Fort Wayne, Ind.—Do it Best Corp. today announced that Steve Markley has been named vice president of merchandising.

Markley, who is currently the co-op’s division merchandise manager for the home/hardware, electrical, export and commercial/industrial departments, has been with the company for the past nine years. In addition to overseeing these departments, he was responsible for the creation of the global sourcing division. Under Steve’s leadership, the Do it Best Global Sourcing Program has grown significantly and last year, two buying offices in mainland China and Hong Kong were opened. He replaces Jay Brown, who recently assumed the role of vice president of retail development.

Markley brings more than 24 years of industry experience to his new position, beginning in what used to be the company’s warehouse distribution center in Fort Wayne, where he was employed during the summer months.  He returned to the company in the mid-80s, and then moved on to work in the vendor community and also served as a manufacturer’s representative. Markley returned to Do it Best Corp. in 1998. 

“From product knowledge and marketing to forecasting and distribution, Steve has the experience required and the drive to further refine our strategy of providing members with a wide range of merchandising opportunities to help them be more successful,” said Bob Taylor, Do it Best Corp. president and CEO. “His exposure to Do it Best Corp. goes back a long way and it’s nice to have another person on our leadership team with that history. I look forward to what he will bring to the position. ”

Markley and his family reside in Fort Wayne. He served on the Fort Wayne Community Schools Study Connection Advisory Board for four years, has held many leadership positions at his church, and has coached several youth sports teams.

Based in Fort Wayne, Ind., Do it Best Corp. is the only 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.