Content about Lyle Heidemann

True Value has announced the retirement of president and CEO Lyle Heidemann, effective May 31. John Hartmann has been appointed as the company’s new president and CEO, following the retirement of Heidemann. Heidemann will continue to serve True Value through the end of 2013 as an adviser.

Expanding a credit card program while promoting a “stabilized” loyalty card program were among the payment system priorities the Chicago-based co-op presented during its Fall Market in Utah. 

The True Value Co. is asking members to sign up now for a credit card program it intends to launch in 2013.

From the outside, the Mount Prospect, Ill., True Value hardware store looks a lot like any other True Value store. It’s only 2 years old, so the sign above the door appears extra bright red and white.

When you walk through the entrance, it still looks a lot like most of the Chicago-based co-op’s fashion-forward Destination True Value format stores. At 12,600 sq. ft., it’s a little bigger than most. The registers are ringing up front, and a racetrack is punctuated by 38 endcaps promoting product, as well as ideas for the home.

Chicago-based True Value CEO Lyle Heidemann had some good news for dealers gathered in Orlando, Fla., during the general session of the co-op's 2012 spring market. Sales were up, he said. So are expectations. 

For the year ended Dec. 31, True Value revenue increased 3.4% to $1.86 billion, as the co-op is riding a wave of consecutive quarterly sales increases that now extends to five. Full-year earnings for the co-op were $60.3 million, down 0.7% from $60.7 million in 2010.

True Value CEO Lyle Heidemann offered some friendly advice to a reporter recently. “Bring your camera to Philadelphia this year,” he said. 


Philadelphia is the site of the Chicago-based co-op’s Fall Market, Sept. 23 to 25. Here, True Value will be displaying its Destination True Value store design and format for smaller stores. In the Philadelphia and nearby East Coast markets, the co-op is expecting strong attendance from dealers with smaller-than-average footprints. 


Chicago-based True Value Co. hired a new chief information officer responsible for leading the co-op's information technology team and managing the co-op's retail and enterprise systems.

Prior to joining True Value, Rosalee Hermens was CIO for The Timberland Co.

Chicago-based True Value Co. recognized 13 member hardware stores as part of its fourth annual "Best Hardware Store in Town" campaign.

"These 13 stores represent what it takes to exceed customer expectations,” said Lyle Heidemann, president and CEO of True Value Co. “This select group of retailers continues to succeed by constantly recognizing and adapting to meet the different needs of the local communities they serve.”

The winners are:

Orlando, Fla. -- Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. reported wholesale revenues increased 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010, and retail revenues increased 4.6% for the quarter.

CEO Lyle Heidemann delivered the preliminary results to True Value members during the General Session of the co-op's 2011 Spring & Rental Market held here in Orlando. 

"Our fourth quarter results should give us some momentum going into 2011," Heidemann said.