by Jacob Musselman | Jan 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
In life, comparison is the thief of joy, but when it comes to business, comparison is a key component to evaluate progress and gauge success. In the independent home improvement industry, running a gap analysis is one of those tasks high-performing retailers tackle on...
by Jacob Musselman | Jan 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
Facing a life-changing list of obstacles and challenges while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Scott Morath uses the toolkit of skills he gained during his time in military service in his leadership role today in the independent channel. Morath’s military journey...
by Jacob Musselman | Dec 16, 2025 | Industry News
The unemployment rate rose to its four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4% year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positively, employers added 64,000 jobs in November. Household survey data for October 2025 were not collected due to the federal...
by Jacob Musselman | Dec 16, 2025 | Trends & Products
Cabinet painting continues to be a steady category for independent paint retailers, driven by homeowners looking to update kitchens and baths without a full remodel. Stocking the right mix of coatings, prep tools and accessories helps stores support both DIY customers...
by Jacob Musselman | Dec 16, 2025 | Trends & Products
Supplier switching behavior is rising, especially among younger homeowners, according to the Quarterly Home Improvement Tracker, released by The Farnsworth Group. Gen Z are the most open demographic, with almost 50% saying they would try a new supplier, while only 1...
