Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) is currently accepting nominations for the 22nd annual Young Retailer of the Year program.
The program identifies and promotes the next generation of aspiring home improvement retailers and recognizes individual achievements in the industry by retailers 35 years of age and younger.
If you or someone you know fits the bill for this awards program, there are multiple benefits that come from being honored as a Young Retailer of the Year. For more information about the program and to submit a nomination before the Feb. 28 deadline, visit nrha.org/yroty.
Networking
Each year, NRHA selects multiple honorees who are then recognized at the Young Retailer of the Year reception in Las Vegas in May. Upon meeting, the honorees have an opportunity to connect with one another, adding valuable peers to their industry roster. These honorees forge connections with one another, giving them the chance to discuss operational challenges, new opportunities and industry insights for years to come.
“Young Retailer of the Year honorees immediately create a network with other retailers who are honored the same year. You’ll always have something in common, even if your stores are completely different sizes or in geographic locations across the country from one another,” says James Cabirac, owner of Kief Hardware in Cut Off, Louisiana, and two-time Young Retailer of the Year honoree.
Industrywide Recognition
At the annual Young Retailer of the Year reception, honorees have the opportunity to take the stage to speak in front of fellow retailers, manufacturers, distributors and other industry professionals. Take 2017 honoree and co-owner of Heuser Ace Hardware Bobby Heuser’s speech as an example. The reception also provides retailers a chance to interact with leaders across the industry, making contacts that may be beneficial in the future.
“You gain so much from being part of a class of young retailers, and it benefits everyone involved. I don’t like to draw attention to myself, but as at the Young Retailer of the Year event, the industry is listening. Additionally, there’s great potential for networking and building relationships through the program,” Cabirac says.
Beyond the benefits of the reception, honorees will have their stories told in the July 2018 issue of Hardware Retailing magazine. This is a great platform for honorees to have their businesses, families and employees recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Association Involvement
Honorees have the chance to get up close and personal with representatives from their trade association, NRHA. This lets them give feedback directly to the association that represents them. It also connects honorees with NRHA Training programs, which can help them streamline their businesses and educate their staff.
NRHA hosts an annual Young Retailer of the Year roundtable, inviting honorees from all Young Retailer of the Year classes to come together to discuss their businesses and the industry as a whole.
Educational Opportunities
Scholarship opportunities for NRHA’s Retail Management Certification Program are available to Young Retailer of the Year honorees and to qualified staff members working for current and former honorees. These scholarships are provided by the National Hardware Show® and can provide an excellent opportunity for honorees to expand their retail operations education or offer the opportunity to someone on their staff.
