TJ Comstock

#6233 | Member since 2018
Billings, Montana | 8 locations

T.J. got his start in retail as a teenager working in his family’s grocery store in Eureka, Montana. When his parents bought a small hardware store next door, he was introduced to the industry that would define his career. After earning degrees in finance and economics, T.J. briefly pursued a corporate career before realizing his passion was in retail. In 2006, he and his wife Kami opened their first hardware store in Billings. They later acquired the Eureka location from his father and continued expanding into other small towns. 

Today, T.J. is President and CEO of Northwest Hardware, operating eight traditional hardware stores in Montana. While the company’s footprint spans over 500 miles across rural communities, each store has a consistent focus: deliver deep inventory and exceptional service to towns where those resources are often limited. Core categories include paint, plumbing, lawn and garden, and electrical, and T.J. stocks an average of 15% more inventory than stores of similar size, ensuring customers don’t have to travel far to get what they need.

A strong believer in the co-op model, T.J. enjoyed the strong foundation, relationship, and support of his previous wholesaler. He partnered with Do it Best in 2018 to access broader resources to support his company’s continued growth. He values our culture of service, flexibility, and commitment to helping independents succeed without a one-size-fits-all approach. He believes this structure is the best path forward for retailers seeking both scale and autonomy.

T.J. looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the future of the company and learning more about the distribution side, particularly during a time of major growth and integration. He values the board’s role in representing the member base while supporting the leadership team in making forward-looking decisions. He believes the board’s strength lies in its makeup: member-owners who understand the realities of the business. He also holds deep respect for the company’s executive and management teams, noting, “Their intelligence, professionalism, and operational insight are critical to long-term success. The partnership between member-owners, the board, and Do it Best leadership is essential to guiding the company through future growth and innovation.”

A native of Montana, T.J. enjoys outdoor activities and riding motorcycles across its wide open spaces. Above all, he values time—how it’s spent and with whom. Whether he’s helping a customer solve a problem, guiding a store team, or advising on long-term strategy, T.J. brings hands-on experience, humility, and a passion for independent retail to everything he does.

 

At a glance

Area served: Montana
Number of locations: 8
Store type: Hardware
Market: Rural
Core categories: Paint, plumbing, lawn and garden, electrical
Favorite activity outside of work: Anything outdoors, riding motorcycles
NHPA Young Retailer of the Year (2010)