This week, I delivered & set-up Mark’s Choice pruning equipment at Palmer & Saulnier’s Home Hardware in Berwick & Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. I visited Benjamin Moore stores to research extension poles. I met with our insurance broker, Sean Murray with W.C.L. Bauld, to discuss what we pay versus industry benchmarks.
At Palmer Home Hardware, the term that comes to mind is ”progressive” describing John E. Palmer Building Supplies. The family owned business has a history of keeping up with industry standards. The company was founded by John and Margaret Palmer as a small outdoor sawmill and eventually expanded to include a small factory which made apple bins and boxes. Years later the factory converted to making windows sashes and the company sold hardware as a small sideline. Soon John and Margaret realized that the hardware sideline was growing and becoming more successful then making sashes, so they closed the factory and went full time into the building supply business in 1974. Not only have John and Margaret managed the evolution of the company, they have also welcomed all three of their daughters as well as their spouses into the company fold.
We now have assortments in eight Co-op Country Stores, six Home Hardware Stores and seven Kent Building Supplies locations across Atlantic Canada, including the two most recent Home Hardware locations in Berwick & Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. We will look for more locations to set up assortments in the coming weeks.
At Saulnier’s Home Hardware, the term that comes to mind is ”passion” to best describe this local store owned by Curtis Saulnier. You genuinely feel that Curtis and his entire team love to be there & want to help you … Even first thing in the morning. When you approach Saulnier’s Home Hardware there are large red letters covering the front of the store saying “Welcome Home” and when you enter you quickly learn why, and feel at home. They are not only your one stop shoping locationin Yarmouth. They are managed by Kent Scott and operated with knowledgeable (like all Home Hardware stores) and the friendliest staff you’ll ever find to help with any product questions you might have. The folks in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia must be the reason why Maritimers have been given such a great reputation for their hospitality.
I received questions about our pricing from Ken Mosher with Oceanview Garden Centre in Chester, Nova Scotia. So, I prepared price comparisons of local stores ensuring he gets competitive pricing & can compete with the retails offered by others. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken for his interest in Trail Blazer Products.
This week started off with a Sunday, the same as every other week does! Except this Sunday, while we were in church, I saw my oldest daughter, Natalie, on the altar giving the 2nd reading. Normally I sit back in the pew and quietly take in the readings … and this week I did the same with the added pride of watching Natalie read so clearly (I heard & understood every word), plus she did it with an incredible look of confidence about her, showing a natural born leader . I was not really surprised because I’ve seen her do this many times before. One time which comes to mind, especially after this event, was a family vacation to New Brunswick in 2007, when she jumped on the alter, during a museum visit and lifted all our spirits!!
Later in the week, she received a call from Barb Sullivan with our church, Blessed Pope John XXIII. Barb was asking if Natalie would be available to read during Easter weekend … EASTER WEEKEND!!!!!! Wow first time on the alter and she is already moving up to the major events. Did I ever tell you that I’m very proud of Natalie!
Back at work, the production of the 24” Take-Down Buck Saw was delayed, while we wait for blade ends to be injected. They will be back in production next week. Meanwhile the production of the 24” Craftsman’s Bow Saw for Sears in the United States started. We produce many private label / branded products like Home Professional extendable paint poles, Mark’s Choice in Home Hardware, Green Thumb in True Value & Sentier Chasse-Pêche promotion products. I am very proud to say, when the production team is completed producing this run of saws, Trail Blazer Products Limited will be officially producing “America Most Trusted Tool Brand” … Craftsman
Last week I wrote “spring production officially slowed down” … Boy was I wrong!! I quickly discovered spring production is not complete, as we are still producing pruning equipment for 2012 and for companies like Sears, Home Hardware, Sam’s Club, Lee Valley Tools, Garrett Wade Company and Manufactum in Germany.
This week ended on very happy note … when my son, Travis, returned from Florida, despite a 2 hour flight delay that kept me up far too late . Travis has been in Florida training for paddling during the last 5 weeks. I am very proud of him and glad to have him home safe. Well sort of home … the first night here he spent hanging with his good friend, Shawn Nickerson, at the mall! Oh well, before he left us again, with a genuine excitement he passed out gifts to all of us first before leaving and he will be returning home in less than 5 weeks this time. When he was here, my youngest daughter, Victoria gave him a picture that she drew & painted while he was gone away. She did a great job! Travis was so overwhelmed that he gave her a really really long hug and now their secret is out of the bag for everyone to know … They both love each other very much!!
Later that night after their voyage to the mall. Travis came home to give a gift he brought back from Florida to his good friend, Shawn Nickerson. Then , like a flash, they were gone again to spend the night at Shawn’s place. Did I mention I am very glad to have Travis home safe … Well close to home anyway!
Back at the office, February’s financials were distributed showing objectives achieved! I’ve worked with BDC consulting to improve financial performance. We’ve compared our performance to industry benchmarks and implemented corrective action in all areas showing gaps. We’ve involved my team & developed a realistic operating model with a level of performance to April, that’s realistic & sustainable.
For May, we’ve started implementing actions to increase sales with the introduction of Trail Blazer’s new & improved cast end extension poles, for painters. These paint poles will create sales during the summer months, when the spring tools have finish shipping in April and our fall products won’t start shipping till August.
A Look back, March 26th 2011
One Year Ago, It was quiet in my office while I waited for the response from Menards, about their decisions on our Fall Pruning Sets.
Today, it is not quiet in my office & I’m not waiting for responses. I’m going out to get responses …. while making a lot of noise!!!
All the Best, Shawn Levangie