Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Do it Best Group chief information officer Ken Widner was recently named one of the Top 10 CIOs for 2026 by Retail Tech Insights, recognizing his leadership in advancing the technology, digital capabilities and data intelligence that support independent home improvement retailers.
The annual recognition highlights technology executives leading innovation, modernization, operational improvement and business transformation within the retail industry.
“Ken understands that technology only creates value when it makes our members’ businesses better,” says Dan Starr, CEO of Do it Best Group. “He and his team are modernizing our capabilities while remaining focused on the real-world needs of independent retailers. Their work is helping us become more connected, more responsive, and better equipped to support our members’ long-term growth.”
Do it Best Group is expanding its use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to help independent retailers improve operations, make better-informed decisions and drive revenue.
“This recognition belongs to our entire technology organization and to the teams across Do it Best Group that are helping us rethink how technology can serve independent retailers,” Widner says. “Our goal is not to introduce technology for its own sake. It is to give our members better information, more useful tools, and capabilities that help their teams solve problems, improve performance, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.”
