The Grit Blueprint

Grit Blueprint

The Playbook for Building Unmistakable Brands in the Built WorldYou can be the best in your market and still get passed over by a competitor who simply shows up better and more consistently where their customers are looking. The Grit Blueprint Podcast is where visibility, media, customer experience, and creative brand strategy turn trust into growth in the built world. Hosted by Stefanie Couch, a lifelong building industry expert born and raised in the business, this show explores how companies in building materials, construction, manufacturing, and distribution position themselves to win before the first conversation even starts. You’ll hear from executives, operators, and decision-makers who are rethinking how they show up in the market. You’ll also hear from Stefanie and the Grit Blueprint team as they share the systems, strategy, and content that make good brands impossible to ignore. Every episode turns insight into action. Because in this space, great work alone isn’t enough. You have to be seen, be known, be chosen, and ultimately, become unmistakable. Produced by Grit Media. Powered by Grit Blueprint.

  1. 1일 전

    Mentorship, Technology, and Transitions: Newton's True Value | Sponsored by Do it Best

    Megan Menzer, a fourth-generation hardware store owner of Newton's True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas, shares her journey in the building industry and perspectives on mentorship, technology, and business transitions. Breaking barriers without even realizing it, she discusses how growing up watching her great-grandmother run their hardware store shaped her view that the industry has no gender limitations. • Fourth-generation hardware store owner whose family business started in 1924 in a small Kansas town • Never considered hardware as a "male's world" since her great-grandmother ran the store while her great-grandfather handled contracting • Created mentorship programs teaching basic skills beyond hardware knowledge, including face-to-face communication • Believes AI adoption is inevitable and will transform the industry at unprecedented speed • Values authentic human connections that will become even more important as technology advances • Appreciates industry networking opportunities that allow independent retailers to share knowledge • Recently transitioned from True Value to Do it Best, finding their member-focused approach refreshing • Represented the hardware industry during bankruptcy proceedings, gaining unexpected legal knowledge Ready to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    22분
  2. 3일 전

    When Disaster Strikes: Randy's Hardware | Sponsored by Do it Best

    Randy Andes of Randy's Do it Best shares his journey from sweeping floors at 18 to winning the Beacon Award and running four successful hardware stores in Virginia. His story includes overcoming a devastating store fire in 2022, rebuilding in just 100 days, and developing innovative strategies to compete with big box retailers. • Starting in hardware at 18, working at True Value and American Hardware stores before opening his own business • Competing with Walmart by scouting their weaknesses and building strategic alliances • Rebuilding after a devastating fire destroyed their Mount Jackson store to the ground • Understanding your market's specific needs and being willing to pivot when necessary • Creating an innovative "train in the moment" employee development system that shares knowledge across all stores • Working alongside his wife Shirley, whose meticulous approach to operations complements Randy's customer service focus • Planning for retirement while ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation For more tools, training, and industry content, subscribe to the Grit Blueprint Podcast and follow us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Check us out at gritblueprint.com. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    21분
  3. 9월 5일

    Co-op Scaling Power: The Secret Weapon of 9,000 Independent Retailers | Sponsored by Do it Best

    The co-op model empowers 9,000 independent hardware retailers to compete against big box stores through unified strength and comprehensive support systems. Jason Stofleth, VP of Merchandising at Do it Best, shares insights on how the recent acquisition of True Value is creating new opportunities for members. • Merchandising at Do it Best covers vendor relationships, product selection, promotions, market events, and supply chain management • Co-op model unifies independent retailers into a collective strength that helps them thrive in competitive markets • Fall Market focuses on preparing retailers for spring season with emphasis on lawn, garden, and grilling products • New partnerships with grill manufacturers Broking and Napoleon offer North American-made products with better margins • Power Preview event allows retailers to experience outdoor power equipment and grilling products in action • Marketing services help independent retailers create effective displays and signage for improved customer experience • Combined strength of Do it Best, True Value, and United Hardware creates unprecedented scale for vendor partnerships • Local retailers don't need national advertising—they need targeted strategies to win their specific communities 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    15분
  4. 9월 4일

    Building Better Brands Through Resilience: Lumber King | Sponsored by Do it Best

    Matt Spinks shares his journey from growing up in a family lumber business through the recession's hardships to becoming an award-winning young retailer at Lumber King in Danville, Kentucky. His story demonstrates how personal resilience and strategic innovation can transform traditional building supply businesses for modern consumers. • Growing up in the lumber industry as the son of an 84 Lumber manager • Experiencing the collapse of the family business during the 2008-2010 recession • Developing a leadership philosophy that balances growth with stability • Creating a work environment where employees feel valued rather than managed by fear • Implementing a "Milwaukee Red Zone" strategy that increased inside sales from $10K to $350K • Navigating generational differences in communication and buying preferences • Leveraging strong brand partnerships to drive local store traffic • Building a cohesive company culture within an employee-owned business model • Finding purpose in continuously improving both personally and professionally • Investing in self-development through education and industry resources If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    40분
  5. 9월 2일

    Pet-Friendly Hardware Stores & Big Business Lessons: Peter’s True Value | Sponsored by Do it Best

    Peter, a third-generation hardware store owner, shares how he maintains competitive advantage against big retailers by offering hands-on customer service and creating a pet-friendly environment that Amazon simply can't match. • Third-generation True Value hardware store owner since 1965 • Recently joined Do it Best, gaining better buying power and product variety • Differentiates by walking customers to items and offering personalized help • Creates memorable experiences with pet-friendly stores featuring his golden retriever Winston • Uses branded vehicles as mobile billboards throughout the community • Believes in being visible as the owner rather than hiding in a back office • Follows personal mantras "work harder, dream bigger" and "chase greatness" • Continues pushing forward despite Parkinson's diagnosis • Advises new business owners to put their heart and soul into their work Listen to our future episodes as we continue exploring how to build unmistakable brands in the built world that grow, lead, and last. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    17분
  6. 8월 28일

    Reviving a Small-Town Hardware Store: 3 Sons Hardware | Sponsored by Do it Best Group

    Lori Ables shares the story of how she transformed a nearly empty store into an award-winning True Value hardware destination at 3 Sons Hardware in Minnesota. Her journey from reluctant retailer to passionate hardware store owner showcases the power of listening to customers and creating a family legacy business. • Initially reluctant to enter retail when husband bought first hardware store in Ohio • Purchased Minnesota store in 2022 and completed extensive remodeling with True Value's help • Named business "3 Sons Hardware" with all three sons working in family businesses • Expanded fishing department with live bait and tackle to serve local lakes community • Focuses on listening to customers to adjust product mix for local needs • Leads by example by working alongside employees on all tasks • Balances having experienced retirees and younger employees for knowledge and energy • Successfully navigating the True Value transition to Do it Best ownership • Exploring AI technology for creating store signage and other applications • Working in tandem with family lumberyard business for economies of scale If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    17분
  7. 8월 26일

    Competing as an Independent: Tri County Lumber Company | Sponsored by Do it Best Group

    Dave Ables shares how partnering with co-ops like Do it Best and True Value has enabled his independent lumber and hardware businesses to compete successfully against corporate giants. He discusses innovative strategies including building actual home structures inside his showroom and using technology to document product condition throughout the delivery process. • Purchased and transformed a True Value store in 2022, winning a Beacon Award for best new hardware store • Built realistic home displays inside Tri-County Lumber showroom featuring different siding options and window styles • Developed specialized expertise among staff rather than having everyone know "a little bit about everything" • Created a system to photograph products at multiple stages to eliminate confusion about product damage • Serves as an extension of contractors' sales teams, reducing their workload while improving customer experience • Left corporate logistics career after eight relocations to create stable business opportunities for his three sons • Uses LinkedIn as a powerful marketing and networking tool to share ideas and connect with industry peers • Plans expansion by acquiring underserved rural stores within 100-mile radius of current locations • Emphasizes the importance of preserving the "American dream" of small business ownership Head to gritblueprintcom to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    24분
  8. 8월 21일

    American-Made Products & Marketing Budgets, Randy's Hardware | Sponsored by Do it Best Group

    Randy's Hardware CEO, Christian Herrick, shares how his family business transformed from a single location to four thriving stores while successfully competing against retail giants like Walmart. His journey from part-time employee to chief executive reveals valuable lessons in brand building, marketing innovation, and quality differentiation. • Growing a generational business that can be passed down to future family members • Investing in marketing when others in the industry remain skeptical • Building a successful YouTube channel that brings in customers daily • Surviving and thriving after a Walmart opened nearby through strategic differentiation • Focusing on American-made, premium products with clear quality differences • Leveraging community connections and solving problems beyond just selling products • Working with co-ops like Do it Best to compete effectively against larger retailers • The surprising quality differences between identical model numbers at big box stores versus independent retailers • Advice for industry newcomers: "Think like a manager" and become the person with answers If you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy. 🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel: Stefanie Couch on YouTube 📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint: Sign Up Here ✨ Stay Connected Website: GritBlueprint.com Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint 💼 Follow Stefanie Couch Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com 🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint? Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools. 📅 Book a Call Learn how we can help your business thrive: Schedule a Call

    32분

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The Playbook for Building Unmistakable Brands in the Built WorldYou can be the best in your market and still get passed over by a competitor who simply shows up better and more consistently where their customers are looking. The Grit Blueprint Podcast is where visibility, media, customer experience, and creative brand strategy turn trust into growth in the built world. Hosted by Stefanie Couch, a lifelong building industry expert born and raised in the business, this show explores how companies in building materials, construction, manufacturing, and distribution position themselves to win before the first conversation even starts. You’ll hear from executives, operators, and decision-makers who are rethinking how they show up in the market. You’ll also hear from Stefanie and the Grit Blueprint team as they share the systems, strategy, and content that make good brands impossible to ignore. Every episode turns insight into action. Because in this space, great work alone isn’t enough. You have to be seen, be known, be chosen, and ultimately, become unmistakable. Produced by Grit Media. Powered by Grit Blueprint.

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