120 Reimagined Hardware Heroes - Dave Sanders

In honor of our 120th anniversary, we want to take a moment to highlight some of our hardware heroes, employees of National Hardware. Meet Dave Sanders, National Account Manager, who has been with National for 37 years and counting.

Where are you located and how long have you been with National? 
This is my 37th year with National. I live in Rock Falls, IL today but I was born and raised in Sterling, Il where the Rock River separates the two cities. Every time I cross the bridge and see the old National building it brings back a lot of memories of my beginnings with National.  

How did you start working with National Hardware? 
I was a manager working at a department store and I decided to visit National Manufacturing one day on my day off and asked to fill out an application. Before I left, I ran into somebody I knew and a few minutes later I was being interviewed. I was offered a job for a new position they were creating and started two weeks later. 

Let’s hear about your history with National. 

• I was hired in 1984, where I traveled doing resets to help free up time for the field sales reps. When I wasn’t traveling, I did various jobs supporting sales, manufacturing and distribution. When I first got hired on, I did not want to work in the factory, but I later realized it was the best thing that happened to me - I really learned the ins and outs of builder’s hardware.
• 1986 - 1988, I went into customer service. Taking orders over the phone and supporting the Territory Account Managers.
• In 1988-1990, I was a merchandising coordinator – building POG’s and overseeing all the merchandising POP.
• In 1990-1994, was my first big sales role. I took over the Indiana area as a territory account manager calling on hardware stores and lumber yards. Many customers I called on I still enjoy seeing at the spring and fall markets.
• 1994, I was asked to come back into Sterling to be the Merchandising Manager in the marketing department overseeing merchandising and trade shows until 2009.
• In 2009, I transitioned to a Channel Marketing Manager role supporting the large accounts and stayed in that position until 2011.
• In 2011, I was promoted to National Account Manager for True Value and in 2015, I took over the National Account Manager role for Do it Best. What I love most about working with Do it Best is the people. They care a lot about their employees and their members. It is a strong partnership with their vendors. If they grow, we all grow.

What is the secret to your success?
Be patient, listen to others, take criticism as a learning lesson – everyone is here to help you. National has always cared about their employees. There’s a lot of dedicated people in the organization that take the time to work with you and help you grow. My family is also a huge part of my success. Luckily for me, everyone is still near Sterling. My family and the people I’ve come across at National over the years having the trust and support has really helped me succeed. 

Last question, what is your favorite National Hardware product?
Can’t go wrong with our Classic hinge – the 512. Learn more about it here: https://www.national-hardware.com/detail/512-door-hinges-n176-644

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About National Hardware

Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) is a major manufacturer and supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and plumbing with a portfolio of renowned brands, including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Stanley®, Pfister® and EZSET®. HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings. HHI is a leader in its key markets with #1 positions in U.S. residential locksets (Kwikset), Canada residential locksets (Weiser), U.S. luxury locksets (Baldwin), and U.S. builder’s hardware (National Hardware), and #3 in U.S. retail plumbing (Pfister). Headquartered in Orange County, California, HHI has a global sales force and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia. To learn more about National Hardware, visit https://www.national-hardware.com.