WRLA NexGEN particpating in Young Leaders Panel at Hardlines Conference

The Hardlines Conference will welcome some fresh voices on the podium this year. A panel will feature young retailers and vendors from across Canada who will give their take on the needs and drives of the new generation of the home improvement industry.

Meet the panel:

Kim Ytsma, Co-Owner, Alliston Home Hardware. Kim began working in her dad’s store when she was just 10 years old.  Today, she directly oversees the 15 service desk staff and ensures consumers get the assistance they need. Kim splits her day between the customer service desk, her own office, and working the floor.

Marc-André Dignard, Project Manager – Retail, RONA inc. Marc-André joined RONA in 2009 as a senior internal auditor. A Chartered Professional Accountant by profession, he became Project Director, Operations in 2012 and is responsible for SG&A, cost reduction, standardizing retail operations, closing non-performing stores, and many other projects.

Joel Seibert, General Manager, Mountain View Building Materials. Joel is a third-generation lumberman.  While only 32 years old, he has been exposed to the building supply industry his entire life. He believes the future of the retail lumber industry depends on retailers’ ability to communicate with customers, suppliers, and environmental groups to ensure innovation, growth, and sustainability for many generations to come.

Eric Palmer, Canadian Sales Operation Manager, JELD-WEN Windows & Doors. Eric graduated from the University of Manitoba with an Honors Degree from the Asper School of Business, and joined JELD-WEN, where he has worked his way through Management and Communication training.

Congratulations to Joel Seibert and Eric Palmer for winning their Conference Passes and Young Leader Panel seats through the WRLA & NHRA "NexGEN Hardlines Contest"   Go NexGEN!

The panel will be moderated by Sherri Amos, Education & Communication Specialist at Home Hardware Stores Ltd. With voices from all levels of the industry, this group of young leaders will challenge your thinking on where our industry is going in the 21st century.