The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) recently announced the winners of its annual Young Retailer of the Year awards. Out of the six retailers honored this year, two of them were Do it Best Corp. members.

Merritt Morris, manager of the Imperial Do it center® in Brawley, CA, won in the Multiple Stores category. Since joining the three-store chain as a salesperson in 1995, Merritt’s abilities have earned him promotions through the ranks to his current position as manager of Imperial’s second-largest store in Brawley.

“I didn’t think I would win, so it was kind of shocking when the NRHA called and told me I won,” said Merritt. “I’m really thrilled. It’s hard to put into words. To get to where I’m at now and be recognized like this is a great honor. It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s a good feeling.”

Watch Merritt's introduction video from the awards ceremony.

James Cabirac, previously won the Young Retailer of the Year award in 2001 when he became owner of Kief Hardware. He was also the youngest to ever win the award. Now, he has expanded to three locations and broke ground on a fourth. The NRHA felt his achievements were too impressive to ignore, so they created a brand new category in which to honor James: the Alumni Achievement Award. This new category is for past winners who are still 35 years or younger, but have achieved significant accomplishments since they won. Since James is the first to be honored with this award, he is now the standard by which all other honorees in this category will be measured.

“Being the first person to win twice is amazing,” James said. “It really is a big honor. It feels good to have someone notice all of your hard work. There are so many great members with Do it Best Corp. that I was just happy to be nominated.”

Watch James' introduction video from the awards ceremony.

Do it Best Corp. congratulates Merritt and James on their accomplishments and winning this award. They are both great examples of the hard work and determination displayed by all Do it Best Corp. members.

About the Young Retailer of the Year awards

Perpetuation at the retail level has long been a concern in our industry. This program recognizes the young hardware/home improvement retailers who represent tomorrow’s future. The NRHA accepts nominations every spring for nominees who are role models to other aspiring young retailers and demonstrate potential for a promising career in the industry based on their dedication, positive attitude, and job performance.

Nominees are judged on career achievements, community involvement, and hardware education and training. Honorees must be 35 years of age or younger to qualify. Since 1997, the NRHA has honored a 78 retailers (including the 6 winners from this year) with this prestigious award.

About Do it Best Corp.

Based in Fort Wayne, Ind., Do it Best Corp. is the only full-service, U.S.-based, member-owned hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of $3 billion, Do it Best Corp. is the second largest co-op in the industry, serving 4,100 member-retailers in the United States and in 45 foreign countries.