Education is one of the key pillars of the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and how it helps members become better and more profitable retailers. Within that pillar, the organization has brought on industry veteran Cody Goeppner as NHPA project lead for advanced education and training.
Paint & Decorating Retailer sat down with Cody to chat about what this new partnership means for the association’s educational programs and his desire to see every retailer in the independent channel succeed.
Paint & Decorating Retailer (PDR): The independent channel has shaped a large part of your career. Tell us about your journey in the industry.
Cody Goeppner (CG): My journey in the independent hardware industry started in my youth, spending countless hours in my family’s hardware store. It wasn’t just a business; it was the heart of our community. I saw how our store brought people together, provided support and offered a sense of belonging. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of the vital role independent retailers play in their communities.
When I returned to help run the family business, I knew I wanted to make a lasting impact. That’s when I enrolled in NHPA’s Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP), a decision that changed the course of my career. Not only did RMCP equip me with the skills and knowledge I needed, but it also connected me with Bleyhl Co-op, which eventually led to the opportunity to join their team.
At Bleyhl, I embraced the challenge of leading a multistore operation, focusing on building a culture of mentorship and leadership that aligned with the values I grew up with. The work we did—whether opening new locations or reorganizing departments—was recognized when I became a 2020 Young Retailer of the Year honoree, a highlight of my career that celebrated the positive changes and growth we had achieved.
Later, when Bleyhl merged with Valley Wide Cooperative, I helped facilitate the integration of operations across multiple locations, ensuring that our community-driven culture remained intact. Throughout all of these experiences, I’ve stayed grounded in the belief that this industry is about more than just products—it’s about creating spaces where people feel valued, where communities are strengthened and every individual can see the impact they make.
That’s the legacy I’m proud to carry forward and continue to build upon.
PDR: Tell us about your new partnership with NHPA. How will you be supporting the independent channel in this new partnership?
CG: Partnering with NHPA feels like a natural extension of the journey I’ve been on in the independent hardware industry. NHPA has been instrumental in my own growth, from my time in RMCP to being honored as a Young Retailer of the Year. Now, I’m excited to give back to the organization that has played such a significant role in my career.
In this partnership, I’ll be working closely with NHPA to support independent retailers through education programs that empower them to strengthen their businesses and communities. I’ll also be deeply involved in the YROTY program, helping to celebrate and cultivate the next generation of leaders in our industry.
Additionally, a significant part of my role will be consulting with businesses directly. I’ll be working alongside retailers to identify challenges, uncover opportunities and implement strategies that help them thrive. Whether it’s guiding them through operational improvements or helping them adapt to the evolving market, my goal is to ensure they have the tools, resources and mentorship needed to succeed.
For me, it’s all about making an impact—just as NHPA did for me—by providing the support that can transform not just stores, but lives. I believe in the power of independent retailers to shape their communities, and through my work with NHPA, I’m committed to helping them succeed in every way possible.
PDR: What excites you most about working in the independent channel?
CG: What excites me most about working in the independent channel is the profound sense of community and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. From my early days in my family’s hardware store to my experiences with Bleyhl Co-op and Valley Wide Cooperative, I’ve seen firsthand how independent retailers are more than just businesses—they are pillars of their communities.
The independent channel thrives on personal connections and a deep understanding of local needs. It’s incredible to witness how a well-run store can become a hub of support, innovation and service, strengthening the community around it. This aligns perfectly with my personal mission to create, inspire and stand for excellence for generations to come.
The chance to contribute to that success, to support and mentor others and to help retailers navigate challenges and embrace opportunities is incredibly fulfilling. By fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, and by offering the insights and strategies that have shaped my own journey, I’m excited to help independent retailers achieve their full potential and continue making a meaningful difference in their communities.
