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Transforming Hardware Stores: How Nation's Best Creates Retail Magic with Chris Miller

The Grit Blueprint

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Chris Miller of Nation's Best shares how the company has grown from zero to 64 stores across 18 states by immediately investing in store renovations that transform mom-and-pop hardware stores into professional retail environments. Their strategy centers on honoring retail legacies while modernizing operations through strategic investments, technology integration, and talent development.
• Started Nation's Best in 2019 to solve succession planning challenges for hardware retailers
• Grown to 64 locations across 18 states with more acquisitions planned
• Invests heavily in store renovations to create professional shopping environments that attract high-end customers
• Previous owners typically stay with the business post-acquisition to maintain community relationships
• Focuses on attracting younger talent through career pathing, training platforms, and technology integration
• Implementing AI for targeted marketing, electronic pricing, and blueprint takeoffs
• Acquisition sweet spot is hardware stores doing $3M in sales and lumberyards/home centers doing $10-20M
• Created unique customer experiences like the "new customer goodie bag" at Halls Hardware
Our growth is boundless because there will always be thousands of locations facing succession challenges, and we can continue honoring these legacies for a long, long time.
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Chapters

1. Mom-and-Pop Look vs Professional Image (00:00:00)

2. Chris Miller's Journey to Nation's Best (00:03:01)

3. Long-Term Investment Strategy (00:06:15)

4. Store Remodels and Customer Experience (00:09:36)

5. Attracting Young Talent to Hardware Retail (00:13:55)

6. Technology and AI in the Hardware Industry (00:19:49)

7. Future Vision for Nation's Best (00:28:23)

44 episodes

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