Serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Marines from 2002 to 2007, Heath Warren loved being able to fix things and solve problems, skills he transferred to the independent home improvement channel. Currently, Warren is the maintenance technician for Carthage Hardware in Carthage, Missouri, where he uses his love for repair to serve the hardware store’s customers, providing in-home handyman services.
His love for fixing didn’t start in the military however; that bloomed when he was 12 years old and his grandfather, who raised him, helped him build his first go-kart.
“I rebuilt that engine all by myself, and then my grandfather started teaching me about building houses and I got hooked,” Warren says. “I built my first log cabin when I was 13 years old.”
Warren also loved the relationships he built during his time in the military.
“We truly were a band of brothers,” Warren says.
Relationships are what brought Warren to Carthage as well. His wife, who recently beat breast cancer, was bored sitting at home during her treatments, so he applied and was hired at Carthage Hardware.
“I owned a Lowe’s delivery business at the time and was ready to get out there and start doing something again in maintenance because I’ve always had a love and passion for it,” Warren says. “I walked in and put in my application, they gave me a chance and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. Carthage Hardware is a blessing. I’m so happy to be with them.”
Along with learning how to repair and fix various machinery, Warren brought other skills from the military into the independent channel.
“The motto of the U.S. Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis, always faithful,” Warren says. “It’s the same here at Carthage. We commit to what we’re doing, treat our customers in the best way we can and provide whatever help we can. We don’t want to let anybody down.”
That commitment and loyalty is what makes veterans a good fit for the independent channel, Warren says.
“Veterans don’t know how to give up, and they love challenges,” he says. “We overcome and adapt. We have nothing but the utmost respect.”
Paying Tribute
While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry,
NHPA launched the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show (NHS) as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
We need your help honoring these amazing men and women. Please visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to nominate a Helmets to Home Improvement honoree.
