First Western RONA Corporate Store Acquired by a RONA Employee
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RONA inc. the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, announced today that employee Russ Jones and his wife Tess, acquired a RONA corporate store located at 12390 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park BC. This transaction marks the first RONA corporate store to be acquired by an employee in Canada.
"I am proud to see Russ, a RONA employee, embrace and demonstrate concretely, confidence and commitment to RONA" said Robert Dutton, President and CEO of RONA. RONA also represents 352 dealer-owner stores employing over 7 500 employees and these business owners are very dynamic in 2012. "They will be contributing $ 60 million in our network to provide customers across Canada, a greater brand experience", he added.
Over the past 25 years, Russ held many managing positions at RONA including launching the first Big Box store in Western Canada. Then he undertook the role of Director of the Olympic programs, Director BC. Operations and then, Director Marketing for RONA in Western Canada. Along the way, Russ started to dream owning and running his own store.
"We are becoming business owners after 30 years working in the Home Improvement industry. We are taking a courageous step to invest in ourselves, in our own store and in our community" said Russ Jones. "I appreciate the support of RONA and its Succession Planning team", he added. His wife Tess, who left behind a 12 year career as a dental assistant added: "Our children Cooper and Isabella are active in sports, such as swimming and figure skating here on the coast. We are proud to help build our community."
Dave Carr, RONA's Vice President, Retail – Western region, expressed his joy in witnessing the final result: "I would sincerely like to congratulate Ross and Tess. We are proud of them and are confident that they will leverage their knowledge to provide a greater customer experience and grow RONA’s position in the region".
This newly expanded store represents a substantial investment of $ 200,000 over and above the purchase price of the store. With 7,000 square feet retail space, the store has expanded the Garden Centre by 2,000 square feet and built a Boutique Design Centre with kitchens, flooring, and counter tops (to open in June 2012). The store has now a 7,000 square feet covered warehouse space, a 2 acres drive-through lumberyard and a 2,500 square feet tool rental department featuring a certified tool repair shop. Customers can count on more than 16,000 different products in store including building materials hardware, electrical and paint supplies.
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