People In The News

Lowe’s Companies announced that it has appointed Quonta (Que) Vance as executive vice president, pro and home services. Vance most recently served as Lowe’s senior vice president, transportation and final mile. Lowe’s new pro EVP has more than 25 years of retail experience and leadership roles with store operations, merchandising, and supply chain across Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Target.

Ernst & Young named US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson as its Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Southeast Award winner. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact, among other core contributions and attributes. The National Award winners including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will be announced in November.

Ace Hardware elected member director David W. Cripe to a first term on the company’s board of directors. Cripe is vice president of Whitmore Investments, Inc., a 13-store Ace Hardware chain located in Wilmington, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. Whitmore Hardware was established in 1896. He has worked for Whitmore Ace Hardware since 2002 and has been an owner since 2013.

Jeld-Wen, the manufacturer of windows, interior and exterior doors, and wall systems, appointed Wendy Livingston as executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Livingston replaces Tim Craven, who previously announced his plan to leave the company in July. She joins Jeld-Wen from Spreetail, a multinational e-commerce company, where she served as the chief people officer.

Hampton Lumber & Family Forests named Randy Schillinger as its new CEO. Schillinger brings more than 25 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest wood product industry. He began his career at Weyerhaeuser in 1998 where he provided strategic planning and analysis before moving to their Trus Joist Engineered Wood Products (EWP) division, where he worked on sales and operations planning and manufacturing. Schillinger takes over following the retirement of Steve Zika, who has served as CEO at Hampton since 2003.

BlueLinx Holdings announced that Tricia Kinney has been appointed general counsel and corporate secretary, effective July 31. Kinney will report to BlueLinx President and CEO Shyam Reddy. Kinney most recently served as the chief legal and compliance officer of ServiceMaster Brands. Previously, she served in various senior-level roles at Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

Kreg Tool Company reported that Donovan Fuhs has been promoted to vice president of information technology. Previously, Fuhs served as IT applications manager at Kreg. Fuhs has more than 20 years of experience in the IT field. In his new role, he will lead the information technology team providing strategic direction and oversight for the design and implementation of Kreg’s information systems and digital solutions.

LMC announced that it has appointed Jacques Vauclain as its new vice president of finance. Vuclain held several key positions at Vanguard, the investment advisory firm, including overseeing the finance function for the company’s European operation, leading financial planning, and analysis initiatives, and contributing to strategic decision-making. Prior to Vanguard, he spent a decade at Campbell Soup Company.

ABC Supply’s new location in Gilroy, California, situated in Santa Clara County, is being managed by Alexandrea Dionne. Since joining ABC Supply in 2021, Dionne has worked in inside sales in the company’s Santa Rosa, California, location and completed the Branch Management Training Program. Dionne has also mentored and coached associates in the West Region.

Hardlines Distribution Alliance promoted Trent Kauffman to director of merchandising. Previously a merchandise manager, Kauffman brings with him numerous years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining HDA, Kauffman earned a psychology degree at the University of Oregon before beginning his career at Jerry’s Home Improvement. In 2012, he joined True Value as a product merchant where he managed purchasing programs with over 160 vendors.

McCoy’s Building Supply promoted Brandon Bishop to vice president of merchandising. Bishop has spent 15 years at McCoy’s including five years working at the company’s Stephenville location. He served at headquarters as a forest products buyer before moving into management roles in the commodities department. Most recently, he served as director of merchandising-commodities.

Belco Forest Products, the Shelton, Washington-based manufacturer of treated exterior trim and fascia products, announced that Baxter Reimer has been promoted to director of sales. Reimer is responsible for overseeing national sales and sales strategy, as well as managing the Belco sales team. In 2017, Reimer began working with Belco as the Pacific Northwest Market development manager.

Residential Construction/Sales

Monthly Retail Sales, not adjusted

13 months of housing starts and existing-home sales home centers and pro dealers (NAICS 444) and hardware stores (NAICS 44413) NAICS 444 (sales in $ billions)

NAICS 44413 (sales in $ billions)

HBSDealer Stock Roundup

the percent-change performance of stocks based on Jul. 6 prices

Consumer Watch

BECN (BEACON); BLDR (BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE); BMCH (BMC STOCK HOLDINGS); MAS (MASCO CORP.); HD (HOME DEPOT); LOW (LOWE’S); SHW (SHERWIN-WILLIAMS); SWK (STANLEY); TSCO (TRACTOR SUPPLY); WY (WEYERHAEUSER); DJIA (DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE)

SOURCES: LABOR DEPARTMENT, THE CONFERENCE BOARD, AAA