Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Two 2014 recipients of the North American Retail Hardware Association Young Retailer of the Year awards are continuing to see benefits of the honor.
Hardware Retailing got in touch with past honorees James Coté, owner of Osterville House & Garden, and Zach Coblentz, hardware division leader at Hartville Hardware, to talk about the benefits the program offers young retailers.
NRHA identifies and honors the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement retail leaders through the annual Young Retailer of the Year awards program. The nomination deadline for 2015’s award is this month.
Industry-Wide Recognition
Being named a Young Retailer of the Year validates retailers’ efforts as independent home improvement professionals. Honorees receive industry-wide recognition that helps them gain confidence as they continue to grow as young leaders.
“It means a lot to be recognized by the industry trade association and it keeps me going,” Coté says. “I’ve put in a lot of work over the years and this award, whether you win or not, gives you something to aspire and work toward. I feel lucky to have won last year.”
The association uses the awards to honor individual achievements in the industry by retailers 35 years of age and younger. Recipients are recognized at the NRHA All-Industry Conference and National Hardware Show®, as well as in an article in Hardware Retailing magazine.
“It was an amazing feeling to be nominated. To know that someone else sees the efforts that I put in and thinks that I deserve recognition for it is very humbling,” Cote says.
Professional Development Opportunities
Honorees receive scholarship opportunities to develop leadership and retail management skills. Coté and Coblentz were both awarded partial scholarships sponsored by the National Hardware Show to the NRHA Retail Management Certification Program.
“I was able to attend NRHA’s Retail Management Certification Program, which has given me a stronger all around knowledge of the hardware business,” Coblentz says. “I learned a lot through the program about myself and how to lead my team while gaining great contacts.”
The recognition and development opportunities provided through the Young Retailer of the Year program motivate honorees to continue improving as leaders while strengthening their businesses.
Career Advancement
Within a year of each being honored as a Young Retailer of the Year, both Cote and Coblentz have advanced in their careers. Coté has continued to perfect the appearance and layout of his store, while developing and implementing new training guidelines and store policies that improve overall customer experiences.
Coblentz has been promoted to hardware division leader of Hartville Hardware, which has opened doors for him to become more involved in the leadership staff at his store, Coblentz says.
“It is so important to have this type of program to honor those who have chosen to pursue a career in the independent hardware industry and have been standouts. It gives all young retailers something to strive for and achieve,”Coté says.
2015 Nominations
The opportunity to nominate a deserving individual and make a lasting impact on his or her career is quickly approaching. The nomination deadline for the 2015 Young Retailer of the Year awards program is this Friday, Feb. 27. The entry form and detailed information about the program can be found on NRHA’s website. Please email Allison DeWitt with further questions.
