From there she helped develop the loyalty program at True Value. She was #2 on the team and helped test, develop and roll out the program to hundreds of retailers. They even won a Gold Echo Award from the Direct Marketing Association for one of their campaigns.

During her tenure she has helped hardware stores implement marketing best practices on their behalf including loyalty programs, email marketing, social media and more. Renee has worked with hundreds of hardware store owners developing local marketing plans and has planned over 400 local events including: Grand Openings, Anniversary events, Ladies Night, VIP Nights and more.

We asked Renee why she stays in this niche…

“Good families, good values, lots of passion from good people working hard for the win. I have always been one that roots for the underdog (who doesn’t love Rudy?) and Mom & Pop stores were once the center of all our communities. Big box stores have their purpose, but our communities need the relationships of small business. I am here to help not just stick around but thrive.”

You said you love going to the markets and hardware show, why are they so valuable? “I love going to the markets because it gives me an opportunity to connect with my hardware store friends who have grown up alongside me. We catch up, exchange ideas and celebrate each other’s successes. This is truly a great industry.”