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After the Award: Reflections From Past Young Retailer of the Year Honorees

by Lindsey Thompson | Sep 1, 2026 | Industry News

The North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year program is excited to celebrate 30 years of honoring up-and-coming retailers making a big impact in the independent channel. Since 1997, over 200 young retailers have been recognized, and Hardware Retailing had the opportunity to catch up with several of these retailers to hear what they’ve been up to since being named a YROTY honoree, how the award positively impacted their career and the ways they are continuing to influence their operations, communities and the channel. 

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Jay Donnelly - 2021

Jay Donnelly - 2026

Jay Donnelly

Owner, Flanagan Paint & Supply, 2021 Young Retailer of the Year

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career?

The recognition gave me confidence early on that I was on the right path and helped validate the independent model at a time when big box and corporate competition felt overwhelming. It also expanded my peer network in a meaningful way by connecting me with other operators who were facing similar challenges and thinking long term about the future of independent retail.

In what ways did the award open doors—or create new responsibilities—you didn’t anticipate?

The biggest, unexpected outcome was the responsibility that came with visibility. It pushed me to be more intentional about leadership, mentorship and involvement in the broader channel. When people look to you as a young leader, you realize quickly that your decisions, culture and values matter beyond your own four walls.

What advice would you give to young leaders today?

Stay close to the work and the people. Growth, technology and scale matter, but relationships are still the foundation of independent retail. Listen more than you talk, stay curious and do not lose sight of why independence matters to your customers and your team.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year?

The biggest opportunity is doubling down on differentiation, especially service, expertise and local relationships. Independents can move faster, be more human and truly partner with customers in ways large competitors struggle to replicate. There is also a real opportunity to embrace smarter use of data and technology without losing the personal touch that makes independent retail special.

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Katie Prus - 2023

Katie Prus - 2026

Katie Prus 

Manager and Part-Owner, Abbotsford Paint and Decorating Center, 2023 Young Retailer of the Year

In what ways did the award open doors—or create new responsibilities—you didn’t anticipate?

I have jumped on quite a few boards and committees since 2023, including co-chair of the Canpro Meeting committee, which plans and executes our yearly meeting and buying show for the Canpro group. I am a part of the Canpro Purchasing committee and chair of their NextGen committee and involved with ALLPRO’s NextGen committee, along with fellow 2023 YROTY honoree Michael Gleason Jr., who has just been appointed as chair of the committee. I also sit on the NHPA board of directors, and I am extremely grateful to be on that board surrounded by incredible business owners and looking forward to learning a lot from everyone.

What advice would you give to young leaders today?

For all 2026 nominees, first of all congratulations on this recognition! This award was a fantastic award to receive and made me feel like I was on the right path for once. Take honor in the nomination that people out there truly see what you are doing and especially see what you are doing for the independent channel. The independent channel is crucial for community support both coming and going, so remember when you are selling paint and hardware items, every dollar you are making is staying in your community and doing better things, as well as the dollar your customers and clients are spending. 

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year?

For 2026, economy-wise and seeing what our clients have been up to, I see this as a year of bringing back the DIYer. I think we will have more people painting their own homes, attempting lime wash and painting their cabinets. They are going to look to us, the independent channel, to give our clients the best advice, the best tools and the best products to complete the job on their own. I am not worried about a potential drop in spending from consumers because I do think they will all come to us for what they need for their project. Make sure to be giving lots of printed information for consumers to make the best decisions. Hand out those brochures and make sure your customers have easy access to reviews. When people are watching where their dollar goes, five star reviews help immensely. 

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Huong Luu - 2025

Huong Luu - 2026

Huong Luu

CEO, Luu Color Center, 2025 Young Retailer of the Year

How did being named an NHPA Young Retailer of the Year honoree positively impact your career?

Taking over and rebuilding a business in an industry where I had no prior experience came with a lot of imposter syndrome. It’s something I still feel from time to time. Being named a Young Retailer of the Year offered meaningful reassurance early in my leadership journey. It helped me see beyond my own operation and connected me with a community of peers and mentors who shared their experiences openly. That support accelerated my growth, strengthened my confidence as a leader and reminded me that learning as you go is not a weakness, it’s part of the journey.

In what ways did the award open doors—or create new responsibilities—you didn’t anticipate?

One of the most unexpected outcomes was the increased responsibility to lead beyond my own business. The recognition opened doors to incredible industry conversations, peer mentorship and leadership opportunities that required me to think more strategically about how my decisions and actions could positively influence others in the channel

What advice would you give to young leaders today?

My advice would be to stay curious, remain humble and embrace discomfort. The award isn’t a finish line; it’s a responsibility and a commitment to uphold values and integrity. Use the platform to listen, learn and lead with intention.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel in the next year?

The biggest opportunities for the independent home improvement channel is in continued differentiation of service, local relevance and talent development. Independents who invest in people, leverage technology thoughtfully and stay deeply connected to their communities will be well positioned for success.

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