I started my journey in the hardware industry when I was 22 years old.

At the time, I had no idea it would become my career—or my passion.

That journey began at Cotter & Company, now known as True Value.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that independent hardware stores aren’t just another business on Main Street.

They’re heart-centered businesses.

They’re the cornerstone of their communities.

Every day, they help people take care of what matters most—their homes.

They’re the ones customers turn to when they need just the right shade of paint for their baby’s first nursery.

They’re the ones who help fix the leaky toilet before company arrives that evening.

They’re the ones who answer questions, solve problems, calm frustrations, and celebrate projects big and small.

To me, hardware store owners are hometown heroes.

They’re trusted advisors who help families care for the places where life happens.

Over the years, I was fortunate to work alongside hundreds of these incredible business owners.

I helped develop and launch loyalty programs, supported grand openings and community events, worked with customer data, and learned firsthand what makes independent hardware stores so special.

But through all of those experiences, one thing never changed.

The people.

Good families.

Good values.

Good people working hard every day to serve their communities.

Today, those hometown heroes face a new challenge.

The world has gone digital.

Customers discover businesses differently than they did twenty years ago.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people search, learn, and make buying decisions.

Independent hardware stores don’t need to change who they are.

But they do need new tools.

That’s where I come in.

My passion is helping independent hardware stores embrace modern marketing and new technology without losing the heart that makes them special.

Because I believe the future belongs to the stores that stay true to who they are while learning new ways to share their story.