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From a legacy of military service to finding a new home at Do it Best, Cole Atwood’s journey from the U.S. Army to the independent home improvement industry was marked by dedication and teamwork.
Growing up, Atwood was surrounded by military tradition, with his father serving in the Army during the Vietnam War and his grandfather, many of his uncles and several cousins serving in all branches of the armed forces.
While influenced by all his military family members, Atwood felt called to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve in the U.S. Army after 9/11 and the U.S. involvement in the Global War on Terror.
“I wanted to do my part to serve my country, just as my father did when he felt he needed to do his part in Vietnam,” says Atwood.
Atwood served for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 in the U.S. Army. He began as a welder and metalworker, and after being promoted to sergeant, Atwood worked as a training non-commissioned officer (NCO), ran administrative offices and worked in welding shops. He ended his time in the Army serving three and a half years as a recruiter in Arizona.
Finding a New Home
Following his service in the Army, Atwood took his military skills, tactics and mindset to Do it Best in Mesquite, Nevada, where he now serves as general manager of the Mesquite Retail Service Center.
“I started with Do it Best after moving to Mesquite to try to find my home after the military,” Atwood says.
Atwood instantly fell in love with Do it Best’s team-centered mentality. Coming from a family of DIY enthusiasts, he felt right at home working at Do it Best with his knowledge of welding, woodworking and mechanics.
“The home improvement part was a perfect fit. I knew the products we sold, and I cared about providing them to our members,” Atwood says. “Do it Best functions as one big team, including our members.”
Atwood quickly felt belonging in the Mesquite community, as well.
“Mesquite, Nevada, is also pretty cool itself,” he says. “I am close enough to the outdoors of Southern Utah, but far away enough from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.”
The direct, personalized service he provides to customers, and the opportunity independent hardware stores have to compete with big-box stores through the co-op model are a few aspects Atwood appreciates about the independent channel.
“Some of my core memories come from going to the local hardware store with my dad as a kid,” he says.
Leadership Lessons
Reflecting on his time in the armed forces, Atwood says his most beloved memories are those with his brothers
and sisters in arms and the team mentality they shared.
“The Army, and my many mentors in uniform, have shaped me to be the leader I am today,” he says. “I still think back to First Sergeant Ian Bush, and I strive to make him proud everyday. Those skills cannot be bought and are very hard to learn. You can’t fake them.”
Atwood believes veterans are well-equipped for the independent hardware industry with the experience and knowledge they gained while in military service.
“In my opinion, veterans are a great fit for this environment. We are problem-solvers, team players and we have done much harder things in our previous roles,” Atwood says. “Most people say the military made us stronger, but I like to think that it just made us better. The wisdom, experience and values we learned and lived will forever benefit us, as long as we do not forget that while we may be out of uniform, our service to others is still very present in our lives each day.”
Paying Tribute
While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry,
NHPA launched the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show (NHS) as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
We need your help honoring these amazing men and women. Please visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to nominate a Helmets to Home Improvement honoree.
