Cox Announces New President St. Petersburg, Fla.–based Cox Lumber has announced that company veteran Juan B. Quesada will succeed retiring president Robert E. Fehr. Quesada has worked in the lumber industry for 37 years and for Cox since 1979, most recently as senior executive vice president.
Under Fehr's 25-year presidency, Cox Lumber grew from a $7 million company to more than $300 million in 2004.
Cox Lumber (www.coxlumber.com) was founded in 1949 and has locations throughout Florida.
Nisbet Brower Opens New Facility On Dec. 9, Cincinnati-based building supply company Nisbet Brower held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its $3 million dollar renovated headquarters facility and selection center. Formerly a General Motors' parts distribution center, the 190,000-square-foot building consolidates Nisbet Brower's manufacturing, distribution, and sales operations, which were previously located in three different cities. “This is the first time we have had the opportunity to pull everyone's strengths together,” says Mark Rippe, president and CEO. “This will allow us to communicate and interact more effectively, and provide better service for our customers.”
Its 10,000-square-foot selection center houses top builder brands in a gallery-style layout, with 38 kitchen and bath vignettes, and two self-contained houses showcasing building products in a homelike environment. It also features a 27-display showcase of Therma-Tru fiberglass and steel entry and patio doors.
Designers and seminars will be available to assist homeowners with their selection and custom design process. In addition, two interactive centers allow consumers to receive information online, sample cabinet colors, and search for building or kitchen and bath products on Nisbet Brower's Web site. The selection center opens this month; the company plans to open a 5,000-square-foot center in Dayton, Ohio, later this year.
The ribbon-cutting event was commemorated with the presentation of a joint Make-A-Wish foundation child sponsorship with Merillat, Andersen, Therma-Tru, and DuPont Corian. A silent auction was held to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Founded in 1870, Nisbet Brower (www.nisbetbrower.com) employs more than 200 people, has three locations, and had over $40 million in sales in 2004.
Ace President/CEO Retires After serving 10 years as president and CEO of Oak Brook, Ill.–based Ace Hardware Corp., David F. Hodnik announced his retirement effective April 1. Landmark achievements during Hodnik's tenure at Ace include a 65 percent increase in wholesale hardlines sales, the implementation of a customer loyalty program, and the opening of five retail support distribution centers that total 3.5 million square feet. “For 33 years, Dave has brought to Ace visionary leadership, utmost integrity, and sound financial management,” said J. Thomas Glenn, Ace chairman, in a company announcement. “We can attribute much of the company's success this past decade to his expertise, commitment, and the team he has built around him.”
Hodnik will be replaced by current executive vice president and COO, Ray A. Griffith. Griffith has served with Ace since 1994; his background includes 30 years of retail and leadership experience.
