Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Program Lead for Advanced Education & Training
Cody Goeppner
cgoeppner@YourNHPA.org
Cody Goeppner’s journey in the hardware retail industry began in his family’s single-store True Value Hardware business. He developed a deep understanding of retail operations from the ground up. As his leadership skills grew, he transitioned to overseeing multi-store operations at Bleyhl Co-op. Cody managed not only the retail department but also outside sales, purchasing, marketing, and logistics across five locations. His dedication to improving operational efficiency and customer experience earned him the NHPA’s 2020 Young Retailer of the Year Award. Following Bleyhl Co-op’s merger with Valley Wide Cooperative, Cody contributed to scaling operations in key areas like inventory management and outside sales. Now, as an NHPA Ambassador, Cody works closely with retailers across the country, helping them identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
Training Manager and Editor
Jesse Carleton
jcarleton@YourNHPA.org
Jesse develops and manages the content for NHPA’s online training, including the Basic Training courses used to onboard new employees. During his time at NHPA, Jesse has written for the Hardware Retailing magazine and visited independent retailers across the country. A native of Indiana, Jesse graduated from Taylor University. He and his wife live near downtown Indianapolis where they enjoy the endless DIY projects that come with owning an old home.
Membership Manager
Renee Changnon
rchangnon@YourNHPA.org
Renee joined NHPA in 2014 and has held a variety of roles, including as an editor for Hardware Retailing magazine and now as the retail engagement specialist for the association. Renee graduated from Illinois State University in 2012 with a degree in visual journalism. In her current role, she focuses on member engagement, leading NHPA’s Ambassador program, visiting retailers in their businesses and at trade shows and supporting members by encouraging stores to train. Outside of work, Renee enjoys traveling, writing for fun, staying up-to-date on pop culture and spending time with family and friends.
Operations Coordinator – Advanced Education and Training
Amy Hayes
ahayes@YourNHPA.org
Amy joined NHPA in 2024 as Operations Coordinator – Advanced Education and Training. If she’s not spending time with her two kids and grand kitty Ollie, you’ll find her in the yard working on a landscape project or pruning flowers, or hand-making cause awareness note cards she designed years ago during cancer treatments. She shares the cards and story as a way to encourage other survivors and their families, her favorite passion project.
