Two Do it Best Corp. members were each recently named one of the home improvement industry’s eight Young Retailers of the Year by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA).

Justin Dubois, general manager of Quigley’s Building Supply in Fort Kent, Maine, won in the Over $2 Million Sales category, and Chris Hughes, owner of Hardware Plus in Osceola, Indiana, won in the Under $2 Million Sales category. Each were selected as one of the industry’s brightest young prospects in the national recognition program that honors outstanding achievement by home improvement retailers age 35 and younger throughout the United States and Canada.

Justin Dubois started working at Quigley’s Building Supply when he was just 19. While juggling the demands of a full-time college student, he worked 40 hours a week at the store. In 2003, he became IT manager and led the initiative to install the store’s first computer system.

In 2007 Dubois took over as general manager of the business after the untimely death of his father-in-law, who was also his mentor. Overnight, he went from the store’s youngest employee to general manager. He immediately took over day-to-day operations and made sure things at the store carried on as usual. But at the same time, during the past three years he has made many improvements that have further established the store as a retail powerhouse in the region.

Through his leadership and dedication to constant improvement, Dubois increased sales 21% in 2008, and in 2009, sales increased by an additional 21.5%. This year, the store won the “Longevity and Heritage Award,” presented by the local chamber of commerce.

To promote the industry and profession he loves, Dubois serves on the advisory board for the St. John Valley Technical Center, a technical school for area high school students. He gives presentation and explains all the different opportunities that students have in the building materials industry. The store also recently donated about $1,500 worth of tools to the school.

Chris Hughes started working at Hardware Plus at the age of 15. He worked several other jobs on the side but always managed to keep a full schedule at the store – even while attending college. After graduating college, he decided to continue his career with the store. In 1998 Hughes was put in charge of the extensive renovation of the store, which included remodeling and remerchandising the entire store. With the extra space, Hughes  added 3,000 items to inventory. The combination of a good looking store with a great product mix helped deliver a 20% sales increase the year after the remodel.

In 2008, Hughes assumed full ownership responsibilities for the same store, and he continues to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the community. While his first two years of ownership came during the economic downturn, Hughes took the initiative to flex his entrepreneurial muscles to help drive sales. He started a lawn fertilizing service which today includes about 160 accounts. During the winter months, the store runs a snow plowing service. He also took the initiative to put a greenhouse in front of the store during spring and summer months to sell live goods. As a result, lawn and garden sales have increased by nearly 15%.

Last year, the South Bend Tribune named Hughes to their “Forty Under 40” list, which recognizes young business leaders who are models of success in the community.

Nominees for the Young Retailer of the Year award must be 35 years of age or younger and are judged for their career advancement, professional accomplishments, goals for the future, education, and community involvement. Honorees will be special guests at NRHA’s 2010 National Convention July 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, GA, where they will be recognized at a banquet in their honor.

From everyone at Do it Best Corp., we congratulate Justin and Chris on this great honor.