The Grit Blueprint

Jack Redden, Director of Architectural Sales for ES Windows, shares how vertical integration and hurricane-resistant engineering have positioned the company as a leader in the glass industry. With 30 years of experience and a passion for the business, Jack explains how ES fabricates their own glass and extrudes their aluminum to deliver consistent quality products that withstand Florida's extreme weather conditions.

• ES Windows stands out through vertical integration, controlling their supply chain from glass fabrication to aluminum extrusion
• Hurricane impact testing involves shooting 2x4s from air cannons and cycling products through 4,500 positive and negative pressure swings
• Market diversification has been key to growth, expanding from high-rise condos to residential, education, and healthcare projects
• Conducting over 200 architectural lunch and learns has helped build brand awareness in new markets
• Product innovation continues to push boundaries with glass panels now reaching 18-20 feet tall
• GlassBuild 2025 in Orlando will showcase ES Windows' latest products including their new Structural Glass System
• The company recently announced a record-setting backlog of $1.2 billion in projects

Join us at GlassBuild 2025, November 4-6 in Orlando, Florida, where the glass industry will gather to showcase products, provide training, and offer networking opportunities.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

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🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

The building industry is experiencing a massive generational shift as younger leaders reshape businesses with new values and technological approaches, while facing the challenge of navigating rapid change.

• Jay Donnelly has grown Flanagan's Paint and Supply from one to five stores since joining his father's business in 2010
• Making friends is the foundation of the paint business – relationships remain central even as technology advances
• The millennial generation is approaching business ownership differently, prioritizing work-life balance
• Buying existing businesses is often smarter than "greenfielding" when entering the industry
• Industry associations like NHPA and buying groups provide crucial support and knowledge-sharing opportunities
• Inventory management remains a significant challenge for paint and hardware retailers
• Business opportunities are abundant regardless of market conditions when market share is still available to capture
• AI and new technologies should be implemented strategically to solve specific operational pain points
• Creating exceptional experiences for both customers and employees is essential for long-term success

Visit gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to discuss your growth strategy.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

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🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

Dalton Meny shares his journey as a fifth-generation hardware store owner, combining his computer science background with traditional retail to modernize his family's business while maintaining its community-centered values. 

• Originally had no plans to join the family hardware business after graduating with a computer science degree
• Stepped in temporarily to help open a third store location and never left
• Created custom software for inventory management across three rural Indiana locations
• Implemented consistent pricing systems and reports to ensure customer trust
• Built the business on flexibility: "You have to do what your customer needs"
• Serves unique customer segments including farmers who purchase products like 40-gallon buckets of fly killer
• Community involvement distinguishes them from big box competitors: "We're not Home Depot, we live here"
• Family business history dates back to 1881, starting as a general store selling everything from hardware to dynamite
• Advises gradual change when entering family business leadership: "You can't change everything all at once"
• Excited about future technology integration while honoring the business legacy

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

Megan Menzer, a fourth-generation hardware store owner of Newton's True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas, shares her journey in the building industry and perspectives on mentorship, technology, and business transitions. Breaking barriers without even realizing it, she discusses how growing up watching her great-grandmother run their hardware store shaped her view that the industry has no gender limitations.

• Fourth-generation hardware store owner whose family business started in 1924 in a small Kansas town
• Never considered hardware as a "male's world" since her great-grandmother ran the store while her great-grandfather handled contracting
• Created mentorship programs teaching basic skills beyond hardware knowledge, including face-to-face communication
• Believes AI adoption is inevitable and will transform the industry at unprecedented speed
• Values authentic human connections that will become even more important as technology advances
• Appreciates industry networking opportunities that allow independent retailers to share knowledge
• Recently transitioned from True Value to Do it Best, finding their member-focused approach refreshing
• Represented the hardware industry during bankruptcy proceedings, gaining unexpected legal knowledge

Ready to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

Randy Andes of Randy's Do it Best shares his journey from sweeping floors at 18 to winning the Beacon Award and running four successful hardware stores in Virginia. His story includes overcoming a devastating store fire in 2022, rebuilding in just 100 days, and developing innovative strategies to compete with big box retailers.

• Starting in hardware at 18, working at True Value and American Hardware stores before opening his own business
• Competing with Walmart by scouting their weaknesses and building strategic alliances
• Rebuilding after a devastating fire destroyed their Mount Jackson store to the ground
• Understanding your market's specific needs and being willing to pivot when necessary
• Creating an innovative "train in the moment" employee development system that shares knowledge across all stores
• Working alongside his wife Shirley, whose meticulous approach to operations complements Randy's customer service focus
• Planning for retirement while ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation

For more tools, training, and industry content, subscribe to the Grit Blueprint Podcast and follow us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Check us out at gritblueprint.com.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

The co-op model empowers 9,000 independent hardware retailers to compete against big box stores through unified strength and comprehensive support systems. Jason Stofleth, VP of Merchandising at Do it Best, shares insights on how the recent acquisition of True Value is creating new opportunities for members.

• Merchandising at Do it Best covers vendor relationships, product selection, promotions, market events, and supply chain management
• Co-op model unifies independent retailers into a collective strength that helps them thrive in competitive markets
• Fall Market focuses on preparing retailers for spring season with emphasis on lawn, garden, and grilling products
• New partnerships with grill manufacturers Broking and Napoleon offer North American-made products with better margins
• Power Preview event allows retailers to experience outdoor power equipment and grilling products in action
• Marketing services help independent retailers create effective displays and signage for improved customer experience
• Combined strength of Do it Best, True Value, and United Hardware creates unprecedented scale for vendor partnerships
• Local retailers don't need national advertising—they need targeted strategies to win their specific communities

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

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.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

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.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

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.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch

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.

Build Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.

You do great work. The right people should know it.

Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.

📅 Book a Strategy Call

Ready to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?

https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch

📧 Join the Newsletter

Get practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.

https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ

🎥 Watch More Grit Blueprint

Subscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.

https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch

🚀 About Stefanie Couch

Stefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.

Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.

🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.com
Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch