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Learning.
Networking.
Fellowship.

Bringing together senior sales and marketing executives in the home improvement manufacturing industry since 1971.

What is HMC?

The Hardware Marketing Council (HMC) was organized in 1971 by a handful of individuals representing leading manufacturers who were fulfilling the product requirements of home improvement retailers. The organization’s “founding fathers” included senior sales and marketing executives from leading name brand companies.

Today, the organization gathers twice a year to hear industry leaders speak on relevant topics so members keep pace with the rapidly changing trends within the industry. Some of the past speakers include:

  • Bobby Baylis, VP of Merchandising, The Home Depot
  • Ged King, CEO, Sales Factory
  • Mark Fisher, President, TZ Recruiting
  • Connor Lokar, Economist, ITR Economics
  • Boyden Moore, President and CEO, Orgill
  • Mark Herbek, Executive Director and Partner, Cleveland Research
  • Dan Tratensek, Executive VP and Publisher, North American Retail Hardware Association
  • Jon Surane, Executive VP, Chief Merchandising & Sales Officer, Ace Hardware

Learning

HMC hosts two annual events giving members insights from notable industry figures, motivational speakers and industry experts on a wide range of topics including management skills, line reviews, team building, leadership and trends affecting the industry.

Networking

With more than 100 companies represented, HMC provides members multiple opportunities to connect, share ideas and learn practices at its two annual events, which include cocktail receptions, dinners, golf outings and more.

Fellowship

HMC members are able to build a large network of peers to connect with throughout the year. HMC represents the home improvement industry and its goal is to provide members an outlet to learn from each other and ensure a strong future for the industry.

Who belongs to HMC?

HMC members represent more than 100 companies including large and small manufacturing brands in the home improvement industry. Many of its founding companies are still active today.

Membership

HMC is made up of senior sales and marketing executives representing leading manufacturers that serve the material and equipment needs of the home improvement industry. Membership is granted exclusively to individuals who meet the criteria for membership including the individual’s company responsibilities, personal stature within the industry and ability to contribute to group discussion. New members are sponsored by existing members and are accepted into membership by a vote. HMC also employs and supports anti-trust protocol and have counsel in attendance to ensure we protect our members accordingly.

Membership benefits include:

  • an invitation to two annual meetings with an excellent line-up of industry experts and speakers and endless networking opportunities
  • follow leading indicators in the industry
  • identify and quantify customer base
  • monitor distribution trends in the industry
  • analysis of new distribution trends
  • access to a robust member directory of leading manufacturers

Why am I a member?

Hear from a few current members about how HMC has been beneficial for them in their businesses and professional careers.

“HMC offers a unique opportunity to be in a room with people from different positions and experience levels in the home improvement industry. It allows me to build new connections, network and share best practices. The diverse group of speakers at each event ensures we are focused on current issues, making it a must-attend event for me.”

-Karen OConnell,
Sales Manager, InSinkErator

“A true bond is formed with this trusted network of industry leaders, many of whom are also willing to support and share their wisdom outside of the meetings. This opportunity wouldn’t be available to many small companies if they hadn’t invested the time to participate. ”

-Dee Willoughby,
President, Fulton Corporation

“Members consist of an exclusive group of industry leaders with the opportunity to network in a small and intimate setting. This is our industry’s best option for networking with fellow vendors and our largest customer’s leaders.”

-Bill Lown, VP Retail Division & Business Development, The Stow Company

Annual Meetings

HMC hosts two annual meetings in the Spring and Winter to bring members together to connect, share ideas and gain insights from industry veterans and experts.

May 28 – 30, 2024
Spring 2024 Meeting

December 3-5, 2024
Winter 2024 Meeting

Spring 2024 Meeting

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Durham, North Carolina
May 28 – 30

Winter 2024 Meeting

Mission Inn
Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida
Dec. 3-5

May 2023 Meeting Highlights

  • This was the first meeting with new HMC Managing Director Pat Sheehan.
  • The meeting included 55 members and guests, which included 8 new members.
  • DAN TRATENSEK, COO and Publisher at the North American Hardware and Paint Association shared insights on independent home improvement retail operations performed during and after COVID, indicating now is a critical point for the channel. He discussed specific strategies manufacturers could use to be competitive and build lasting partnerships with retail operations.
  • CONNOR LOKAR, Economist at ITR Economics shared an update on the current economic climate and predictions for the future including some of the drivers that will influence business and the home improvement market. He also provided some key opportunities manufacturers have for growth in the next 18 months.
  • MARK FISHER, President at TZ Recruiting led a discussion on overcoming hiring and retention challenges plaguing much of the global economy today, including the home improvement industry. He cited top priorities influencing employment decisions, offered advice on recruiting top talent and shared strategies for building growth opportunities for highly-motivated employees.
  • BOBBY BAYLIS, VP of Merchandising at the Home Depot spoke about The Home Depot’s vision for the store of the future, including improvements to store layout and customer experience. Additionally, he shared tactics for manufacturers when working with the company, updates on ecommerce, and plans for future growth.
  • GED KING, CEO and MATT GOLDFARB, VP of Growth & Innovation at Sales Factory shared insights on consumer behavior and pricing strategies. They shared examples of brands that are finding success with consumers, data and trends influencing buyer behavior and pricing methodology.