Leadership Overview
Do it Best has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, information technology, and regional business management.
Committed to member-owned success, Do it Best empowers independent hardware and building material retailers through a fully integrated cooperative model that drives industry-wide growth and supply chain efficiency.
Committed to member-owned success, Do it Best empowers independent hardware and building material retailers through a fully integrated cooperative model that drives industry-wide growth and supply chain efficiency.
Leadership Roles at Do it Best
Mike McClelland - President & Chief Executive Officer
Mike McClelland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Do it Best, directs the overarching strategic vision for the member-owned cooperative. McClelland manages the alignment of corporate objectives with the needs of independent hardware and building material retailers across the United States. By overseeing long-term growth initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the cooperative maintains a competitive edge in the home improvement market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine business models and enhance member value. Through the optimization of supply chain logistics and procurement strategies, Mike McClelland drives operational excellence across the entire organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable expansion, ensuring the cooperative remains the premier partner for independent retailers seeking robust support and market-leading resources in a complex, evolving retail landscape.
John Rew - Chief Financial Officer
John Rew, the Chief Financial Officer at Do it Best, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the cooperative. Rew oversees financial reporting, risk management, and investment planning to ensure the long-term stability of the member-owned model. By analyzing market trends in the hardware and building materials sector, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical data to support executive decision-making. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Through the implementation of rigorous budgetary controls, John Rew secures the resources necessary for operational scaling and infrastructure investment. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial transparency, enabling the cooperative to deliver consistent value to members while navigating the complexities of the North American home improvement market. Rew ensures that all fiscal policies support the broader mission of member-owned success and sustainable organizational growth.
Nicholas (Nick) Talarico - Chief Operating Officer
Nicholas (Nick) Talarico, the Chief Operating Officer at Do it Best, directs the daily execution of business operations and supply chain logistics. Talarico oversees the integration of procurement and distribution networks to ensure member retailers receive timely access to essential hardware and building materials. By optimizing warehouse efficiency and inventory management, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational performance across the entire cooperative. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to streamline service delivery and enhance the member experience. Through the implementation of advanced logistics technology, Nicholas (Nick) Talarico ensures that the cooperative maintains a high standard of reliability in the competitive home improvement industry. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on scaling internal processes to meet the evolving demands of independent retailers, ensuring that operational workflows remain agile, cost-effective, and fully aligned with the strategic goals of the organization.

Ed Pfeifer - President
Ed Pfeifer, the President at Do it Best, directs the specialized business units focused on lumber and building materials. Pfeifer oversees the procurement strategies and market development for these core product categories, ensuring that member retailers maintain a competitive inventory. By managing relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers, the President drives the availability of high-quality materials across the cooperative network. This leadership role involves analyzing regional market demands to tailor product offerings and support the growth of independent lumber yards. Through the execution of targeted sales strategies, Ed Pfeifer ensures that the cooperative remains a dominant force in the building materials sector. The President focuses on maximizing the value of the member-owned model by providing specialized expertise and resources that help retailers succeed in their local markets, ultimately strengthening the overall market position of the entire organization.
Fred Amerson - President
Fred Amerson, the President at Do it Best, directs the strategic initiatives for hardware retail operations and store development. Amerson oversees the programs designed to assist independent retailers with store layout, merchandising, and consumer engagement strategies. By analyzing retail trends and consumer behavior, the President drives the development of innovative store concepts that enhance the shopping experience. This leadership role involves working closely with member retailers to implement effective marketing and sales programs that increase foot traffic and revenue. Through the management of retail support services, Fred Amerson ensures that members have the tools and knowledge to compete effectively in the home improvement market. The President focuses on fostering a culture of retail excellence, providing the guidance and resources necessary for independent businesses to thrive while maintaining the unique identity of their local operations.
Patricia Alessandra - President
Patricia Alessandra, the President at Do it Best, directs the strategic expansion and member services division. Alessandra oversees the recruitment of new members and the retention of existing retailers, ensuring the cooperative continues to grow its footprint in the home improvement industry. By managing the onboarding process and ongoing support programs, the President drives member satisfaction and engagement. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and developing service offerings that address the specific needs of independent retailers. Through the execution of comprehensive member outreach strategies, Patricia Alessandra ensures that the cooperative remains a vital partner for businesses across diverse regions. The President focuses on building strong, collaborative relationships with members, providing the necessary support to help them navigate industry challenges and achieve long-term success within the cooperative framework, ultimately strengthening the collective power of the entire organization.
Ken Widner - Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Ken Widner, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Do it Best, architects the digital infrastructure and technology roadmap for the cooperative. Widner oversees the development of enterprise software, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics platforms that support member retailers. By driving digital transformation initiatives, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the cooperative leverages technology to improve supply chain visibility and retail efficiency. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to integrate IT solutions into core business processes. Through the management of robust network systems, Ken Widner secures the digital assets of the organization while enabling seamless communication across the member network. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer focuses on modernizing technical capabilities to keep the cooperative at the forefront of the home improvement industry, ensuring that all digital tools provide tangible value to independent business owners.
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