Manufacturer Spotlight

Treating Our Customers Like Family

Wanda Lenoir

May 15, 2025

Midwest Fasteners is a family-owned business started by Grandpa (Fred) DeVries. Always a good businessman, he did his homework and learned everything he could about the industry. He understood the types of fasteners retailers needed to stock to keep their customers coming back. Grandpa Fred’s hard work paid off. Fifty-eight years later, Midwest Fasteners operates based on Grandpa Fred’s principles and vision.

Manufacturer Spotlight

K-CO Products Looks to the Future

Wanda Lenoir

March 6, 2025

Operating a successful business helps him understand the importance of sharing information, networking, and supporting an innovative business community. In this conversation with our editor, David discusses the challenges and high points of his entrepreneurial journey.

Manufacturer Spotlight

Paladin Data Corporation

Wanda Lenoir

October 28, 2024

We collaborate closely with stores to ensure Paladin is the ideal solution for their success. We also provide comprehensive guidance on utilizing Paladin’s features and integrations to optimize store operations.

Manufacturer Spotlight

Ace Hardware Captures Special Moments to Celebrate it’s 100-Year Anniversary

Wanda Lenoir

July 31, 2024

Ace Hardware is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the company’s 100-year anniversary and the folks who have made the business a success. Jason Hipskind, Corporate Vice President—New Business, offers an in-depth perspective on Ace’s past, present, and future.

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Manufacturer Spotlight

PetShop by Fringe Studio

Wanda Lenoir

July 31, 2024

Pet Parents will go the extra mile to make the furry members of their family happy. Buying fun toys for special occasions and keeping pets occupied throughout the day is often a priority. Selling pet toys requires limited space to set-up and can be a profitable niche for independent retailers. The opportunity to generate high margins (typically 40 percent) within this impulse category and attract pet lovers of every generation continues to grow.

Manufacturer Spotlight

The Original Super Glue

Wanda Lenoir

July 31, 2024

While it’s memorable to be a trailblazer in the home improvement industry—every company must eventually rejuvenate itself to stay competitive and best serve the changing demands of its customers. Under the new ownership of Pacer Technology, The Original Super Glue Company is pursuing excellence and transitioning the business to leverage its ‘parent company’s global position in the adhesives market.

Manufacturer Spotlight

Delivering Joy and Laughter One Toy at a Time

Wanda Lenoir

June 15, 2024

Toys have a unique way of bringing happiness and brightening the day. Some toys are squishy, just waiting to be squeezed. Others are perfect for calming fidgety hands and slowing down busy feet. And, of course, toys can help children learn to use their imaginations in the most remarkable ways.

Manufacturer Spotlight

Bacon Up: Mixing Food, Family, Flavor, and Fun Make a Winning Recipe

Wanda Lenoir

June 14, 2024

Like so many entrepreneurial start-ups, the story of Bacon Up begins in small-town America -- in our case, Owensboro, Kentucky, with a family of five siblings: Tom, Bernie, David, Monica, and Joe. Our mom, Mollie, was a wonderful Southern cook who always had a can of saved bacon grease near the stove when she was cooking. All five of us kids loved being in the kitchen and cooking with her; we all still cook today. Big family gatherings are our favorite, and although we’re spread across the country, we make it a priority to gather as often as possible

Manufacturer Spotlight

Baseball BBQ Hits a Home Run with Grilling Tools

Wanda Lenoir

January 26, 2024

Few people can predict the outcome when it’s their turn at bat—especially when it comes to business. But, in America, everything is possible. When a couple of self-described “old guys” headed out to the field to play their favorite game, baseball, and swap stories about cooking bar-b-que, good things are bound to happen

Manufacturer Spotlight

Sashco Builds on Its Past to Shape the Future

Wanda Lenoir

January 24, 2024

Sashco has operated a thriving business for over 85 years. There have been ups and downs, but sheer determination and clear vision go a long way. There is an opportunity in the home improvement industry for entrepreneurs to share ideas and learn from each other. Sascho has created a culture that celebrates people, products, and performance. Find out what it takes to make that happen.

MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT