules covering safety, jobsite practices, and specialized installation techniques like spray foam, the VR training aims to enhance worker skills and safety. Studies show VR reduces worker injuries and accelerates learning, providing contractors with an efficient way to train employees. Learn more about this innovative program at Owens Corning.
Shurtape Technologies Acquires Preferred Finishing Technologies
Shurtape Technologies, a leader in adhesive tapes and consumer products, has acquired Preferred Finishing Technologies (PFT), a Blacksburg, SC-based textile manufacturer specializing in fabric finishing and dye sublimation printing. The acquisition solidifies their 14-year partnership, as PFT has been instrumental in Shurtape’s supply chain, particularly in providing materials for gaffer’s tapes. This acquisition supports Shurtape’s continued growth and innovation in the arts and entertainment tape industry. PFT will operate as a subsidiary, maintaining its current staff and management. For more, visit the company’s press release.
Ace Hardware Donates Blackstone Grills to Chicago-Area Fire Departments
In honor of Patriot’s Day and Ace Cares Week, 200 Ace Hardware leaders assembled and donated 40 Blackstone grills to fire departments in Chicago’s western suburbs. The gesture was met with appreciation from local firefighters. “We’re ever so grateful for our new grill and the Helpful Hardware folks at Ace HQ who know what it means to serve others,” said Lieutenant Kirk Huot of the Glen Ellyn Fire Department. The donation is part of Ace Hardware’s support for first responders and non-profits. For more information, visit the Ace Hardware press release.
DAP and Bison Innovate Deck Building with Level.Up Adjustable Pedestal System
DAP Global Inc. and Bison Innovative Products have launched the Level.Up Adjustable Deck Pedestal Joist Support System, transforming how ground-level decks are built. The system eliminates the need for concrete footers, making it ideal for professionals and DIYers. “Level.Up addresses the common challenges of building ground-level decks, offering speed and ease,” said DAP’s Jennifer Johnson. The system, which supports up to 750 lbs per pedestal, is available online and in select stores. Learn more at level-updecking.com.
Ambassador Supply Names Stites as New Controller
Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Ambassador Supply has appointed Amy Stites as its new controller. Stites brings over 20 years of financial management experience, having enhanced financial processes at Orgain and Trusco. In her new role, she will oversee financial operations, banking relationships, and strategic initiatives. “We are thrilled to bring her invaluable expertise in-house as we continue to grow and innovate,” said Randy Carman, president of Ambassador Supply. For more information, see Ambassador Supply’s press release.
Westlake Ace Hardware Partners with City of Hope to Fight Cancer
Westlake Ace Hardware has partnered with City of Hope, a leading cancer research organization, to raise funds through a “round-up” campaign at select stores across the U.S. from September 13-28. Customers can round up their purchases to support groundbreaking research and treatment. “Together, we strive to bring the promise of a cancer-free future within reach,” said Andy Schmitt, COO of Westlake Ace Hardware.
