Innovation Trailblazers: Meet the 2023 Top Gun Honorees

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Innovation Trailblazers: Meet the 2023 Top Gun Honorees

Honoring Outstanding Retailers: Learn more about the Top Guns awards program and the retailers making a big impact on the industry at YourNHPA.org/top-guns.

Now in its 17th year, the Top Guns awards program, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes innovative and passionate retailers who are leading their operations and the independent home improvement industry with strategic investments focused on preserving independence and growing the channel. This year’s honorees were chosen for their commitment to innovation and growing technology in their operations.

“We spend a lot of time in R&D, which for us is research and duplicate. We attend industry events, roundtables and look to our industry peers for inspiration and ideas for technology that makes sense in our operation.”
Scott Sommers, President
Hartville Hardware & Lumber

“When it comes to technology, I look at the ways we can improve the customer experience. We are a customer-first organization, and so as we evaluate technology solutions, I’m always looking at what I can delete or what new offerings can eliminate repetitive tasks.”
Eric Hassett, President & Owner
Hassett Hardware

“When you start looking at the needs of each of the teams in your operation—HR, accounting, merchandising, marketing and others—there’s a lot of technology that supports the goals of those departments, and we want to be sure we put in place what makes sense for each.”
TJ Colson, President
Wilco Stores