Content about Houston

April 25, 2013
Sold: Handy Hardware to Littlejohn

Handy Hardware Wholesale, the Houston-based co-op that filed for bankruptcy protection in January, announced that Littlejohn Management Holdings has agreed to acquire Handy.

Handy Hardware Wholesale, the Houston-based co-op that filed for bankruptcy protection in January, announced that Littlejohn Management Holdings has agreed to acquire Handy.

Littlejohn is a Connecticut-based private equity firm with substantial holdings in the wholesale distribution business and the hardware industry. The company's website includes Howard Berger Co. and Installed Building Products among its portfolio. 

April 12, 2013
Handy acquisition talks continue

Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale says in a letter to members that the co-op is “moving in the right direction.”

Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale issued a warehouse and office update to co-op members yesterday, pointing to improved fill rates and continuing talks on a possible acquisition, among other things.

Handy filed for bankruptcy protection in January. 

April 11, 2013
Handy Hardware eliminates executive position

Lynn Bradley, senior director, retail development, is out at Handy Hardware Wholesale, a cost-cutting move according to the Houston-based co-op.

Lynn Bradley, senior director, retail development, is out at Handy Hardware Wholesale, a cost-cutting move according to the Houston-based co-op.

Handy Hardware Wholesale, which filed for bankruptcy protection in January, eliminated the position of “senior director, retail development,” as part of a cost-reduction plan, according to Morrie Aaron, president of MCA Financial Group. MCA is Handy’s financial advisory firm that specializes in restructuring.

April 4, 2013
Handy Hardware approached by possible buyers

The Houston-based hardware co-op that filed for bankruptcy protection in January says it has received “expressions of interest from third parties.”

Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale has received acquisition overtures, according to a memo to dealers from the co-op’s board of directors. 

No formal offers have been made, and none was solicited, the board said in the March 28 letter obtained by HCN. Handy did not immediately respond to an HCN request to reveal the identity of the two companies that made overtures.

Handy filed for bankruptcy protection in January and submitted a plan for reorganization in March.

March 25, 2013
Handy Hardware Wholesale points to improved fill rates

The Houston-based hardware co-op, which filed its reorganization plan March 6, sees improvement in a key operational metric.

Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale reports that fill rates have improved since the company filed its disclosure statement and plan of reorganization on March 6. 

The 1,300-member regional co-op filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January. Morrie Aaron, president of MCA Financial Group, Handy’s financial advisory firm that specializes in restructuring, says he expects the co-op’s reorganization plan to be approved and confirmed by the court in late June. 

March 15, 2013
Humbled but hopeful, Handy hits road to reorganization

Houston-based hardlines co-op Handy Hardware Wholesale submitted papers for their much-anticipated plan of reorganization March 6.

The 1,300-member regional co-op filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January. Whether Handy can return to its place as a meaningful and profitable player in the hardware business remains to be seen. This much is certain: What was once $27 million in member equity in Class A and Class B shares has vanished.

February 22, 2013
KB Home names president, Houston Division

James Harrison is responsible for all of the company's home-building operations throughout Houston, from land acquisition and construction to sales and customer service.

KB Home has announced that James Harrison has been named president of its Houston division. Harrison is responsible for all of the company's home-building operations throughout Houston, from land acquisition and construction to sales and customer service. 

December 7, 2012
12 tips to comply with FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance is difficult and annoying, said Mark Oberti, an attorney with Oberti Sullivan LLP in Houston, at the National Employment Law Institute’s Annual Employment Law Conference in Arlington, Va., Nov. 16, 2012.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s FMLA regulations often aren’t much help, as they rarely make it clear when an employer may fire someone, he added.

Oberti outlined 12 compliance strategies for employers:

November 9, 2012
Report: Handy Hardware to close Meridian DC

Houston-based distributor Handy Hardware will close its Meridian, Miss., distribution center, according to an Associated Press report. 

The Associated Press reported that Handy Hardware plans to close its Meridian, Miss., distribution center Dec. 31, and the state of Mississippi wants to recover $3.6 million in incentives for the project.

November 5, 2012
Cedar Creek makes Texas acquisition

Oklahoma City-based distributor Cedar Creek has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Capital Lumber’s distribution locations in Dallas and Houston. 

In a deal expected to close Nov. 30, Capital Lumber will continue to operate eight other non-Texas distribution centers and focus on the western United States.

August 22, 2012
Unemployment flattens pay raises; top performers reap higher rewards

More hiring has yet to lead to more pay. While U.S. unemployment fell from 10% in October 2009 to 8.3% in August 2012, it has not been enough to boost salary budget increases and, subsequently, employee wages, according to WorldatWork, an association of total rewards professionals.

August 16, 2012
Handy Hardware points to strong market

Handy Hardware Wholesales San Antonio market, Aug. 10 to 12, saw an attendance increase of 11.2% over 2011, the Houston-based hardware co-op reported. 

Handy gave away six Toyota Tundra trucks during the market weekend, and it expects warehouse sales from the event will be at an all-time high, said Mickey Schulte, VP marketing and purchasing.

July 13, 2012
Kodiak Building Partners to acquire Texas dealer

Denver-based Kodiak Building Partners has acquired the assets of Gulf & Basco, a specialty dealer of building products based in Houston. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The one-unit pro dealer sells windows, kitchen cabinets, appliances, countertops and doors. A family-owned operation, Gulf & Basco has been in business for 75 years. 

April 26, 2012
Drain product employs Grip-n-Rip approach

Houston-based PF WaterWorks introduced the DrainEASY No Clog Bathtub Drain Replacement Stopper to eliminate trapping of hair and build-up of clogs in the bathtub drains.

April 9, 2012
Bering’s tops list of Bona retailers

Bona US, the North American subsidiary of Bona AB in Sweden, awarded its 2011 Retailer of the Year designation to two Bering’s Hardware stores in Houston.

“Bering’s Hardware sold almost four times the Bona floor care products over other retail partners. It’s a great success story,” said Travis Stuckey, national accounts manager, hardware and paint, Bona US.

March 21, 2012
After 32 years, and a difficult 2011, Kirbie retires

The retirement of Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale President Tina Kirbie earlier this year marked the end of a 32-year run for the co-op executive. The company’s new leadership, meanwhile, told Home Channel News “everything’s positive and we’re moving forward.”

Kirbie, a 32-year Handy Hardware veteran who began her career as an accounting credit manager, took part in the co-op’s January market in Houston, but in a limited role. 

March 7, 2012
White Cap expands in Texas

HD Supply has announced the opening of its newest White Cap branch in Conroe, Texas, approximately 40 miles outside of Houston.

The Atlanta-based parent company continues to expand the national footprint of White Cap, which distributes concrete accessories, tools and safety products for professional contractors. New locations opened in Nashville, Tenn., in April 2011 and Lafayette, La., in December 2011. The division has a network of 133 branches in 29 states.

October 18, 2011
Ferguson expands in Houston

Ferguson Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest plumbing and HVAC wholesalers, has leased industrial space at the port of Houston, according to the Houston Business Journal.

The Newport News, Va.–based company, which has several locations in the Houston area, has leased about 206,000 sq. ft. of industrial space at the Port Crossing Commerce Center in La Porte.

October 18, 2011
Ferguson expands in Houston

Ferguson Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest plumbing and HVAC wholesalers, has leased industrial space at the port of Houston, according to the Houston Business Journal.

The Newport News, Va.–based company, which has several locations in the Houston area, has leased about 206,000 sq. ft. of industrial space at the Port Crossing Commerce Center in La Porte.

October 18, 2011
PulteGroup appoints president, Houston division

PulteGroup has named Kevin Meuth as the new division president for its Houston operations, where he will oversee the 27 communities and about 100 employees throughout the Greater Houston area.

Meuth has 22 years of diversified home-building experience, all in the Houston market. Previously, he served as division president at Meritage Homes for the past five years. 

October 18, 2011
PulteGroup appoints president, Houston division

PulteGroup has named Kevin Meuth as the new division president for its Houston operations, where he will oversee the 27 communities and about 100 employees throughout the Greater Houston area.

Meuth has 22 years of diversified home-building experience, all in the Houston market. Previously, he served as division president at Meritage Homes for the past five years. 

September 9, 2011
In Houston, building science attracts a crowd

More than 50 residential builders and remodelers attended an all-day Houston Building Science and Energy Forum held at the Houston Dow Center.

Hosted by Dow Building Solutions and the Greater Houston Builders' Association (GHBA), presentations addressed the building and energy challenges specific to hot and humid climates, and outlined changes to 2012 Houston energy codes.

September 9, 2011
In Houston, building science attracts a crowd

More than 50 residential builders and remodelers attended an all-day Houston Building Science and Energy Forum held at the Houston Dow Center.

Hosted by Dow Building Solutions and the Greater Houston Builders' Association (GHBA), presentations addressed the building and energy challenges specific to hot and humid climates, and outlined changes to 2012 Houston energy codes.

August 2, 2011
Handy Hardware’s major milestone


Back in 1961, a group of 13 enterprising hardware retailers pooled together a cool $13,000 to open a warehouse in Houston. 


Their goal was to join together in the collective support of the independent hardware store operator. It’s a concept that continues today at Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale, which will be celebrating its Golden Anniversary at its Fall Market later this month in San Antonio.


Much has changed. But much has stayed the same.


August 2, 2011
Woodson Lumber, small-market powerhouse

As Handy Hardware celebrates its 50th anniversary, one of its Texas hardware and lumberyard dealers is preparing for its 100th.


Seven-location Woodson Lumber, based in Brenham, Texas, operates in the small towns in the economically diverse Dallas, Houston, San Antonio Triangle. The chain was founded by HP Woodson in 1913, and today is run by his granddaughter Ann Chapman.