Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
By Scott Jerousek
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate this year’s class of Top Guns recipients. Take a moment and let it sink in—you’re being recognized by your industry as the best of the best. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a well‑deserved acknowledgment of hard work, dedication and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Conversations with people who reach this level of success always feel different. They start by giving praise to their teams and those who supported them along the way. Then they share the steps, challenges and mistakes that shaped them into the leaders they are today—reminding us all that we’re playing an infinite game.
I was honored to be recognized as a Top Guns recipient in 2017. With that honor comes the responsibility to continuously improve my business and contribute to the home improvement industry as a whole. We do this by giving back whenever possible, helping develop the next generation of professionals and sometimes simply being available to let another leader vent outside their local circle.
My greatest accomplishments have come from relationships forged with other critical thinkers across the country. In 2017, with the help of Scott Wright and the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA), we started the Young Guns Roundtable, which has since evolved into today’s Top Guns Roundtable. The members of this group are engaged, driven and committed to growth. Our ability to connect has helped each of us significantly increase efficiency and profitability in our businesses.
I highly encourage you to take the time to connect with industry leaders outside your market. Start conversations—and listen more than you speak. You’ll be amazed by the similarities you share with other leaders. The old saying, “If you feel you are the smartest person in the room, find a new room,” has never been more relevant as competition scales and challenges each of our businesses to do the same.
In closing, I would once again like to congratulate the 2026 Top Guns recipients and extend my gratitude to NHPA for all they contribute to our industry. Their selfless dedication to the home improvement and paint community continues to be a guiding light for all of us.
Stay curious…
