Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Always ready. Always there. The venerable motto of the U.S. National Guard is what Tim Kromholtz lived out during his time in the Washington Air National Guard and still adheres to in his executive role in the independent home improvement industry.
Kromholtz’s military journey began in July 1978 when he was seeking college assistance. He enlisted in the Air National Guard, initially serving as an electrician and later working as a power production mechanic. During his 20 years of service, Kromholtz deployed to Denmark, Germany, Portugal and the Dominican Republic and several domestic training deployments, completing his service in July 1998.
“My favorite part of my time in service was the brotherhood of fellow service members and the sense of patriotic duty I gained,” Kromholtz says.
While still serving with the Guard, Kromholtz utilized his military benefits and graduated from college in 1987 with a degree in accounting. Kromholtz began in an accounting role at Ziegler Lumber Company, entering the independent home improvement channel. His employer was a strong supporter of Kromholtz’s military obligations until he retired from the military in 1998.
Today, as Ziegler’s chief information officer, he advises and manages projects, finding satisfaction in improving the efficiency of Ziegler Lumber employees’ operations. Kromholtz attributes his success in the independent channel to the leadership skills and appreciation for team dynamics he gained during his military service.
“Military veterans are a valuable asset to the independent channel,” he says. “They understand the chain of command, the principle of loyalty and organizational abilities.”
A New Way to Serve: NHPA Program Honors Military Veterans Who Have Served Our Country, Channel
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. NHPA honors the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry through its Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with NHS Concept to Commerce and DIY Con as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
