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Latest Episodes
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 19
While we have all learned a lot living through this pandemic some companies in the industry have been around to see other major events that have rattled the nation. This week, we talk with Jonathan Mize, CEO and president of Kansas-based distributor Blish-Mize. Next year, Blish-Mize will turn 150 years old and Jonathan shares some insights into how the company and its customers are making it through this pandemic and where he sees the industry heading post-COVID-19.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 18
On this episode we talk with Scott Wright, who head’s up NRHA’s Retail Leadership Institute. Scott shares how NRHA continues to help industry leaders hone their skills and stay connected during the pandemic. Scott also gives us a sneak peek into this year’s Young Retailer of the Year award winners.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 17
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has presented small businesses with their share of incredible challenges. In this week’s episode we talk to Bill Brunelle from Independent We Stand (www.independentwestand.org) who shares stories about how small businesses are coping with the pandemic. He also provides insights into how we can all band together to support small business moving forward.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 16
This week we check back in with long-time industry vet Jim Robisch from The Farnsworth Group to get his insights into the lessons we are all learning from operating a business during the time of COVID-19 and find out what he thinks might lie ahead for the home improvement industry.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 15
In this episode, we talk with Melanie Moul, Hardware Retailing‘s managing editor. She shares insights into what Hardware Retailing’s editors are hearing from the field, talks about what readers can expect in upcoming issues and discusses how her team continues to explore new ways to communicate with retailers during the pandemic.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 14
In this episode of Taking Care of Business, the Pep Talk edition, we look at some recent research from NRHA that shows exactly how independent retailers are being impacted by the pandemic. We also hear from Grant Farnsworth with the latest research from The Farnsworth Group on how DIYers and contractors are behaving nearly three months into COVID-19. He also gives a sneak peek at The Farnsworth Group’s upcoming free webinar with Kermit Baker from the Harvard University Joint Center. Register for the webinar by going to https://farnsworth.lpages.co/covid19-and-the-pros-response-webinar/.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 13
We’ve been getting a lot of questions from retailers about what they can, can’t, should or shouldn’t do when dealing with certain issues in the workplace that are related to COVID-19. So this episode’s guest is Mick Terrell, a partner with Taft Law (taftlaw.com), who specializes in labor and employment issues. Mick will help us sort through some of the delicate legal concerns retailers are dealing with today and pass along some sound advice about how to protect your employees and your business.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 12
On this episode we talk with retailer and leadership expert Dr. Rob Mathews, who passes along some tips on how to lead during times of crisis. Rob also shares real-world stories from home improvement retailers who are finding new ways to inspire, motivate and reward their teams during these challenging times.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 11
In this episode we talk to John Sieggreen, president of Central Network Retail Group (CNRG) and executive vice president of retail at Orgill, Inc. John talks to us about how the 100+ CNRG stores across the country have reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak and what they have learned during this time that can make them more effective retailers moving forward.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 10
With so much focus on the health of your employees and customers, we are going to focus a little bit of time on the financial health of your business. Gary Pittsford from Castle Wealth Advisors shares his thoughts on what areas of your business you should be keeping a close eye on right now and also touches on timely topics such as PPP funds, how you can use them to your advantage and whether you might face the prospect of having to repay them.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 9
If you ever wonder who’s answering your calls or emails when you reach out to NRHA, you’ll wonder no more after this episode where we chat with Katie McHone-Jones, who manages NRHA events and member services. We will talk about what Katie and her team are hearing from retailers during this crisis and how that feedback has led to the creation of several NRHA resources.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 8
On this Pep Talk episode of Taking Care of Business we talk to Pat Sheehan from Simple Green who shares some important information consumers and retailers really need to know about best practices for cleaning and disinfecting during COVID-19. We also have a return visit from Grant Farnsworth (www.thefarnsworthgroup.com) who will update us on how consumer shopping habits are changing under stay-at-home orders.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 7
When the team at Heisler’s Hardware in Spearfish, South Dakota, heard that their community food bank needed some help to keep up with the increased demand, they didn’t waste any time developing a plan. In this episode, we talk with Pam Heisler and Kelsee Colgrove to learn the very special story behind how they stepped up and worked with other local business leaders to provide much needed assistance to their neighbors in need.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 6
On this installment of the Pep Talk podcast, we welcome Andy DeVries, president of Midwest Fastener Corp. to the show. Andy shares his unique insights into how manufacturers are responding to COVID-19 challenges and talks to us about how this first link in the supply chain is handling fallout from the pandemic.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 5
This week on the Pep Talk edition of the Taking Care of Business podcast, we talk to PRO Group President and CEO Steve Synnott, who tells us how the company is adapting to meet the changing realities brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. We also check back in with Grant Farnsworth from The Farnsworth Group who shares some eye-opening results emerging from their COVID-19 Impact Tracker study.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 4
In this Pep Talk episode of Taking Care of Business, we hear from Do it Best’s Rich Lynch about everything the distributor is doing to help its members get through the COVID-19 crisis. We also share some uplifting stories from the field about how retailers are rising to the occasion to help their communities.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 3
In this Pep Talk edition of the Taking Care of Business podcast we have two special guests. True Value President and CEO John Hartmann shares how the company is stepping up to meet retailers’ needs during the pandemic, including quickly transitioning their manufacturing facility to ramp up production of vital products. We also visit with Grant Farnsworth of the The Farnsworth Group, which together with the Home Improvement Research Institute is launching a new Covid-19 Impact Tracker study that anyone in the channel can access by visiting www.thefarnsworthgroup.com/covid or www.hiri.org.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 2
In this week’s Pep Talk edition of Taking Care of Business we will provide you with some updates from the field on what we are seeing with Covid-19, provide some resources for government assistance to small businesses and we will talk with Boyden Moore, president and CEO of Orgill, Inc. about how the distributor is responding to the challenges.
SPECIAL SERIES – Pep Talk Episode 1
In this episode of Taking Care of Business we kick off our special Pep Talk series where we will be sharing weekly updates, motivational messages, best practices and expert opinions relating to the current COVID -19 crisis. Make sure to subscribe to this podcast to stay up to date on any developments as they happen.
