True Value

​​​​​True Value has a proud heritage of supporting the growth and success of independent retailers—it’s how we started, how we operate now and how we see the future. In an age of retail chains and big boxes, we understand that both retail and wholesale customers still value quality products, exceptional service and expert advice. This is the foundation of our business.

After seven decades working with independent hardware retailers, today’s True Value is not only a stalwart of the industry, but also has the experience, the relationships, and most importantly the network of independent stores to ensure a long and bright future for the business.In 1948, John Cotter founded Cotter & Company, a retailer-owned company that included 25 independently-owned and operated stores. With the purchase of Hibbard, Spencer and Bartlett in 1963, Cotter not only acquired the company, but also the True Value trademark—a long-standing brand and presence since 1932.

The business has continued to grow and evolve ever since, with a firm focus on supporting growth and profitability for independent hardware retailers.

TIMELINE

•   1916
  

  True Value's founder, John Cotter starts a neighborhood hardware store at age 12

  
  
•   1948
  

  Cotter & Company founded with 25 member stores

  
  
•   1963
  

  Cotter buys Hibbard, Spencer and Bartlett, acquires True Value trademark—an established brand since 1932

  
  
•   1997
  

  Servistar Coast to Coast merges with Cotter & Company—now one of the industry’s largest dealer-owned buying groups

  
  
•   2018
  

  ACON Investments acquires 70% stake in True Value, releasing over $230M back to co-op shareholders

  
  
•   Today
  
  • Over 4,000 customers in 60+ countries
  • Retail sales in their communities over $10 billion
  • More than 2,500 True Value Associates
  • Two annual Reunions (buying shows), seminars and promotions
  • A strategic plan for aggressive growth
  
  

We share True Value's passion for helping to ensure that the independent hardware retailer thrives for decades to come, even as times change and the competition gets tougher.

Aron Schwartz | Managing Partner, ACON

Today True Value Company, under the leadership of CEO Chris Kempa, is one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers with a globally recognized brand providing its customers in over 60 countries an expansive product set with market-customized assortments at highly competitive prices, superior product availability, innovative marketing programs and a la carte value-added services like local e-commerce, store remodel support and True Value University all within a flexible model which requires no membership.

Committed to long-term sustained growth and success, True Value serves more than 4,500 stores worldwide with retail sales in their communities, totaling about $10 billion, with 13 regional distribution centers and approximately 2,500 True Value Associates.

True Value believes healthy and happy associates are key to making us an even more successful company. That's why True Value provides so many ways to help you be your healthiest self, physically, emotionally and financially.

We provide a medical program that comes with the opportunity for discounts including an Employer funded HSA Plan, tools like the Virgin Pulse Wellbeing Program, with healthy recipes, fitness goals tracking and more, plus an employee assistance program (EAP) with free resources for hundreds of everyday work and life issues. These are all part of a comprehensive benefits package that offers total well-being support.

• Medical Care, including Prescription Coverage
• Well-being Program
• Dental Care
• Vision Care
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Healthcare and/or Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-Term Disability *
• Long-Term Disability (Basic* and Supplemental)
• Life Insurance (Basic* and Supplemental)
• AD&D Insurance (Basic* and Supplemental)
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Legal Services Plan
• Business Travel Accident Insurance*
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Workplace Banking Benefits

Our associates are True our greatest asset. They're at the core of our recognized brand and exemplify what our name is all about. As our company continues to move forward, we're focused on attracting and retaining the best and brightest - with benefits to help manage personal and work responsibilities.

• Wholesale Prices on Merchandise (House Orders)
• Volunteerism Opportunities
• Access to Leadership
• Paid Vacation, Holidays and Personal Days
• Employee Appreciation and Events
• Adoption Assistance
• Alternative Work Options

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT

True Value Company is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex/gender (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected legal status, under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.

Our company also gives back to the communities in which we live and work. True Value Foundation is focusing its primary efforts on underserved youth and improving the lives of children, with an emphasis on education and community vitality.

Funds raised and donated products and services support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Painting a Brighter Future and Habitat for Humanity.

Through year-round volunteerism, True Value Company employees give back to the community with mentorship and service to the Boys & Girls Clubs and United Way agencies.

A PARTNERSHIP IN PHILANTHROPY

A partnership with True Value’s generous suppliers provides the primary funding for True Value Foundation. Every spring, the True Value Charity Golf Classic brings these companies together in the spirit of helping disadvantaged kids succeed.

True Value guides its retailers by providing solid direction and programs proven to increase their retail sales. Our people are True Value's greatest asset. They're at the core of our brand and exemplify what our name is all about. With experienced leadership in place, profitable retail growth drives the entire organization. It's why we're in a solid position to help our customers achieve success and deliver a competitive advantage to all independent hardware retailers.

Management Team