Matt Spinks shares his journey from growing up in a family lumber business through the recession's hardships to becoming an award-winning young retailer at Lumber King in Danville, Kentucky. His story demonstrates how personal resilience and strategic innovation can transform traditional building supply businesses for modern consumers.

• Growing up in the lumber industry as the son of an 84 Lumber manager
• Experiencing the collapse of the family business during the 2008-2010 recession
• Developing a leadership philosophy that balances growth with stability
• Creating a work environment where employees feel valued rather than managed by fear
• Implementing a "Milwaukee Red Zone" strategy that increased inside sales from $10K to $350K
• Navigating generational differences in communication and buying preferences
• Leveraging strong brand partnerships to drive local store traffic
• Building a cohesive company culture within an employee-owned business model
• Finding purpose in continuously improving both personally and professionally
• Investing in self-development through education and industry resources

If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.

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Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Peter, a third-generation hardware store owner, shares how he maintains competitive advantage against big retailers by offering hands-on customer service and creating a pet-friendly environment that Amazon simply can't match.

• Third-generation True Value hardware store owner since 1965
• Recently joined Do it Best, gaining better buying power and product variety
• Differentiates by walking customers to items and offering personalized help
• Creates memorable experiences with pet-friendly stores featuring his golden retriever Winston
• Uses branded vehicles as mobile billboards throughout the community
• Believes in being visible as the owner rather than hiding in a back office
• Follows personal mantras "work harder, dream bigger" and "chase greatness"
• Continues pushing forward despite Parkinson's diagnosis
• Advises new business owners to put their heart and soul into their work

Listen to our future episodes as we continue exploring how to build unmistakable brands in the built world that grow, lead, and last.

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Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Lori Ables shares the story of how she transformed a nearly empty store into an award-winning True Value hardware destination at 3 Sons Hardware in Minnesota. Her journey from reluctant retailer to passionate hardware store owner showcases the power of listening to customers and creating a family legacy business.

• Initially reluctant to enter retail when husband bought first hardware store in Ohio
• Purchased Minnesota store in 2022 and completed extensive remodeling with True Value's help
• Named business "3 Sons Hardware" with all three sons working in family businesses
• Expanded fishing department with live bait and tackle to serve local lakes community
• Focuses on listening to customers to adjust product mix for local needs
• Leads by example by working alongside employees on all tasks
• Balances having experienced retirees and younger employees for knowledge and energy
• Successfully navigating the True Value transition to Do it Best ownership
• Exploring AI technology for creating store signage and other applications
• Working in tandem with family lumberyard business for economies of scale

If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Dave Ables shares how partnering with co-ops like Do it Best and True Value has enabled his independent lumber and hardware businesses to compete successfully against corporate giants. He discusses innovative strategies including building actual home structures inside his showroom and using technology to document product condition throughout the delivery process.

• Purchased and transformed a True Value store in 2022, winning a Beacon Award for best new hardware store
• Built realistic home displays inside Tri-County Lumber showroom featuring different siding options and window styles
• Developed specialized expertise among staff rather than having everyone know "a little bit about everything"
• Created a system to photograph products at multiple stages to eliminate confusion about product damage
• Serves as an extension of contractors' sales teams, reducing their workload while improving customer experience
• Left corporate logistics career after eight relocations to create stable business opportunities for his three sons
• Uses LinkedIn as a powerful marketing and networking tool to share ideas and connect with industry peers
• Plans expansion by acquiring underserved rural stores within 100-mile radius of current locations
• Emphasizes the importance of preserving the "American dream" of small business ownership

Head to gritblueprintcom to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Randy's Hardware CEO, Christian Herrick, shares how his family business transformed from a single location to four thriving stores while successfully competing against retail giants like Walmart. His journey from part-time employee to chief executive reveals valuable lessons in brand building, marketing innovation, and quality differentiation.

• Growing a generational business that can be passed down to future family members
• Investing in marketing when others in the industry remain skeptical
• Building a successful YouTube channel that brings in customers daily
• Surviving and thriving after a Walmart opened nearby through strategic differentiation
• Focusing on American-made, premium products with clear quality differences
• Leveraging community connections and solving problems beyond just selling products
• Working with co-ops like Do it Best to compete effectively against larger retailers
• The surprising quality differences between identical model numbers at big box stores versus independent retailers
• Advice for industry newcomers: "Think like a manager" and become the person with answers

If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Katie Cofer Irvine shares her experience as a fourth-generation leader at Cofer Brothers, a 105-year-old family lumberyard in Tucker, Georgia, where she discovered an unexpected passion for the lumber business.

• Started working at the family lumberyard at age 19 during the recession to figure out her career path
• Has learned every aspect of the business from operating forklifts to running the shipping office 
• Father Chip instilled the philosophy that "it doesn't matter if you're a girl or boy, you need to learn everything"
• Views the business legacy as a responsibility to honor ancestors and preserve for future generations
• Most excited about eventually passing the business to a fifth generation
• Values the knowledge transfer from long-term employees with decades of industry experience
• Embraces the role of enabling others in the business, supporting wherever needed

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

This episode is sponsored by Do it Best Group!

Pat Sullivan with Sullivan Hardware and Garden, shares his journey of transforming a family hardware business into an award-winning retail destination by choosing entertainment over price competition. He reveals how creating emotional connections with customers has made Sullivan's Hardware successful despite big box and online competition.

• Family business started in 1954, purchased by Pat in 1989
• Four uniquely different stores throughout Indianapolis area
• Identified five areas to lead in: lawn & garden, barbecue grills, patio furniture, fireplaces, and artificial Christmas trees
• Shifted from traditional circular marketing to digital content focused on entertainment
• Added a gift shop that now generates millions in revenue
• Learned that "money follows attention" and adapted as attention shifted to digital platforms
• Uses humor and self-deprecating content to connect with customers emotionally
• Led by daughter-in-law Arden who transitioned from chiropractor to digital marketing leader
• Greatest compliment: "When I'm having a bad day, I come to your store just to walk around"
• Recently won the Digital Beacon Award at the Independent Hardware Industry convention

If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. Until next time, stay unmistakable.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Chip Cofer of Cofer Brothers Inc. shares the remarkable 105-year journey of his family's lumberyard and building materials business in Tucker, Georgia. His insights reveal how balancing tradition with innovation creates a business that survives economic downturns while building deep community connections.

• Founded in 1919, evolved from dry goods to building materials
• Leadership philosophy centered on setting examples and treating everyone with respect
• Survived 2009 housing crash by pivoting to movie industry supply
• Developed "three-legged stool" model balancing builder, retail, and specialty business
• Transformed sales approach during COVID from counters to desks, improving customer experience
• Prioritizes vendor relationships for mutual support during challenging times
• Never laid off employees for slow business, even during worst economic downturns
• Currently transitioning to fourth generation of family leadership
• Company culture described as therapeutic and family-like
• Success built on competitive pricing balanced with superior knowledge and service

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Customer service excellence creates unshakable loyalty in the building materials industry, ensuring you're always the first choice for your clients. 

• Windows and doors are often the first budget items cut in new construction, despite being critical to home efficiency and comfort
• Upgrading front doors provides one of the highest returns on investment for home remodels
• Product innovation remains essential for manufacturers to stay competitive in the marketplace
• Kolbe's new vacuum insulated glass outperforms triple pane while reducing weight
• Their new door system accommodates panels up to 10' wide and 12' tall with easy operation
• Sales remains relationship-driven despite technological changes
• When hiring salespeople, look for self-starters who are hungry, ambitious and willing to travel
• AI shows promise for customer service, product design, and visualization tools
• Companies should focus on doing one segment exceptionally rather than being average at everything
• Digital marketing is shifting from Google (down to 18% of searches) to Instagram and Pinterest
• Personal brands of salespeople amplify company reach when properly leveraged
• Building strong team culture helped overcome seemingly insurmountable COVID challenges

Visit our website at gritblueprint.com for more tools, training, and industry content.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Jacob Emery shares his remarkable journey from troubled teen earning $9/hour to becoming co-owner of R&R Pipeline. His story reveals how embracing adversity, overcoming fears, and building strong teams transformed his life and business.

• Growing up overweight with learning difficulties and family struggles that led to acting out as a teenager
• Starting at R&R Pipeline at 16 years old and working his way up from the bottom rung
• The turning point when a friend challenged him to do more with his life
• Boldly claiming the operations manager position and transforming the company's culture
• Purchasing R&R Pipeline in 2019 despite having only $37,000 net worth
• Creating the "Pipeline of Prosperity" culture based on accountability, transparency, and recognition
• Launching "Unlocking Greatness with Jacob Emery" coaching program to help others achieve their goals
• The importance of investing in personal development and finding mentors who have achieved what you want
• Understanding that the journey matters more than the destination

Visit jacobemery.com or find Jacob on all social media platforms @jacobemery44 to download his free Break Barriers Blueprint and learn more about his coaching program.

👉 Subscribe to Built to Win

Real talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.

👉 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.

Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

Grit Website: GritBlueprint.com
YouTube: Stefanie Couch
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
Stefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com

👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit Blueprint

I'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.

Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.
We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.