NEWS ARCHIVE
August 3, 2026

Do it Best Group Retailers Earn National Recognition at 2026 Beacon Awards

Do it Best Group is celebrating five retailers recognized with 2026 Beacon Award honors during the Independent Awards Gala at the Independent Home Improvement Conference in Orlando on July 29.
Presented annually by Hardware Connection, the Beacon Awards recognize excellence across the independent home improvement channel. The Best New Store Award honors outstanding new or transformed retail locations that demonstrate strong execution in store design, merchandising, customer experience and community connection. The Retail Beacon Award, considered a lifetime achievement honor, recognizes long-term leadership, business excellence, innovation and service to customers, employees and communities. The Digital Beacon Award recognizes retailers using websites, ecommerce, social media, digital marketing and online storytelling to strengthen customer relationships and extend the reach of their business.
“This year’s Beacon Award winners are a powerful reflection of what makes independent home improvement retail so strong,” said Dan Starr, Do it Best Group CEO. “Across new store development, lifetime leadership, and digital engagement, these retailers are setting the pace for the industry while continuing to serve their local communities with excellence. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the example they set for our industry.”
Big Rapids Lumber & Hardware in Big Rapids, Michigan, received the Beacon Award for Best New Store. Owned by David VanderWeele, the business has deep roots in the Big Rapids community dating back to 1905. The store was recognized for creating an exceptional retail environment that combines thoughtful design, strong merchandising, customer-focused execution, and a clear commitment to the community it serves.
Howard Walker’s True Value Hardware in Henrietta, Texas, also received the Beacon Award for Best New Store. With a history that dates back more than a century, Howard Walker’s is a landmark business in Henrietta and a meaningful example of how independent retailers can honor their heritage while investing in the future. The store was recognized for bringing new energy to downtown retail through a modern, well-executed hardware destination that combines historic character, strong merchandising, local service and a renewed commitment to serving the community from the heart of town.
Bill Gilbert of Gilbert’s Hardware & Appliance in Michigan received the Retail Beacon Award for lifetime achievement. Gilbert’s family business began in Owosso in 1965, and Bill joined as a partner in 1976 before helping guide the company’s evolution into a respected hardware and appliance destination. Over the years, Gilbert expanded the business through additional categories, store improvements and growth across its Owosso and DeWitt locations, while remaining deeply committed to his team, customers and local communities.
Mark and Joe Jaconski of Stanley’s True Value Hardware in Pennsylvania also received the Retail Beacon Award for lifetime achievement. A third-generation family business founded in 1948, Stanley’s has served customers through locations in Oreland and Philadelphia while maintaining high standards for store operations, merchandising, service and community involvement. Mark and Joe have continued the legacy of hands-on leadership established by their family, while also preparing the next generation to carry the business forward.
Ambridge Do it Best Home Center in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, received the Beacon Award for Digital Excellence. Owned by Frank Strano and his son David, Ambridge was recognized for its standout digital engagement across website design, ecommerce, social media, online marketing and community storytelling. Through original content, employee spotlights, customer participation, timely product promotion and consistent online engagement, the store has shown how independent retailers can use digital tools to deepen customer relationships and strengthen their local brand.
The 2026 Beacon Award honors add to a growing list of national recognition for Do it Best Group members and retailers, underscoring the strength, innovation and leadership found across the company’s network of independent home improvement businesses.

About the Do it Best Group

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world’s largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For more information:

Jaclyn Goldsborough, Ferguson Advertising
574.596.0818
jaclyn@fai2.com