Rona, Capital Building Supplies in Prince George, has won a national outstanding retailer award for 2010.
Rona captured the Outstanding Community Leader from among about 700 Rona stores across Canada.
Owner Rod Bellmann, who joined Rona in 2008, came from Capital Building Supplies, an award-winning business that served contractors.
"I was always interested in selling the entire house," said Bellman who now sells products and installs them for both contractors and homeowners from his 12,500-square-foot store and 10,000 square-foot warehouse.
"It all comes down to supporting each other. Our customers support our business and we support them with excellent products and services," Bellmann said.
Bellmann is also rooted in the larger community where support includes "helping people who are looking to reclaim their place in society."
As well as supporting community events and sports leagues, he works with the Baldy Hughes Addiction Treatment Centre to provide 90 days of job training for those ready to leave the centre and re-enter the community.
"The program is working incredibly well," said Bellmann, explaining two of the clients are now Roma employees while others have moved on to jobs elsewhere.
"The reason we're a leader in contractor sales in our community is that we're willing to work the hours needed to fulfill special delivery requests," said Bellmann, explaining, he has staff that come in voluntarily - as early as 5:30 a.m. - to ensure orders go out smoothly.
The awards were presented in Toronto Oct. 28 by the trade magazine Hardware Merchandising as part of the annual Hardlines Conference. Winners were selected by an independent panel of industry experts and journalists.
Criteria included customer service, staff training, merchandising, marketing and community involvement.
