It was announced in April that Christine Hand of Handyman Home Hardware in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Home Hardware Stores Limited. She replaces Jim Schaefer, Sr. of Bradford, Ontario, who served as Chair for the last three years."I am deeply honoured to represent the hardworking and successful dealer-owners of more than 1,080 Home Hardware stores across Canada to help lead and shape this $5 billion company," says Christine Hand. "I’m looking forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and the industry’s best management team as we continue to grow and enhance the strongest program for independent dealers in the industry."
Christine has operated her store since 1988 – taking ownership in 1992 – and has been honoured twice with the Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award as the top Home Hardware store in Canada. She has served on Home Hardware’s national Board since 2003, the Audit and Security Committee from 2004 to 2012 and was Chair of the Committee for the last three years. In addition, Christine is a proud mother of five and serves as Chair of the Fundraising Campaign for Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre.
"Christine is a passionate entrepreneur who demonstrates a high level of business skill and understanding of our industry," says Paul Straus, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited.
Home Hardware operates as a cooperative, meaning that all dealer-owners are shareholders in the company. The Board of Directors includes 15 dealers who are elected by the membership and the Chair who is elected by the Board members.