Personnel Update:
Ace Hardware Corporation hired Karen Fedyszyn as VP of Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Officer.
Blain’s Farm and Fleet has announced that Jane Blain Gilbertson has assumed the role of CEO and sole owner of Blain Supply and Blain’s Farm and Fleet, taking over from her brother Robert Blain who has retired.
Cedar Creek announced five management promotions.
• Regional VP- Mark Corso joined Cedar Creek from Roberts & Dybdahl, where he spent the last 33 years in a number of executive roles.
• Regional VP- Mark Porter
• Regional VP- Paul Wetmore
• Regional VP- Mike Wilson
• VP- Alex Averitt
The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors announced the appointment of Kevin Gammonley as the organization’s new Executive Director. He has been serving as the interim executive director since April.
Orchard Supply Hardware has announced that veteran Steve Mahurin has left the company, where he held the title Chief Retail Officer. The company has eliminated the position as the company transitions to a focus on operations and expansion.
Parr Lumber named Jeff Boles District Manager of the company’s Valley/South region. In addition to his new role, Boles will continue to serve as the location manager at the Parr Salem location.
Rent-A-Center appointed Mike Case to VP Marketing Strategy and Insights. Reporting to Rita Bargerhuff, Senior VP and Chief Customer Officer, Case is charged with the global administration of customer insights/market research, marketing analytics, business innovation, customer relationship management (CRM) and loyalty.
Stock Building Supply announced the appointment of Bryan J. Yeazel as Exec VP and COO.
Stock Building Supply announced that C. Lowell Ball has been appointed Senior VP and General Counsel, where he will lead the company’s legal and risk management teams.
Tile Shop has elected Kirk Geadelmann as its new CFO. He will be joining the company from Best Buy, Inc. and replacing Timothy Clayton, who is leaving to pursue another opportunity.
Tractor Supply executive Randy Guiler has left the company, as Dollar Tree has appointed him VP of Investor Relations.
Universal Forest Products promoted two company veterans to new leadership roles in its eastern division: Patrick Benton and Jonathan West have been promoted to the new roles of Exec VP of the North and South, respectively.
Weyerhaeuser has chosen Fred Dzida to assume the role of president, Weyerhaeuser Company Limited, the company’s wholly owned Canadian subsidiary.
Williams-Sonoma has appointed Ronald R. Young Senior VP, Global Operations, as part of its strategy to grow the brand outside the United States.
Mergers and Acquisitions:
Builders FirstSource completed its acquisition of Houston area-based Slone Lumber Company.
PPG Architectural Finishes announced that its North American architectural coatings business has acquired Pittsburgh-based Masterwork Paint Company.
Industry Insight:
Blain’s Farm and Fleet will open its 36th store in Dubuque, Iowa, this fall.
Lowe’s says its pro business generates about 30% of its business, that’s up from previous estimates of about 25%.
Punzel Hardware of Jefferson WI has permanently closed early after 55 years of operation by the family of owner Jeff Punzel.
