Weekly Industry Insights — 09/06/24
Do it Best CEO Starr Featured in CEO Magazine
Dan Starr, Do it Best president and CEO was recently featured in CEO magazine. The article went over several topics, including how Do it Best attracts top-tier talent, and Starr said: “When you build a culture that invites people into a service-led environment, where you treat them with kindness, dignity and respect, where you invest in them and hand over key responsibilities so they can improve not just in their profession but also get real satisfaction from their work in a collaborative team environment, that provides people purpose, and I think that’s really important.”
LL Flooring to Liquidate After Failing to Find Buyer
LL Flooring, formerly Lumber Liquidators, announced it is going out of business after failing to find a buyer to save the 30-year-old retailer. Liquidation sales will begin on September 6 at its remaining 200 stores, with operations winding down over the next 12 weeks. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 2,000 jobs. LL Flooring, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, had once operated more than 400 locations at its peak in 2018. LL Flooring changed its name from Lumber Liquidators in 2021.
Do it Best Promotes Wilson to Building Materials Divisional Purchasing Manager
Do it Best has announced the promotion of Lauren Wilson to building materials divisional purchasing manager, effective immediately. Wilson, who began her career at the company as a marketing research intern and has been a full-time team member for 12 years, will enhance the procurement process by fostering strategic supplier relationships aligned with the Lumber and Building Materials Division’s growth goals. Vice president Russ Kathrein praised her energy, passion, and leadership, noting she is an excellent fit for the purchasing team.
Epicor Report Reveals Examines Manufacturing Workplace Morale
Epicor’s new “Future of Work in Manufacturing” report reveals a significant gap in morale perceptions between manufacturing managers and frontline workers. This year, 57 percent of managers rated their morale as high, compared to just 45 percent of workers, signaling a disconnect in employee engagement. The report emphasizes the importance of bridging this gap, especially amid a projected 3.8 million worker shortage. Additionally, 91 percent of managers prioritize upskilling efforts, but only 70 percent of workers agree. Epicor’s survey of over 2,600 manufacturing leaders and workers aims to inform leaders in preparing for future workforce challenges. For more information about the Epicor report, visit the company’s press release.
Klem’s Celebrates 75 Years in Business
Klem’s, based in Spencer, Mass., just turned 75. Overseen by third generation owner Jessica Bettencourt, president and CEO, Klem’s began as a Ford tractor dealership, but has evolved over the decades to provide a wide range of products attuned to its community’s needs.
GNH Lumber Rebrands as GNH Lumber & Home
GNH Lumber has rebranded as GNH Lumber & Home to better reflect its commitment to serving home builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. The new name and logo, featuring the familiar “GNH” initials under a roofline, will be updated across stores, the website, and marketing materials. President John Ingalls highlighted the company’s century-long dedication to providing quality materials and expertise for all customer segments. The rebranding emphasizes GNH’s comprehensive offerings in home improvement and design. With stores in Greenville, Windham and Latham, New York, GNH Lumber & Home founded in 1937.
Utah DIYer Sarah Merrell Wins FrogTape® Paintover Challenge®
Utah DIY enthusiast Sarah Merrell, of Sarah Flips It, has been crowned the grand prize winner of the ninth annual FrogTape® Paintover Challenge®. Competing against seven other top influencers, Merrell wowed online voters with her stunning at-home office transformation, which featured a chic plaid paint design and wainscot detailing. Using FrogTape® painter’s tape for crisp lines, she turned a bare room into a calming workspace. Merrell takes home a $5,000 cash prize and will donate $10,000 to Box Elder Family Support Center, a Utah nonprofit providing family crisis services. FrogTape® praised all participants for their creative, trend-inspired projects. Merrell’s work, influenced by the ‘Wainscot Just a Minute’ trend, stood out for its budget-friendly brilliance and DIY inspiration. For more about the challenge, visit Shurtape’s press release.
