Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
This book review is the final installment in a series Hardware Retailing is publishing to highlight resources retailers recommend to other operators in the independent home improvement industry.
David Strano is general manager and co-owner of Ambridge Do it Best Home Center in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.
Strano’s Takeaways
- Become a Brand
The book shares how your business can get better with branding. We know who we are, but are we portraying that to the customer? If you don’t have clear messaging, people will not engage your brand. - Tell the Right Story
We need to share the story that we’re a family-run business and communicate it more efficiently. We need to clarify our branding message throughout the store and on social media. - Be the Story’s Hero
We have to be customers’ heroes by showing how we’re able to help them on a daily basis and gain their trust and respect. Employees don’t just have names and faces; they have experience and knowledge. They’re here to help. Most of them have been here a long time and have a lot of experience. - Listen to Customers
How do you beat competitors? It’s not always on price. We’re listening to our customers. We show them we care and offer the right product selection. That’s why people continue to shop here and continue to talk about us in a good way.
Recommended
Recommended
Brian Kabat, Kabat’s Ace Hardware Stores, Arizona
Book Review: “The Servant” by James C. Hunter
“If you’re into leadership and management, this book is off the grid a little bit. It applies tomore than business and is relevant to family life.”
Megan Menzer, Newton’s True Value, Kansas
Book Review: “The Hero Effect” by Kevin Brown
“This book makes you take a step back and evaluate your business and your culture. Its examples and stories are reminders of the difference we each can make. You never know what someone is going through, but you can touch their life in a way that will have a lifelong impact.”
P. Brett Thorne, Thorne Lumber Co., Missouri
Podcast Review: “Behind Your Back Podcast” With Bradley Hartmann
“Bradley Hartmann provides a lot of value. He goes in depth and he even has some tools, such as call structures and call sheets, he offers to listeners. He doesn’t take a bland topic and keep it bland. He finds great ways to keep things entertaining and colorful.”
