Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
As the 2024 Retail Management Certification Program came to a close last month, 17 hardware and home improvement professionals celebrated more than just the completion of a course—they marked a turning point in their careers. Over the past several months, these retailers challenged themselves, sharpened their skills and stepped into a new level of retail leadership.
For Kevin Lundergan, operations manager at D&B Supply, the experience was about more than learning—it was about action.
“This program pushed us to actually finish projects and implement them into our business,” Lundergan says. “That accountability was a huge benefit. It’s easy to have ideas, but seeing them through is what makes the difference.”
That ability to turn insight into action is at the core of the Retail Management Certification Program. Designed specifically for store owners, regional supervisors and managers, the program blends strategic leadership training, hands-on business improvement projects and real-world application to help retailers increase profitability, improve operations and build stronger teams.
Cody Goeppner, NHPA’s program lead for advanced education and training, has seen firsthand how transformative the program can be—not just as an instructor but as a former graduate himself.
“The Retail Management Certification Program isn’t just about learning best practices—it’s about seeing the bigger picture,” Goeppner says. “It gives participants the confidence to lead, the tools to make better decisions and the connections to keep growing long after the program ends.”
Beyond the Classroom: A Transformational Experience
Unlike traditional training, the Retail Management Certification Program isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. Participants engage with in-person workshops in Indianapolis, where they work alongside industry experts to develop skills in:
- Strategic Business Planning
- Advanced Retail Operations
- Advertising & Marketing
- Financial Management & Benchmarking
- Leadership & Team Building
Between sessions, they return to their stores armed with quick-win strategies and a business improvement project—a tangible plan designed to drive measurable change. The impact of this experience is clear in how graduates describe it.
Brookelyn McClellan, Hardware Sales, emphasized the program’s structured approach to problem-solving.
“My biggest takeaway was how the Retail Management Certification Program walks you through a project from start to finish, making sure nothing slips through the cracks,” McClellan says. “It forced me to think differently, to really analyze how we do things and where we can improve.”
For others, the program’s biggest value came from the relationships and collaboration with fellow retailers.
“The networking and idea-sharing were incredible. We all run our businesses differently, but at the end of the day, we have the same challenges. Learning how others tackle those problems was eye-opening.”
—William Grauel, Aubuchon Hardware
“I came in looking for ways to improve our store, but what I didn’t expect was how much the program would change the way I communicate with my team. I now have a clearer vision for where we’re going and how to get everyone on board.”
—SJ Goodwin, Neathawk Lumber
“This experience gave me a whole new appreciation for how different people approach the same problems. It made me take a step back and ask for more input, which has already made me a better leader.”
—Tommy Granger, Randy’s Hardware
Looking Ahead: RMCP 2025
With 2025 program planning underway, NHPA is focused on making the Retail Management Certification Program more accessible than ever, introducing a streamlined two-visit format and lower tuition to maximize return on investment for retailers. This new model ensures participants receive the same high-impact leadership training and business strategies while making it easier for retailers to commit to professional development.
Evan White, Paul B’s Hardware, emphasized how the program helps retailers see beyond the day-to-day operations of their stores.
“I’m newer to hardware retail, and this program really made me appreciate that we’re all on the same team,” White says. “The Retail Management Certification Program reinforced that no matter where we come from, we share the same goal—to grow and improve.”
Goeppner believes this evolution will make the program even stronger:
“We’re taking everything that makes the Retail Management Certification Program impactful—real-world applications, expert instruction and peer collaboration—and making it even more accessible,” Goeppner says. “The new structure allows retailers to take full advantage of the program while balancing their responsibilities at work.”
If you or someone on your team is ready to take the next step in leadership, strategy and retail excellence, now is the time to enroll.
Deadline to register: June 1, 2025
Sign up today!
Graduation from the program isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a career built on continuous learning, strong industry connections and the confidence to lead with purpose.
