The Compass of Independent Hardware Retailing
Do it Best president Nick Talarico explains how data, scale and dealer freedom combine to guide growth across the co-op network.
As president of Do it Best, Nick Talarico leads one of the industry’s largest independent home improvement cooperatives, helping thousands of member-owned stores compete and grow in a changing market. Since joining Do it Best in 2009, he has moved from internal audit to merchandising leadership and then to executive vice president of sales and marketing, giving him a broad view of how programs, brands and data tools translate into real value for dealers.
In this exclusive conversation, Talarico discusses what stood out most from Do it Best and True Value’s first joint Fall Market, how innovation is reaching retailers of every size and why the next phase of integration will focus on creating a stronger, more flexible foundation for independent hardware retailers.
Hardware Connection: Following the first combined Do it Best and True Value Fall Market, what stood out to you most about how Do it Best and True Value retailers interacted on the show floor? Overall, what was your biggest takeaway from the Fall Market?
Talarico: What struck me most was how natural it all felt. We’re one thriving independent community. That says a lot about the cooperative spirit that defines both Do it Best and True Value. The energy on the floor was incredible, and it genuinely felt like we’ve always been one team. I loved seeing our retailers share ideas and talk about ways to bring the best from both sides together. It was a great confirmation that we’re already delivering measurable value as we continue this integration.
Independent dealers are eager for an experience that gives them strong brands, true partnership and the flexibility to run their business their way. Seeing thousands of retailers respond so positively—and watching that same excitement spread to our vendors—made it clear we’re building something really powerful together.
Were there any challenges or lessons from hosting a shared market that will shape future events?
This market proved that when we bring the best of both systems together, dealers win: higher vendor participation, more show-floor sales and record attendance. Each Market sets a new standard for how we serve dealers, and we’re already building on what worked to deliver an even stronger experience next time.
Every market is an opportunity to evolve and to raise the bar for what our dealers should expect from their partner. We’re always focused on what’s next to keep them winning, not just settling for what’s “ready” in an exact moment. Our dealers, our vendors and our staff were excited about the possibilities ahead after experiencing this first truly integrated Market.
How are you ensuring that innovation reaches retailers of all sizes, especially smaller independents that may have limited resources to adopt new tools?
Whether you’re a single-store dealer or a regional/national multistore, we provide data-backed tools, services and support to match your goals. We’re taking the best Do it Best programs and tools and combining them with the best True Value programs and tools to create accessible, affordable and customizable programs for every independent.
