Helping Dealers Sell Smarter:
The 4th Annual Johns Manville Hardlines Dealer Conference

Hardlines presents the Hardlines Dealer Conference and All-Industry Breakfast. Keynote Speakers on Thursday, Nov. 17, will help Dealers build their business and increase their profits.

The Hardlines weekly e-Newsletter is proud to partner with the Canadian Home Improvement Show, Nov. 17-18, 2011 to offer this important program to LBMAO Members and their Suppliers.

Dynamic keynote speakers will cover a range of topics vital to the growth of the retail home improvement dealer, with a focus on managing your business during the economic recovery. Don't miss these informative sessions!

Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel
All-Industry Breakfast: 7:30am – 9:30am
Tickets: $49

TURBO CHARGE YOUR RETAIL BUSINESS: HOW TO OUTMANOEUVRE AND OUTPERFORM THE BIG GUYS

Roy Prevost, Customer Service Activist and Futurist

What you will learn: Mr. Prevost will map out how you can set yourself apart from your large-surface competitors. He will inspire innovative thinking that will re-energize your customer service. You'll get solid examples of outstanding service and inspiring insights into today's customer.

Roy Prevost is a management consultant and strategist with more than 25 years of experience in all facets of marketing, wholesale, retail, and manufacturing. He has presented more than 200 workshops on Big Box Retail as well as guest lectured at Simon Fraser University on the Future Consumer. Mr. Prevost gives small businesses the tools to thrive and prosper in the Big Box Retail environment. Through coaching and workshops, he can help increase your business confidence, improve profitability, build customer loyalty, and triumph over competition.

TO HELL AND BACK: MANAGING SUCCESSFULLY IN A DOWN ECONOMY

Mark Scherer, Chief Executive Officer Scherer Bros. Lumber, Brooklyn Park, MN

What you will learn: A prominent dealer in the Minneapolis market, Mark Scherer's company was hit hard by the U.S. housing crash. The bold and often unorthodox steps he took to survive — and succeed — provide specific, actionable lessons for every dealer in Canada.

Following a decade and a half of unprecedented growth, Mark Scherer's company was faced with the fallout from the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Mr. Scherer carefully analyzed his company throughout the recession, looking at everything from staff effectiveness, consolidating management roles, and tracking deliveries using GPS tools. By focusing on improvement, he says, "Most dealers live in denial, don't do pro formas, don't plan... I had to let a lot of very good people go, but this is like going to war."