Denver, CO (August 14, 2017) – Business acumen, creativity, innovation, passion and service. These
are only a few words that could be used to describe three home improvement businesses
recognized by Denver‐based PRO Group this year.
For achieving retail success and upholding the principles and ideals of effective hardware
retailing, PRO Group awarded its annual Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award, which is named
after PRO Hardware founder Paul L. Cosgrave, to Yates Home PRO. PRO Group also recognized
BDK Feed & Supply and PRO Hardware as the 2017 Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Finalist.
Additionally, both companies and Grandview Lumber PRO Home Center were named 2016 PRO
Retailers of the Year.
“These three companies represent the best of PRO dealers,” says Shari Kalbach, vice president
of PRO Group. “In selecting the winners, we consider sales, operations, management,
merchandising, PRO identification and more, and these retailers are at the top in those areas.
We’re proud of these businesses and are so pleased to honor them this year.”
Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Winner
Yates Home PRO
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
What do you get when you mix a full line of products, superior customer service and strong
community ties? Yates Home PRO.
In 2011, Overia Yates Russell and her husband J.R. took over her family’s business. Proud to
offer the same one‐stop shop service Russell’s father began in 1967, the Russell’s have
positioned Yates Home PRO as a top home improvement business in its marketplace today.
“As a family‐owned and oriented business, we are proud to provide services and products to
our community, including a full‐line of hardware, clothing, hunting and sporting goods,
automotive supplies and much more,” Russell says. “We take customer service very seriously.
At Yates, we not only strive to achieve customer satisfaction, we guarantee it.”
With several big‐box competitors nearby, Yates Home PRO goes above and beyond to win
customers’ loyalty. All employees complete extensive online training and are conditioned to
always welcome customers with a smile and greet them by name whenever possible.
“The most unique aspect about Yates is its personality and how closely knit it is to the
community it serves,” says Richard Snowden, senior vice president of marketing for Wallace
Hardware Company. “Customers are viewed as friends and treated with respect at Yates. The
company has been serving its market for 50 years.”
The company treats customers to annual events like appreciation days and Santa visits during
the holidays. Yates Home PRO proved its dedication even more by installing a hitching post and
watering station for Mennonite customers’ horses, and installing a pay phone on store property
for their use.
In addition to home improvement needs, the Tellico Plains community counts on Yates for
niche products such as camping gear, fishing equipment, guns, knives and pool supplies. Other
categories offered include housewares, home appliances, lumber supplies and all materials
needed to complete an interior structure. The community also counts on Yates for services like
key cutting, tire installation and custom paint mixing.
To keep customers informed, Yates Home PRO Utilizes PRO Group’s marketing tools including
circulars, monthly promotions, mobile texting specials and other various advertising methods.
The Russell’s attribute a great deal of their success to their relationship with and loyalty to PRO
Group and Wallace Hardware Company, which began at the company’s inception.
The company further supports its community by sponsoring and supporting local sports teams,
fire and police departments, colleges and other civic organizations.
Paul L. Cosgrave Memorial Award Finalist
BDK Feed & Supply and PRO Hardware
Blanchester, Ohio
A favorite among pets, livestock and two‐legged customers alike, BDK Feed & Supply and PRO
Hardware has developed strong ties to its community by continually meeting customer needs
and supporting its town in countless ways.
When it comes to pets and livestock or home improvement needs, the 10,000‐ square‐foot
powerhouse is ready to provide Blanchester residents with whatever products they need.
“For BDK, the customer always comes first,” says Ben Obee, sales representative for The
Bostwick‐Braun Company. “It’s a very hands‐on store that’s deeply involved in the community.
Whenever a customer comes in with questions about a project, they’ll research what the
customer needs.”
Owner Darrell Kingsland makes sure his staff is able to provide top‐notch customer service by
holding weekly meetings and setting goals. Additionally, several times per year he hosts an
extensive meeting where the entire staff reviews new products, discusses the upcoming season
and makes merchandising decisions.
BDK Feed & Supply rotates endcaps monthly based on seasonal needs and sales trends. For
example, in the spring, the store sells anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 chickens. During that
season, endcaps house products from this niche category.
“What’s impressive is that Darrell is always looking to grow, but he never bites off more than he
can chew,” says Damian Nicholson, regional sales manager for The Bostwick‐Braun Company.
“Darrell has always responded to what the community needs and has grown steadily based on
those demands.”
Kingsland knows his customers well, and he introduces 30 to 50 new items each week.
“With PRO, I can really increase my buying power,” Kingsland says. “I’m always on the lookout
for special promotions and discounts, and I find a lot of savings through PRO.”
Kingsland believes his company’s PRO affiliation helps the business stand out against his
competition. He keeps in‐store displays in line with PRO circulars and makes use of PRO
branding and color scheme inside and outside the store.
The store also gives back to its community in a number of ways. It sponsors scholarships for
high school students committed to studying agriculture and contributes to fundraising efforts
for local high school sports teams, 4‐H students, Boy and Girl Scout troops and several other
community organizations.
PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year
Grandview Lumber PRO Home Center
Grandview, Washington
Grandview PRO Home Center in Grandview, Washington, is the 2016 PRO Hardware Retailer of
the Year for Horizon Distribution, Inc.
“Grandview Lumber was awarded 2016 PRO Hardware Retailer of the Year because they are an
outstanding supporter of all PRO Group programs,” says Mike Dawson, sales manager for
Horizon Distribution. “They continuously show strong sales and growth, and they are dedicated
to serving their community.”
The store prides itself on being able to provide supplies for any kind of building project.
Grandview Lumber is considered the strongest source for lumber and building materials in its
area and is also known for its robust paint department.
Owner Cliff Lewis has built an operation supporting local contractors and serious DIY
customers. In 2016, the company proved its commitment to the community by building and
opening a brand‐new facility. Lewis and his staff look forward to serving Grandview for years to
come.