North American Hardware and Paint Association - NHPA

10/27/2026

How do Amazon’s antitrust lawsuits impact independent retailers? 🎙️

In Episode 111 of the NHPA Podcast, we sit down with Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and director of its Independent Business Initiative, to explore the legal challenges surrounding Amazon’s market power, what these cases could mean for independent businesses and how retailers can get involved.

Tune in to learn more about the fight for fair competition and the future of independent retail.

🎧 Listen now:

Listen to NHPA’s Taking Care of Business Podcast for conversations with retailers, industry experts and leaders on trends shaping independent retail.

10/27/2026

⏰ One Day Away!

What can AI actually do for your hardware or paint store?

Join NHPA and Rundoo for a FREE webinar to hear firsthand how independent retailers are using AI to automate everyday tasks, streamline operations and make smarter business decisions.

Discover real-world applications of AI and practical insights you can bring back to your store!

📅 October 28 | 1:30 p.m. ET

🔗 Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04CmF010 to register before it's too late.

10/26/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE! Don't miss our FREE webinar with Rundoo!

Discover how independent hardware and paint retailers are putting AI to work to save time, automate everyday tasks and make smarter business decisions.

Hear real-world insights from store owners who are already using AI to improve their operations.

📅 October 28 | 1:30 p.m. ET

🔗 Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04zTNqP0 to register now.

10/23/2026

🎓 What an incredible week at RMCP 2026!

From meaningful conversations and new connections to valuable lessons and shared experiences, this year's Retail Management Certification Program was one to remember!

To our students, instructors and program sponsors, thank you for being part of what makes RMCP so special. Your dedication, expertise and support help shape the future of independent retail leadership.

Let's relive the memories and take a look back at the people, connections and moments that made this year unforgettable.

📍 Looking ahead to 2027? RMCP is heading to downtown Indianapolis, bringing another opportunity to connect, learn and develop the next generation of retail leaders. Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04CcDpd0 to learn more.

Thank you to our program sponsors Ancra Cargo, Do it Best and True Value, Home Hardware, Midwest Fastener and The Wooster Brush Company.

10/23/2026

The final day of RMCP Visit 2 brought together financial strategy, customer experience creativity and practical business improvement. The day began with a financial case study workshop led by Aubuchon Company executives Josiah Gates and Kristina Donnelly, who shared insights into the budgeting process behind the operations of Aubuchon Hardware’s 146 stores. Students then shifted their focus to customer experience, exploring examples from best-in-class organizations and working collaboratively through creative problem-solving and product innovation exercises.

Students showcased months of learning, hard work and strategizing through their Business Improvement Project presentations in the afternoon. Individuals presented their ideas in a preliminary round before advancing to a final Q&A session, challenging students to think beyond their initial proposals, dive deeper into their strategies and explore new opportunities to drive meaningful improvements within their stores.

Congratulations to Faith Chertudi and Lucas Foreman from the Wilco team for being named the winners of the Business Improvement Project presentations! Their achievement highlights the dedication, strategic thinking and commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated throughout the program.

Thank you to our program sponsors Ancra Cargo, Consumer/Industrial Group, Do it Best and True Value, Home Hardware & Building Centres, Midwest Fastener and The Wooster Brush Company.

10/22/2026

The second day of RMCP Visit 2 was focused on the numbers. The morning session began with a discussion on using SOPs to train, retain and guide employees led by instructor Corby Russell. NHPA’s chief financial officer Dave Gowan outlined NHPA’s Cost of Doing Business Study, one of the most important financial management tools used each year by industry retailers to gauge and manage their financial health.

Afternoon sessions turned towards pricing strategy. Jim and Katie Robisch from The Farnsworth Group explored how to consider issues like pricing philosophies, elasticity of demand and price audits when creating of pricing strategy. Mike Aylen dove into practical techniques useful in improving gross margin. NHPA’s Cody Goeppner and Lindsey Thompson led a session on change agility in strategic planning, focused on how to lead with confidence. The day wrapped up with an insightful panel featuring RMCP graduates and industry leaders moderated by NHPA’s president and publisher Scott Wright, covering how to lead with a growth mindset.

The 2026 RMCP class returns for the final day of Visit 2 tomorrow to show off months their of hard work during the Business Improvement Projects presentations.

10/21/2026

⏰ One Week Away!

What can AI actually do for your hardware or paint store?

Join NHPA and Rundoo on October 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET to hear how independent retailers are using AI to analyze store performance, automate everyday tasks and simplify operations.

Get practical insights from retailers who are already putting AI to work.

🔗 Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04zTKqp0 to register today and save your spot.

10/20/2026

Students from the 2026 class arrived in Indianapolis this week for the second Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP) in-person visit of the year. From participating in engaging educational sessions to collaborating with classmates and enjoying an evening at Topgolf, students kicked off Visit 2 with enthusiasm.

The day began with a leadership session led by Dr. Craig Caldwell, dean of Butler University’s Lacy School of Business, who discussed behaviors that maximize organizational impact and team performance. Caldwell continued the morning with a closer look at how to encourage employees to complete difficult or time consuming work. NHPA’s Cody Goeppner hosted a collaborative hackathon to wrap up the first half of the day, centered around unlocking niche market opportunities in small groups.

After lunch, Dr. Mike Goldsby, professor of management and director emeritus of the entrepreneurship center and program at Ball State University investigated how to use AI to run a better operation while introducing key guardrails necessary when leveraging the latest AI technology. Day 1 wrapped up with a foundational session on the basics of loss prevention, presented by Jim Close of Loss Prevention Services, LLC.

The evening was topped off practicing best swings while enjoying bites and sips at Topgolf.

Students return tomorrow for another full day of education and collaboration on Day 2.

10/12/2026

🤖 AI is already changing how independent retailers do business. Are you ready to put it to work?

Join NHPA and Rundoo on October 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET for a FREE webinar featuring hardware and paint retailers who are using AI to streamline operations, automate tasks and make smarter business decisions.

Hear real-world examples and discover what's possible for your store.

🔗 Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04zTGF50 to register today.

10/08/2026

🎥 Missed the webinar? Catch the recording!

Hear from ECI Software Solutions Business Unit Leader Kevin Ehinger in Where Dealers Lose Margins Without Realizing It and discover how receivables, payment cycles and manual processes can quietly impact your bottom line.

Get practical insights to improve cash flow, reduce operational strain and better protect your margins.

🔗 Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04zBL800 to watch the recording.

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