Veteran co-op leader guided transition following merger announcement.

Do it Best shared that Chad Ruth announced his retirement at the end of January, concluding a career defined by service to independent home improvement retailers and the cooperative model.

Ruth served as President & CEO of United Hardware Distributing Co. prior to and during the early stages of the combination with Do it Best. After Do it Best and United Hardware announced their intent to merge in May 2024, Ruth was asked to remain in a senior leadership capacity to support integration planning, ensure continuity, and help position member-owners and the business for long-term strength.

“Chad’s leadership has been steady, thoughtful, and relentlessly focused on what matters most—helping our independent dealers win,” said Dan Starr, CEO of Do it Best and True Value. “He brought deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships across the industry, and a clear-eyed understanding of how to navigate change while protecting the service and support our members count on. We are grateful for his lifetime of service to this industry, and we wish Chad and his family all the best in retirement.”

Over more than two decades in the industry, Ruth built a reputation for practical leadership and retailer-first decision-making. Prior to becoming CEO, he spent more than 15 years leading merchandising and retail operations at United Hardware, and earlier owned and operated Lyndale Garden & Hardware, experiences that shaped his commitment to local, independent businesses.

During the transition, Ruth played a key role in helping teams identify operational pain points and opportunities, while advocating for the needs of members served through the Milbank, South Dakota distribution center, a critical hub supporting hundreds of stores across the Midwest.

“Chad’s guidance helped us move faster, communicate more clearly, and keep the work grounded in what dealers and team members need day-to-day,” said True Value President Dent Johnson. “His impact is real, and it will be felt long after this transition.”

About Do it Best

Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Do it Best is the only US-based, member-owned, comprehensive and fully integrated hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of nearly $6 billion, Do it Best serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 other countries, and is now part of the Do it Best Group, the world’s largest independent home improvement co-op. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About True Value

For more than 75 years, True Value has empowered independent retailers to become a recognized, trusted fixture on Main Streets everywhere through its iconic brand. From expansive product sets and market-customized assortments to innovative marketing programs and value-added services, True Value is the partner for all things hardware. Now part of the Do it Best Group, the world’s largest independent home improvement co-op, True Value continues to support thousands of stores globally while retaining an independent spirit, community focus, and its trusted legacy brand. For more information, visit truevaluecompany.com.