10 Reasons to Apply to the NHPA Retail Management Certification Program

The industry’s premier management program, the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Retail Management Certification Program, is back for its 11th consecutive year and is now accepting new students for the 2024 class sessions that start July 16. 

Built for owners and managers in the home improvement industry, the Retail Management Certification Program offers a comprehensive program designed to train and equip owners, managers and key retail employees with the latest innovative retail practices, strategic leadership skills and techniques to grow store sales and profits.

Are you looking to take your management career to the next level? Do you have a key employee who is ready to take the next step? Here are 10 reasons to apply to the Retail Management Certification Program today!

1. Elevate Your Expertise: Master the components of running an independent hardware store, home center, lumberyard or paint center, covering leadership, financial management, retail operations, sales and marketing. Engage in challenging coursework, complete homework assignments and undertake a profit-focused semester project, all culminating in the prestigious Retail Management Certification Program Certificate upon graduation.
2. Transform Your Business and Drive Real-World Results: Engage in a personalized business improvement project tailored to your store, translating classroom knowledge into tangible results. On average, students achieve over a five times return on their tuition investment by implementing these projects.
3. Break Free From Routine and Recharge Your Approach: Take a step back from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day to gain a new perspective. Use the program to reflect on your current strategies, apply new knowledge and insights and develop innovative solutions. Return to your store with renewed energy and a fresh outlook to inspire and lead your team to success.
4. Seize the Opportunities of In-Person Learning: Benefit from the hands-on, in-person learning experience of the Retail Management Certification Program. Engage in class sessions designed to challenge and inspire, providing an interactive approach to mastering the latest innovative retail practices, strategic leadership skills and techniques to grow store sales and profits.
5. Forge Lifelong Connections With Industry Peers: Join a powerful network of industry professionals and alumni through the Retail Management Certification Program. Build lasting relationships with like-minded professionals who share your passion for the industry, providing invaluable support and collaboration opportunities throughout your career.
6. Learn From University Instructors With Industry Experience: Tap into the wealth of expertise provided by the esteemed Retail Management Certification Program instructors. From award-winning academic professors who lead business schools to business executives with decades of experience in retailing and the home improvement industry, you’ll profit from a comprehensive educational experience that is uniquely tailored to the industry.
7. Receive Professional Business Coaching: In addition to the comprehensive curriculum offered by the Retail Management Certification Program, students will gain exclusive access to one-on-one business coaching sessions with NHPA’s Director of Organizational Development & Consulting, Kim Peffley. Whether it’s refining leadership skills, optimizing operational processes or strategizing for growth, Kim will provide tailored guidance and support to help students achieve their goals.
8. Ignite Innovation in Your Operation: With the Retail Management Certification Program’s Business Improvement Project, you will turn ideas into action and propel your business forward with the guidance and support of expert mentors. Implement innovative strategies to enhance your business’s performance and profitability, with the potential for significant returns on investment year after year.
9. Access Industry Best Practices Through the Retail Management Certification Program Project Database: Explore the Retail Management Certification Program Business Improvement Project Database, a comprehensive repository of past student projects and best practices. Gain ongoing access to invaluable resources to support your continued growth and success in the retail industry, year after year.
10. Unlock Financial Support With Scholarships: Take advantage of scholarships offered by the Retail Management Certification Program’s network of industry partners, as well as the newly launched Retail Management Certification Program Pay it Forward Scholarship Fund. Invest in your future without financial constraints, ensuring you can fully commit yourself to this career-changing program.

Ready to take the next step in your retail management journey? Class sessions start July 16 and seats are still available. Contact Scott Wright at 317-441-4136 (swright@yournhpa.org) for more information. Join us and unlock the door to endless possibilities in the retail industry. Register today!