House-Hasson Hardware, one of the nation’s largest independent hardware distributors, has joined the Global Supply Chain Institute (GSCI) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business as a corporate partner.

The partnership brings together two longstanding Knoxville institutions to advance student learning, professional development, and supply chain innovation. Through the partnership, University of Tennessee students will have new opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges through internships, potential part-time employment and project-based learning with House-Hasson. In turn, the company will benefit from fresh perspectives, collaborative research opportunities and access to the university’s nationally recognized supply chain programs.

“For 120 years, House-Hasson has grown by building strong relationships and finding better ways to serve our dealers,” said Jeff Land, CEO of House-Hasson Hardware. “That same commitment has to guide how we prepare for the future. By working with the University of Tennessee, we’re investing in the people, knowledge and capabilities that will make us a stronger company and a better partner to the independent dealers who count on us.”

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

• Connecting education with real-world experience: University of Tennessee students will have opportunities to work alongside House-Hasson professionals, gain hands-on experience in distribution operations and contribute to projects addressing real business challenges. The relationship will also create new pathways for internships and recruitment.
• Advancing research and operational innovation: House-Hasson will collaborate with university students and faculty on applied projects and gain exposure to research, technologies, and best practices from organizations across a broad range of industries. These exchanges will support both academic learning and ongoing improvements in distribution efficiency, safety and customer service.
• Supporting lifelong learning: House-Hasson employees will have access to professional development opportunities, educational programs and industry forums through GSCI, supporting continued skill development and career advancement.

Through its new affiliation, House-Hasson joins a network of over 75 leading organizations participating in GSCI’s corporate partnership program, including Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Company, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark and Pilot. The network brings together businesses from manufacturing, retail, logistics and other sectors to share knowledge, explore common challenges and help advance the practice of supply chain management. A full list of participating organizations is available on the GSCI corporate partnership website.

“Our strongest partnerships bring together the practical experience of business leaders with the research and fresh thinking happening here at the university,” said Scott DeGroot, managing director of the Global Supply Chain Institute. “House-Hasson brings 120 years of distribution experience and a strong commitment to developing its people. We’re looking forward to building on that experience, giving our students opportunities to tackle real business challenges and creating new ways for both organizations to learn from one another.”

The relationship builds on deep connections between House-Hasson and the University of Tennessee. Founded in Knoxville in 1906, House-Hasson has grown into a regional distribution leader while maintaining its East Tennessee headquarters. Many of its employees are University of Tennessee graduates, reflecting a longstanding connection between the company and the university community.

“Our people have always been central to our success,” Land added. “We want to keep investing in the employees who have helped build this company while creating opportunities for the next generation to join us. Having a university of this caliber right here in Knoxville makes this partnership especially meaningful, and we’re looking forward to what we can accomplish together.”

The Haslam College of Business is nationally recognized for its supply chain management programs, including its No. 1 graduate supply chain ranking by Gartner in 2024. Through GSCI, the university connects students, faculty, and corporate partners to advance supply chain education, applied research, and professional development.

About House-Hasson Hardware
Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, House-Hasson Hardware is one of the nation’s largest independent hardware distributors. The company serves more than 2,000 independent hardware dealers across 27 states, the Caribbean, and Central America, offering more than 70,000 products supported by four regional distribution centers. House-Hasson is committed to helping independent dealers succeed through competitive products, dependable distribution and business support services.

About the Global Supply Chain Institute
The Global Supply Chain Institute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business connects industry leaders, faculty, and students to advance supply chain management through research, education, and collaboration. Established in 2011, GSCI works with corporate partners across industries to develop talent, share best practices, and address evolving supply chain challenges.