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Industry NEWS
Message from the CHAIR

attendees additional buying insights and allows attendees more options for engaging need to be successful.”
some insights from lbmao past chair,
flexibility. with the event, but it also sets the stage for Orgill currently plans to host a Winter
For example, at the Fall Online Buying future buying events that are based around Online Buying Event in late October; a
Event, attendees could monitor “Fall Best a hybrid platform. spring 2022 Online Buying Event that will
Sellers” in real time. In this area, retailers “We have already said that we will coincide with the in-person Spring Dealer
greg drouillard
could see what items were selling the best continue to host Online Buying Events Market in Orlando, February 24- 26, 2022;
during the show. as a regular part of our annual schedule, and a Summer 2022 Online Buying Event in
“We featured Best Sellers in three but we also envision our in-person Dealer late April 2022. Additional event dates for
different categories,” Curler says. “This Markets offering attendees a hybrid option 2022 will be announced in the near future.
included the top 100 bestselling items by where they can work the event like they
quantity and by dollar volume and the top would traditionally do, but also have access About Orgill:
100 best-selling pallet buys. We thought to information and the ability to conduct Orgill, the industry’s fastest-growing hardlines
this was a great way for retailers to see business through the Online Buying distributor, was founded in 1847 and is
greg drouillard reg Drouillard, platform using their mobile devices,” Hamer an appetite for a deferred compensation
headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee. Orgill
what other retailers were buying and make owner of Target Building Supply in
• Is there
GWindsor, is a past chair of the LBMAO. Greg has
serves more than 11,000 retail hardware
sure they didn’t overlook any of these hot says. system that employees could utilize?
Target Building
stores, home centers, professional lumber
Stine also points out that Orgill also goes
products.” been engaged at different levels within the industry • Profit Sharing system?
Supply, Windsor, ON
• How
and has participated in many boards including
dealers and farm stores throughout the U.S.
Another enhancement at the Fall Online out of its way to accommodate customers about every member of staff getting a
who aren’t comfortable engaging with y cake on their birthday for a bit of
STAFDA in the U.S.
Buying event was that the entire platform as well as chair of the TORBSA birthda and Canada, and in over 50 countries around
the world. More information can be found at
board of directors.
was modified to be mobile responsive, technology. recognition?
• Do we consider attracting part time employees?
Greg has always tried to be a forward-thinking
meaning attendees could access the “For instance, we service a number of www.orgill.com.
Amish accounts, and we have worked out a we actively promote from within the
individual and,
platform and its features from their mobile looking at his own business, he • Do
system that allows them to take advantage
devices. has pondered some insightful questions on the organization as a first choice if they qualify?
• Do we hire to fit the culture?
employer–employee relationship.
This is particularly important, according of buying opportunities without having to
• Should we add a company incentive by paying for
to Marc Hamer, Orgill’s executive vice utilize the online platform,” he says. “It is
any related classes, association attendance, trade
Greg’s insights:
president and chief information and all about coming up with innovative ways
show attendance, etc. as a further benefit?
Employee and Employer engagement as you know
technology officer, because it not only to help our customers get the products they
is changing…a lot! These are strange transition times • Do we pay for gym memberships to emphasize
with the Gen X and Millennials coming on strong - health and fitness? Quitting smoking class?
from an age point of view at least. There • Social Media is a big and growing area of business.
"Do we consider is a BIG difference in the generation Do we compensate and encourage learning this
coming up and it is concerning. They broad subject? If a staff member can prove that
training programs want more pay, more time off, more their idea can make or save the company money,
continually for benefits paid for by their employers, etc. should there be an incentive so they can be
Our durable White Reflective Ice Skating Rink Liners are specifically engineered
A few thoughts in point form to
rewarded somehow? Perhaps 10 percent of the
staff? Do the
ponder what I have been thinking even
savings?
to maintain better ice freezing conditions to last all winter long.
vendors we from Target’s perspective.
• Do we consider training programs As Greg has thoughtfully put into words some
represent consider continually for staff? of the questions regarding employer-employee
this important?" • Do the vendors we represent relationships, it is of interest to all of our businesses
consider this important? to establish a professional yet personal approach to
• I like the idea of staff non-work get togethers? Do working with our employees.
they? These are changing times and being able to adapt
• RSP: Does the company regard this as a quickly and respectfully to the needs of your staff
recruitment tool, a retention tool? Is it something regarding issues such as daycare, benefits etc. is
perceived as valuable to the staff? becoming more important now more than ever!
• Are there incentives available for staff? Is this a
model for variable compensation? Is this what the
new generation wants? Expects?
• Should we consider a referral incentive? If a
Ice Freezes Quicker • Longer Skating Season • Various Sizes Available
member of staff recommends someone who is
hired as a result, are they recognized somehow?
• Should we create junior entry positions?
Don’t get left out in the cold! Contact your local Building Supply Dealer today
and create a backyard full of great winter memories!
1-800-606-2231
www.polytarp.com
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