An open letter to True Value Associates

True Value’s Fall Reunion is behind us, but for me, the emotion will not fade quickly. I would like to publicly thank the hundreds of associates and vendors that made this Reunion the best-ever.

As I said in our pre-show kick off meeting, this Reunion was a pivotal time for us - one that really mattered in how quickly we could get the dust to settle in our new model and how fast we could accelerate on our path forward.

On Sunday morning, I was walking the floor thanking each of our vendor partners and associates for all their hard work. A member walked up and placed a small piece of paper in my hand and simply said - read this later. I didn't know what to think of it as she quickly walked away, so I did what you might - I read it right then and there.

Before I even started to read the note, however, the final day of Reunion already had me feeling exceedingly proud as there was absolutely no mistaking the atmosphere in Denver. The collective efforts of our teams – from set up through the show close and everything in between, shattered expectations and created a never-before-seen-or-felt atmosphere of excitement and positive energy.

And the comments from the retailers were unbelievably similar and consistent:

“I have never been treated so well at a Market (Reunion), everyone wanted to help me.”

“The excitement of the associates is infectious.”

“I was talking with a whole group of other members after the General Session and we are all feeling so positively about the future.”

“Thanks for a great Reunion! Things felt fantastic. I have to say that the True Value staff is great right now. Very engaged and looking for solutions. I cannot wait for the future. I believe it is very bright.”

So, with that as a backdrop, I opened that little, hand written note up right there next to aisle 1400. Honestly, I was overcome with emotion. Our member took the time to call out the amazing associates that helped them through a year of transition and made them feel not only comfortable with the changes but proud to be a True Value member. 

The recognition of our team and our members’ pride in being affiliated with True Value just hit me like a ton of bricks. The True Value team created hundreds if not thousands of Type 1 Experiences!

I am humbled by the power of what we can do together when we live in a culture of accountability! I am also sincerely grateful for the way you embrace our culture shifts and for what you do every day. "Thank you" doesn’t even touch it.

As we turn our attention back to the day-to-day, every member and customer interaction is yet another opportunity for us to build on the power and momentum you have generated by creating such an experience in Denver. 

As proud as those members are of being affiliated with True Value, I am of calling you my colleagues. 

You have made True Value Future Ready!