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2018 Young Retailer of the Year: Taylor Baker

Taylor Baker

Owner
Foothills Hardware & Builders Supply
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina
Over $2 Million in Annual Sales

I’m an attitude guy. We look at attitude when hiring someone because we want to surround ourselves with people who have a positive outlook.

Taylor Baker grew up working in his father’s hardware business and has been dusting shelves and cleaning counters since he could walk. He wasn’t sure that he wanted a long-term career in the home improvement industry, but after he earned his business administration degree, Baker’s family friend and Orgill president and CEO, Ron Beal, offered him a job at the distribution company.

After many years working in marketing and later as a corporate accounts manager for Orgill, Baker and his family moved back home to North Carolina. They purchased a local surplus salvage yard in January 2015. Baker began transforming it into the company he now successfully operates, Foothills Hardware & Builders Supply.

He worked with his distributor to completely reset and remerchandise the store. In only a few weeks, he successfully updated all of the store’s inventory, got rid of old products and filled the store with a diverse assortment of goods. Baker takes pride in providing his customers with the products and services they need and is consistently updating his inventory accordingly.

One of Foothills Hardware’s top departments is lumber and building materials, and contractor sales are continuing to rise. Baker prides himself on offering some of the best building materials in the county.

Baker offers a variety of high-quality outdoor power equipment brands and is vastly growing his paint department. Additionally, he offers cabinets, flooring, windows, doors and a kitchen and bath design center to provide customers with everything they need to complete large-scale projects affordably and efficiently.

Baker’s efforts have proven successful. The business is thriving and continues to grow quickly.

Leading a team of approximately 25 employees, Baker works hard to be a positive role model, and he always hires people who share his customer-centric outlook. He fosters an environment of positivity and believes that attitude can go a long way.

In addition to running a successful business and leading a passionate team, Baker and the Foothills Hardware & Builders Supply team regularly give back to the community. They work with Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts by donating materials for various projects. They sponsor the local high school football and Little League teams. Additionally, Baker and his staff work with the local Young Life group and EMS and fire departments, and they participate in the local Christmas parade and other community events.

About Hilary Welter

As marketing and research coordinator, it’s Hilary’s duty to keep retailers informed about NRHA products and services and to help coordinate industry research projects. Additionally, Hilary is the voice behind NRHA’s and Hardware Retailing’s social media accounts. She appreciates a good book, spicy food, well-made horror films, craft beer and exploring new places near and far.

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