FORT WAYNE — Do it Best, Indiana’s largest privately held company headquartered in Fort Wayne, announced its approved merger with United Hardware, a full-line wholesale hardware distributor based in Minnesota.
With sales approaching $5 billion in annual sales, Do it Best announced a merger with another wholesale distribution cooperative that will grow its membership by 20%. The merger will enhance efficiency, add buying power, and drive growth for Do it Best and United Hardware member-owners alike. Do it Best anticipates moving all central functions to its headquarters at Electric Works in Fort Wayne, further growing its presence in Northeast Indiana.
“We’re thrilled to announce our union with United Hardware,” said Do it Best President & CEO Dan Starr. “This partnership represents a shared commitment to exceptional service, quality products, and a comprehensive range of programs to empower independent home improvement business owners, as well as our deep-seated belief in the co-op model and our dedication to drive member growth in an increasingly competitive market.”
In addition to the companies’ shared vision, they boast rich histories dating back to 1945.
In 1945, businessman E.J. “Gene” Koblas acquired an interest in the United Hardware Distributing Company. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Koblas immediately assembled a coalition of 100 furniture stores under the banner of the United Furniture Distributing Company.
Four years later, this strategic alliance led to the formation of United Hardware & Furniture Company. However, in 1953, Koblas decided to divest the furniture division, catalyzing a new era of focus and growth in the hardware sector. Then in 1957, retailers purchased a controlling interest in the hardware division and formed United Hardware Distributing Co., which launched the Hardware Hank brand. Today, United Hardware earns annual sales of nearly $200 million.
Founded in 1945, Arnold Gerberding pioneered the cooperative model in Fort Wayne with Hardware Wholesalers, Inc., (HWI). His visionary approach enabled HWI members to benefit from better volume pricing through collective purchasing, which was backed by investments from 100 independent business owners across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. This fostered a tight-knit community of independent hardware stores, each serving as both members and sole shareholders.
In 1948, HWI established its first warehouse facility, followed by the implementation of a private truck delivery system in 1955. In 1998, HWI merged with Our Own Hardware, a regional co-op based in Minnesota, leading to the rebranding of HWI as Do it Best. Today, Do it Best boasts annual sales approaching $5 billion.
“Our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, quality products, and a comprehensive range of programs will help our members thrive in their communities,” Starr said.
“We’re energized by the economic prospects this merger brings to local communities, including Fort Wayne and beyond. There’s no limit to what we can accomplish with our combined strengths and resources.”
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