Fall 2014 Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER FEATURE

Quality and Value Of course, partnering with Blish-Mize means Star will receive products of the highest quality and value. “We can always count on Blish-Mize to be very competitively priced, and the qual- ity is always there,” says Patrick. “They’re willing to plan with us, and as a result, we’re able to adapt to the market very quickly. We’ve found it really pays to align ourselves with Blish-Mize. “Having the right product here all the time is what really matters to our custom- ers,” Patrick says. “Blish-Mize’s accuracy is incredible. They ship us what we need, when we need it.” Star Lumber has stocked Hardware House products from the beginning, and Patrick says those products have been very popular in the store. “It allows us to have a house brand name nobody else in our market is sell- ing,” he says. “There’s an amazing amount of SKUs, and it’s nice to have a branded, yet value-minded, product array. We have builders who have switched from brand names to Hardware House and love it.” Going to Market Star Lumber staff has a big presence at Blish-Mize Markets—Patrick says he usu- ally sends six or seven buyers to each. “It may seem like we send a large group to the Markets, but I support it, because I know they’re building relationships,” he says. “The biggest and best thing that comes out of the Markets is that our buy- ers spend a good amount of time with the Blish-Mize staff. We take the opportunity to sit down and have meetings and talk The company is also going to be a Pacesetter for United Way this year and was awarded the Spirit of Wichita award by the local chamber of commerce.

for Habitat for Humanity. The company is also going to be a Pacesetter for United Way this year and was awarded the Spirit of Wichita award by the local chamber of commerce. Star Lumber also held a 75th anniver- sary event in the spring, which Blish-Mize CEO & President Jonathan Mize, Blish- Mize Vice President of Sales Doug Long and Weathers all attended. “It meant a lot to us to have them all there,” Patrick says. “We really appreci- ated them taking the time to visit and to help us celebrate.”

about what we’re focusing on in our stores. The Markets are great events, and they’re very valuable for us.” A Year of Celebration Star Lumber is celebrating its 75th anni- versary in 2014, and the staff is marking it with a year of celebrations. In addition to promoting the anniver- sary at customer events, contractor expos and employee gatherings, including plans for an employee picnic at the zoo, Star employees marked the occasion earlier this year by participating in a home build

The store has everything its DIY and pro customers alike need for home building and remodeling.

16 Fall 2014 • Hardlines Strategies