Handy Hardware Joins Distribution America

Houston, Texas-based Handy Hardware Wholesale has joined Distribution America, a marketing and merchandising group based in Charlotte, N.C., that serves the home improvement industry.

Handy Hardware Wholesale is a 45-year-old company that services independent hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards in a 10-state region and has a customer base of more than 1,150. Last year, the company reported total revenues of more than $225 million.

Distribution America's members represent a network of independent hardware, hardlines and paint sundries wholesale distributors that serve 20,000 retail customers in all 50 states and export to 20 countries, producing annual sales of more than $1.2 billion total. According to Dave Christmas, Distribution America's president, "Handy Hardware is one of the largest, most well respected distributors in our industry, and they truly fit with our organization." He said the company increases Distribution America's volume by 20 percent.

Mickey Schulte, vice president of marketing for Handy Hardware, said last year sales and earnings were at an all-time, marking the wholesaler's most successful year to date. "Coming off a record year, we wanted to keep the ball rolling," he said, as he explained how adding membership in the Distribution America organization made good business sense for the company. He said, "We feel strongly about Distribution America being able to help us continue to grow as a company." He also said the membership alliance offers Handy Hardware increased internal efficiencies without additional overhead.

Tina Kirbie, president of Handy Hardware, will be eligible to join the Distribution America board of directors and Handy Hardware executives will be welcomed to participate in Distribution America's member committees, including sales and marketing, merchandising, finance and operations. According to the company, Handy Hardware will have full access to all of Distribution America's buying programs along with central payables, customer circulars and retail profitability programs.