January FN 2020

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Find, Friend & Follow Us Issue 1 | 2020





birthdays and anniversaries health and safety career opportunities

Innovations Carnegie class Spreading
in action graduates Christmas joy



CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SUCCESS


Do it Best is a leader in the independent home Mike McClelland became President & CEO in 1992 and his drive
improvement business. With thousands of to serve our members resulted in a period of tremendous growth
successful member-owners that span the globe, we have a lot despite intense competition from big boxes. HWI combined with
to be proud of. We are also thankful for the leaders, staff, and Our Own Hardware, a regional co-op based in Minnesota, to
strategic decisions over the past 75 years that have shaped our become Do it Best Corp.
company into what it is today.
In 2002, Bob Taylor took over as President & CEO after joining
In 1945, founder Arnold Gerberding had a vision for a the co-op as a member-owner in 2000 and then serving on our
wholesale distribution system that better served independently- board of directors. Through Taylor’s broad retail experience, he
owned stores who were facing tough competition from large sharpened the focus of Do it Best programs and services to help
department stores. After selling the idea to dealers in the our members grow and achieve their dreams.
Midwest, 75 stores signed up to join Hardware Wholesalers Inc.
(HWI). Fast forward to 2016 when Dan Starr was named President &
CEO. Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow
Gerberding and his small team worked tirelessly to get the and change in many new and exciting ways as we commit to
company off the ground. In 1947, he and 13 staff broke ground strengthening Do it Best as the first and best choice in home
on the Nelson Road warehouse and corporate office in Fort improvement.
Wayne. With a centralized warehouse, HWI began offering To recognize our 75th anniversary, Do it Best staff will be
private truck deliveries to member stores.
celebrating all year long with coordinated events. For each
In 1967, Don Wolf succeeded month in 2020, the employee
Gerberding as President & boards at each location will
CEO. Wolf took the co-op facilitate a commemorative
from a regional company to activity that shares elements
a multinational corporation of our company’s rich history.
by establishing warehouses in Each monthly activity will
other parts of the US. Panama correspond with a specific
Do it Center became the decade, starting in January
®
first international member in with the 1940s. Activities will
1979, and in 1982 HWI culminate in a
revolutionized celebration at
the look of our banquets in
home centers 2020 October.
by introducing
the Do it Center 1945
design.
















© 2020 Do it Best Corp. All rights reserved.

celebrate
focus on health
blood donors
your second paycheck
above & beyond proud parents whats happening family news access
INSURANCE TIPS YOUR SECOND PAYCHECK:
BRING US YOUR BEST
FROM INSURANCE COORDINATOR
APRIL PFEIFFER
We believe our team members are our best recruiters,
recommending committed and energetic candidates
NEW YEAR, NEW CARDS for open positions. The employee referral policy
rewards eligible staff with a $250 merchandise credit
Start the new year off right by making sure you have your health insurance for referring candidates hired and retained three
information squared away. You should have received updated insurance
birthdays and anniversaries health and safety career opportunities months. If you know someone who is qualified and
cards at the end of December. You’ll want to share your new card interested in a part- or full-time position at
information with your health care providers, and destroy your old ones Do it Best, refer them. Visit Workbench and follow
properly. If you haven’t received your updated insurance card(s), please the instructions for submitting a candidate referral
contact me at ext. 5449. form.


TEAM MEMBERS RISE
TO THE CHALLENGE


Innovation is an important component of any successful
company, and here at Do it Best innovations help us better
serve our member-owners and make this a great place to
work. Six years ago, a group of our IT developers saw that
their expertise might improve other company functions. They
created the first ever Do it Best Innovation Challenge as a
way to identify and implement solutions to make us better.
Since then, the event has grown to include participants in
all divisions. For the most recent Innovation Challenge, team
members had the opportunity to provide technical solutions
to some of our more challenging processes. Mike Beerens presents for the Bulletin Bloodhounds team.
Six teams assembled and brainstormed solutions to challenges
such as net pricing/discounting, staff safety training,
competitor pricing, and the new hire experience. They were
given four days to develop a concept and then create a
30-second video promoting their ideas. Teams were judged
on three criteria: presentation, innovation, and transformation
(Does it save time or increase sales?). The top ideas were
presented for discussion at the executive strategic planning
meeting for implementation.
Assistant Lumber Trader Angela Nevers was part of the team
tasked with helping streamline market meetings between
members and vendors. For her, participating in the Innovation
Challenge was rewarding and enjoyable. “I didn’t really
know what to expect going into this, but I was intrigued by
the process,” she said. “Everyone worked well together and Team Time & Order won best presentation and 2nd place overall.
showed interest in the project. We were able to come up with
a solution that helps not only staff but our members and vendors as well.”
Nabila Safdar’s team placed first overall for their project that will make bulletin data visible and understandable for everyone involved.
“Each step of the Innovation Challenge process is thrilling,” said Nabila. “The best part is that you don’t need technical acumen to
participate. Everyone injects their own energy and helps grow business knowledge and connections for the good of the group.”



EASY ACCESS TO Misplaced your most recent copy of Family News? You can easily access an electronic
version any time by signing on to Workbench from work or home. We archive an entire
FAMILY NEWS year’s worth of issues in the Family News section.




2 Issue 1, 2020

celebrate
blood donors
focus on health
your second paycheck
proud parents
above & beyond
family news access
whats happening
health and safety
birthdays and anniversaries
career opportunities
CARNEGIE GRADS CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Welcome
to the
During the 13th season of the Dale Carnegie Training hosted by Do it Best, students
from throughout Allen County stepped out of their comfort zones and built
confidence in areas such as stress management, attitude, enthusiasm, and people skills. Thirteen of Family
the graduates were Do it Best team members and the skills, fellowship, and successes they gained
will help them serve our member-owners and fellow staff better. Fort Wayne
Participants learned timeless principles outlined in Dale Carnegie’s books How to Win Friends and Mirna Arroyo Casique
Influence People, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, and The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Glenn Becker
Speaking. In-class exercises and independent studies helped students get the most out of their Aaron Bouchie
experience. For graduates like Jennifer Pettibone the classes helped her better manage stress at Mark Koch
home and work. “Thanks to Dale Carnegie, I’m better equipped to handle stressful situations which Montgomery
results in a more peaceful life - that’s a win-win for me,” she said. Others appreciated the new John Eldred
friendships they made with fellow participants and the bonds they formed over shared experiences. Fredie Rosales
The community classes wrapped up on Waco
December 16. Graduates included Jeremy Laiza Lozano
Crider, Rachel Evans, Cari Fulker, Amy Craig Madkins
Glick, Jenna Grannan, Scott Hamman, Josh Angel Villasenor
Hurley, Jennifer Pettibone, Leroy Pierce,
Rose Smith, Racine TALLA, Brianne Till, and
Haley Toliver.
If you are interested in participating in the BLOOD
Dale Carnegie Training course, contact DONORS
Human Resources to learn how tuition
reimbursement can be used to cover the Racine and Rose accept their awards as runners up for
program’s cost. the Highest Break Through. We thank these Fort Wayne
team members for giving the
gift of life:
Amy Bentz
Jake Bredemeyer
Michael Burd
Brian Christophel
Kendall Cooper
Chad Frederickson
Deanna Gallegos
Linda Geise
Amy Glick
John Gross
Justin Heins
Jeanett Hoffman
Jenna was runner up for the Human Relations Award, Jennifer was runner up for the Class Leadership Sarah Krey
Award, Josh was the winner of the Human Relations Champion Award, and Rachel received runner up for Deb Martinez
the Mary Had a Little Lamb Award. Dori Meighan
Chris Mettler
CELEBRATE Julia Monterroso
Jenna Myers
Angela Nevers
On December 9, Kathy Phillips
team members in Julie Raspiller
Finance’s Beth Garstka Logistics helped Sheri Rex
met her new grandson Warehouse & Kari Roemke
Daniel Arthur III on Maintenance Heather Rospond
November 22 when he Associate Dave Rhonda Rush
was born to Megan and Grames celebrate Nabila Safdar
Jason Irvine. turning 60. Becky Thomas
Dawn Williams
Mary Yunker


Issue 1, 2020 3

ABOVE AND BEYOND: GIVING JOY FESTIVAL OF TREES























At Parkview Hospital in Fort
Wayne, many children spent
the holidays away from the
comforts of home. To make
the season special, Do it Best
employee board members
hand delivered two huge
loads of gifts to patients. This
was all made possible thanks
to generous staff donations
collected throughout
November and December. Gifts
included weighted blankets,
baby dolls, crib mobiles, toy
trucks, craft sets and much
more. “It was extremely
rewarding to see how a single
gift can brighten a child’s day,”
said event organizer Morgan Black. “This event is a great
opportunity to bless people who are going through tough
times and focus on the real reasons we celebrate Christmas.”












With the holidays come traditions and events we look forward
to each year. For many in Fort Wayne, the Festival of Trees at the
Embassy Theatre is one of those cherished traditions. Families
attend the event to see beautifully decorated trees, including a
submission from Do it Best. This year Tammy Heffelfinger, Amy
Schmitz, and Terri Wunderlin helped design and decorate our
holiday tree entitled “Simple Joys of Christmas.” After the tree
was on display at the festival, it was brought back to Do it Best
and raffled off to raise money for our Parkview Christmas families.
Ann Kreienbrink was the lucky winner and over $700 was
collected. Thanks to everyone who bought a raffle ticket!




4 Issue 1, 2020

WREATHS OF REMEMBRANCE


Both our Do it Best staff and our member-owned stores were
focused on giving back this holiday season. Wreaths Across
America conducted a wreath laying ceremony in national cemeteries across
the country to remember and honor our fallen soldiers. Team members
from our Montgomery warehouse helped support the cause by providing
transportation for the wreaths from Columbia, ME to Washington Crossing
National Cemetery in Newton, PA. Meanwhile, Do it Best member-owned
Taylor's Do it Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia participated in the event
and helped lay wreaths through a community fundraiser.



















Army veteran and Montgomery delivery driver Pete Mango was present for the
ceremony. President Emeritus Bob Taylor and his family helped lay wreaths.




HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE MORE

Seven years ago, Logistics Operations Manager Brian Etzler was approached about volunteering with Junior
Achievement. He didn’t really know what he committed to at the time, but the experience has been very rewarding.
Brian teaches economics lessons to high school seniors and loves being able to provide them real-world applications for the material
they’re learning. “It’s rewarding to be able to use my skills in a different capacity and see the students’ faces when they understand
something,” says Brian.

























CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As Do it Best Corp. continues to grow, there may be career opportunities
for you to pursue within the company. Visit doitbestcareers.com for a
AT DO IT BEST CORP. complete list of all openings and contact the Human Resources team if
you’re qualified for and interested in a new role.



Issue 1, 2020 5

WHAT'S HAPPENING: FORT WAYNE




























Families enjoyed a wonderful breakfast followed by games, crafts, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

























The annual Christmas luncheon brought staff and retirees together for a great meal and sounds of the season, courtesy of in-house DJ Rick Krebs.



MESQUITE








Team members made the
warehouse feel holly and jolly
with their tree and Santa hats.











6 Issue 1, 2020

MESQUITE Everyone wore their ugliest Christmas attire during the team holiday party.






















WACO The team posed for a photo sending warm Christmas wishes from Texas!

























WOODBURN The in-house elves and reindeer stayed busy, but they had
time to pose for a photo to spread Christmas cheer.








Everything was holly and jolly at the kids’
Christmas party. Santa came to visit and the
children enjoyed festive crafts and treats.




















Issue 1, 2020 7

SAFETY CORNER Presented by your safety committee PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER


Staying inside is no guarantee of safety this winter. Be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk
from cold weather hazards. No one can stop the onset of winter, but you can take these steps to keep your home safer and
warmer during the winter months.
• Winterize your home • Check your home heating systems
◦ Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows ◦ Have your heating system serviced professionally to make
◦ Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the
◦ Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks outside
◦ Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys
• Get your car ready ◦ If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one -
◦ Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level - Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year
◦ Check tire tread or replace tires with all-weather or snow ◦ Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels
tires
available
◦ Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines ◦ Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies
◦ Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer
- Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the
• Be prepared for weather-related emergencies deadly, odorless, colorless gas
◦ Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and store - Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness,
water in clean containers weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and
◦ Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged confusion
◦ When heading out, be aware of current and forecast
weather conditions









FOCUS ON HEALTH:

BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN 2020 2020

A new year is exciting, brimming with the promise of fresh starts and new
beginnings. It’s also an opportunity to recommit to your health and well-being:
eat better, exercise three times each week, and drink more water. Creating
these resolutions is easy enough, but sticking to them is another story. Here
are some tips to help you make – and keep – your healthy resolutions for 2020.
Practice mindful eating - These days, it’s common to chow down with your
eyes glued to a screen, but eating when you’re distracted leads to overeating.
Take time to slow down and pay attention to your food, pausing to put down
utensils between bites.

Chill out and rest up - When it’s time to sleep, it’s time to chill – literally.
Knocking the thermostat down to 68 degrees or lower before you tuck into
bed can help you sleep better.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude - Take some time at the beginning or end
of the day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Reminding ourselves of the
small, everyday positive aspects of our lives helps to develop a sense of balance
and perspective that can enhance well-being.
Find 30 minutes a day to walk - Getting the recommended 30 minutes
of exercise each day can be as simple as taking a walk. If you’ve got a busy
schedule, take three 10-minute walks throughout your day.
Take the stairs - Making small, daily changes such as taking the stairs instead
of the elevator may seem minor, but they can make a big difference for your
heart in the long run.



Find, Friend & Follow Us Issue 1, 2020

celebrate
blood donors
focus on health
your second paycheck
whats happening
family news access
proud parents
above & beyond
birthdays and anniversaries
health and safety
career opportunities
JANUARY
BIRTHDAYS
1/1 Curtis Dannenmueller C 1/7 Shelby Gallardo D 1/13 Gary Haverland D 1/20 Donovan Winebrenner M 1/27 Cindy Katter F
1/1 Betty Laidig R 1/7 Lauren Brune F 1/13 Georgette Simon F 1/21 Beverly Binns C 1/27 Kelly Miller F
1/1 Coley Arnold F 1/7 Karen Criswell R 1/13 Bill Corley R 1/21 Steve Kaiser D 1/27 Stacey Stanton F
1/1 Betsy Buuck F 1/7 Greg Fuller X 1/13 Jose Cholula N 1/21 James Edwards-Toepel R 1/27 Mary Ann Kornowski R
1/1 Jeremy Hill P 1/7 Tyler Mosher F 1/14 John Kerr R 1/21 Cindy Garoutte R 1/27 Ivan Lopez P
1/2 Boyce Boese C 1/7 Suzy Smith F 1/15 Debbie Rohde C 1/21 Macenzie Lane F 1/27 Johnny Guerrero S
1/2 Alene Eftink R 1/7 Angel Villasenor W 1/15 John Branigan X 1/21 Cody Miller M 1/27 Laiza Lozano W
1/2 Virginia Seyer R 1/7 Jenny Wagner W 1/15 Meagan McNeal F 1/21 Justin Thomas M 1/28 Johana Pina N
1/2 Tiana McGowan D 1/8 Mitch Bessette X 1/15 Gail Peirce R 1/21 Cheryl Baty N 1/28 Ron Roberts S
1/2 Claire Locker R 1/8 John Tolen F 1/15 Dukens Michel N 1/21 Joshua Sanchez-Vega P 1/28 Jason Suggs W
1/2 Charles Scott R 1/8 Jen Smith M 1/15 Ina Lee Bisbee S 1/22 Mary Meyer R 1/29 Jill Cheyne-Roy X
1/3 Brandon Eckardt X 1/8 Chuck Woodrum R 1/16 Deanna Mancera D 1/22 Donna Springer R 1/29 Deb Martinez F
1/3 Kyle Graf F 1/8 Edgar Garibay Cortes P 1/16 Becky Killinger M 1/22 Michael Bauman N 1/29 Ryan Robie F
1/3 Scott Hamman F 1/8 Carolyn Cashaw W 1/16 Al McNiel S 1/22 Lori Thacker W 1/29 Christian Martinez N
1/3 Dan Livingston N 1/9 Julie House D 1/17 Janet Hagelberger R 1/23 Peggy Chen F 1/29 Jackie Delgadillo S
1/3 Luis Ramirez P 1/9 Karl Dusin R 1/17 Trisha Hinen F 1/23 Bobby Larson R 1/30 Diana Crosley F
1/4 Nick Olalde D 1/9 Mike Robins R 1/17 Nathan Selvey F 1/23 Bobby Mitchell W 1/30 Alison Farrington X
1/4 Luanne Jahn F 1/9 Dave Frankowski R 1/17 Hal Beas R 1/24 Paige Mitchem D 1/30 Alex Gilliom F
1/4 Enrique Cruz N 1/9 Alex Garcia N 1/17 Doug Shewell R 1/24 Chad Rivera D 1/30 Coleen Silk R
1/4 Sonia Jones N 1/10 Andy Garcia F 1/18 Tom Leddy D 1/24 Jo Ann Bowers R 1/30 Beth Young F
1/4 Joann Sickles R 1/10 Jarek Hoppe F 1/18 Sharon Lehman R 1/24 Bob Gumash X 1/30 Sheri Pamer M
1/5 Sandy Ball R 1/10 Rhonda Rush F 1/18 Christanne Bauer-Deitering F 1/24 Sue Perry R 1/30 Luis Sanchez Hernandez P
1/5 Mike Post F 1/10 Nkosi Callender N 1/18 LuAnn Davies F 1/24 Anita Boutureira N 1/31 Sylvester Asmus R
1/5 Robert Van Onselder X 1/10 Mickie Snodgrass R 1/18 Bryant McClellan F 1/24 Joseph Lawson W 1/31 Dena Fox F
1/5 Aaron Beall M 1/11 Elaine Estes R 1/19 Jeff Bogenpohl C 1/25 Blake Burgette F 1/31 Joni Keister F
1/5 Mark Hamilton M 1/11 Carl Estes C 1/19 Celeste Stevens F 1/25 Mark Grohnke X 1/31 Eric Walker L
1/5 Marco Cardenas P 1/11 Greg Lincoln C 1/19 Jon Willis F 1/25 Letrice Walker F 1/31 June Drake M
1/6 Leon Owens C 1/11 Greg Morgan C 1/19 Pauline Hange R 1/25 Josue Escobar P
1/6 Bob Sanders R 1/11 Christian Parra F 1/19 Bob Weahry M 1/26 Mason Kneezle C
1/6 Greg Girton D 1/11 Becky Schmidt R 1/19 Chris Olivero N 1/26 Ruth Moneyhun R LEGEND
1/6 Armando Losoya D 1/12 Gloria Gowan R 1/19 Danny Price N 1/26 Mike Uelsmann C Dixon ........... D
1/6 Cathy Boling R 1/12 Joe Merdian D 1/19 Jim Lawson R 1/26 Ron Mullen X Fort Wayne ........ F
1/6 Kathy Rouns R 1/12 Jason Stofleth F 1/20 Derek Reiminger C 1/26 Larry Schortgen R Lexington ........ L
1/6 Rich Espinoza R 1/12 Melanie Miller S 1/20 Vanessa Boss D 1/26 Brent Watts W Medina ......... M
1/6 Cynthia Schrader S 1/12 David Ford W 1/20 Kori Dean D 1/27 Charlene Hartman R Mesquite ......... S
1/6 Gio Sosa S 1/13 Scott Hahs C 1/20 Clay Pratt M 1/27 Michael Jones F Montgomery ...... N
Woodburn ........ P
ANNIVERSARIES Retiree ........... R
Sikeston .......... C
1976 Curtis Pingel C 1998 Dennis Aufdenberg C 2009 Letrice Walker F 2016 Enrique Cruz N Waco ........... W
1977 Ann Kraick F 1999 Scott Sproul F 2010 Jeff Hermes D 2016 Chadonna Burgess L Field Staff ........ X
1978 Jackie Hutson C 1999 Carey Fruits F 2011 Armando Losoya D 2016 Gaines Watts L
1978 Mark Hamilton M 2000 Kelly Collinson D 2011 Juan Garcia P 2016 Nicole Green F 2018 Shawn Devault L
1979 Lisa Burger C 2000 Laquece Burns N 2011 Pam Tait S 2016 Ron Daniel F 2018 Mark Stinson C
1980 Carol Flaugh F 2000 Kelly Drew P 2012 Jesus Jimenez W 2016 Gino Tolentino L 2019 Aly Ruby F
1980 Todd Hixson F 2000 Michelle Richards N 2012 Bryant McClellan F 2016 James Hatridge S 2019 Sharonlee Moore L
1980 Randal Winkler C 2002 Cory Foster M 2013 Maria Springer F 2016 Tasha Brunson L 2019 Cari Fulker F
1985 Luanne Jahn F 2002 Agama Ngelale N 2013 Ric Zook F 2016 Zachary Coleman L 2019 Carissa Comstock F
1986 Hope Shaver F 2002 Eric Tyler X 2013 Jerad Burley F 2017 Ashley Romero F 2019 Jon Barnes F
1991 Willette Wright L 2002 Scott Hamman F 2013 Todd Harris X 2017 Jake Bredemeyer F 2019 Scott Aschliman F
1992 Kevin Day F 2002 Stacy Davis F 2014 Jimmy Dooley C 2017 Scott Davis F 2019 Bryson Helfrich D
1993 Dexter Matthews L 2002 Boyce Boese C 2014 Jessica Waggoner F 2017 Chris Cordrick L 2019 Devon Plachno D
1993 Kevin Avenall S 2002 Mary Vandermierden C 2015 Taylor Duncan W 2017 Gregg Grattan X 2019 Kayla Kuersten D
1994 Brian Kimball F 2002 Reggie Price W 2015 Tim Boes X 2017 Darryl Butler L 2019 Lori Goodeill D
1994 Teresa Clark C 2003 Cedric Madkins W 2015 Tim Erni X 2017 Latoya Cleveland L 2019 Kelly Browne N
1995 Mel Norris L 2004 Trina DeRose F 2015 DeMarco Gilliam L 2017 Kelley Daum S 2019 Brandon Taylor L
1996 Angie Isnogle F 2004 Jamie Ackley M 2015 Anitra Bost W 2017 Jennifer Pettibone F 2019 Daniel Massucci F
1996 Jim Bosler F 2005 Dan Starr F 2015 Jenny Wagner W 2017 Saul Casarez P 2019 Lance Gordon F
1997 Pam Kaiser L 2005 Cherie Jacobs F 2015 Latasha Johnson W 2018 Gary Heft F 2019 Ryan Stannert M
1998 Beth Clauser F 2006 Pete Lewis F 2015 Christanne Bauer-Deitering F 2018 Gerry Carrick N 2019 Cassondra Does D
1998 Chris McKie L 2008 Perry Kuzma X 2015 Russell Hutchins X 2018 Josh Ratcliff F 2019 Shelley Kay M
1998 Shannon Merkel F 2009 Shawn Mahady X 2016 Robin Norris F 2018 Vince Riddle F 2019 Sam Pirella N
1998 Tim Kline F 2009 Becky Grawcock F 2016 Dereck James N 2018 Mike Beerens F 2019 Kenzie Spencer S

January 2020 Birthdays & Anniversaries