Weekly Industry Insights — 9/13/24
ECI Software Solutions Names Wizbowski as Chief Marketing Officer
ECI Software Solutions has appointed Ray Wizbowski as its new chief marketing officer, effective August 1, 2024. With more than 20 years of marketing experience, Wizbowski will lead ECI’s marketing strategy, driving brand growth and enhancing customer engagement. His prior leadership at Diligent included boosting pipeline coverage and overseeing a successful rebranding initiative. Wizbowski’s appointment is expected to accelerate ECI’s ambitious growth goals, according to CEO Trevor Gruenewald. For more information, visit the ECI’s press release.
Do it Best Announces its 2024 Vendor of the Year Award Winners
Do it Best recently announced its 2024 Vendor of the Year award winners, recognizing top partners across various categories. Notable winners include Freud & Diablo for Overall Sales Growth, Leviton Manufacturing for Supply Chain Excellence, and Reliance Water Heater for Outstanding Products & Services. Other honorees include Simpson Strong-Tie for Building Materials and Milwaukee Tool for Electrical. These awards highlight vendors that excelled in innovation, service, and supporting Do it Best’s independent member-owner. For a category-by-category list of other Do it Best Vendor of the Year award winners, visit the company’s press release.
AI and Dynamic Pricing: A New Era for Lumberyard Profitability
AI-driven pricing tools are transforming how lumberyards set prices, enabling customer-specific adjustments that boost profits. With big-box competitors like Home Depot frequently changing prices, tools like PriceShape and Bubo.ai analyze customer behavior to optimize pricing. In its recent newsletter, Webb Analytics reports that these dynamic strategies are critical for staying competitive in today’s market.
Mayhew Tools Unveils New 6-Piece Pin Punch Set
Mayhew Steel Products has introduced its new 6-piece Pin Punch Set, machined from high-quality alloy steel and made in the USA. The set includes popular punch sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 1/4″, ideal for driving and removing loosened pins and keys. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this durable set is designed for industrial, automotive, and hardware professionals and is available through Mayhew’s global distributor network. For more information, see the company’s press release.
LL Flooring to Reopen 219 Stores After Private Equity Acquisition
LL Flooring, formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, has secured a last-minute deal with F9 Investments to sell 219 stores, reversing its previous plan to shut down operations. The deal, set to close by the end of September, also includes a Virginia distribution center and other assets. However, 211 locations will still close amid the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. F9, led by Lumber Liquidators founder Tom Sullivan, plans to reopen the acquired stores under the Lumber Liquidators brand.
Zircon Corporation Appoints McDowell as Vice President of National Accounts
Zircon Corporation has named Ryan McDowell as vice president of national accounts and global product management. With more than a decade of product management and engineering experience, McDowell will lead sales and product initiatives for the company. Zircon, known for its innovative electronic hand tools such as StudSensor™ stud finders, operates globally in the DIY and professional trades industries. McDowell’s expertise in managing relationships with major retailers positions him to drive Zircon’s growth and market expansion. For more information, visit the company’s press release.
