On November 21st, Michael McLarney, Founder & President of Hardlines and Managing Director, Canada for the North American Hardware & Paint Association, and Bill Morrison, Past President of TruServ Canada and Ace Canada, were inducted into the Canadian Hardware & Housewares Industry Hall of Fame during a luncheon held during the CHPTA & COPA Fall Conference at the Richmond Hill Country Club.
The Canadian Hardware & Housewares Industry Hall of Fame was established in 1984 to recognize the achievements of our industry’s leaders and pioneers. The CHPTA is honoured to serve as the custodian of the Hall. Since that time, seventy-seven industry icons, inventors, business founders and builders from the retail, manufacturing and media sectors have received the honour.
To view the entire list of those previously inducted into the Hall of Fame, or the criteria to nominate someone for next year’s award, please visit https://chpta.ca/about-chpta/hall-of-fame/.
Michael McLarney
Introducing Michael McLarney during the Inductions Ceremony was David Chestnut, VP & Publisher at Hardlines Inc., who has known Michael since their days working at Hardware Merchandising Magazine.David recounted his concern when Michael decided to start up the fax Hardlines newsletter out of his home basement in midtown Toronto, which he soon called the “World Headquarters” of Hardlines.
Yet, almost 30 years later, Michael’s decision has proven to be a big success with not only the Hardlines weekly newsletter, but Michael has gone on to introduce 4-5 other related Hardlines publications, the Annual Hardlines Conference, the Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORA’s), a podcast and Hardlines TV. David noted that “Michael’s love for the industry is never in doubt.”
Michael McLarney (center) is pictured receiving his Hall of Fame Award from David Chestnut (left) and CHPTA President Sam Moncada (right).
Michael McLarney giving his acceptance speech.
During his acceptance speech, Michael McLarney touched upon the humble beginnings of Hardlines but since the beginning it has been about the people in the industry and the telling their stories. He named several individuals who helped him in the early days grow Hardlines into what it is today including David Chestnut, Richard Simms, Vaughn Crofford, Walter J. Hachborn, Barrie Sali, Bernie Owens, Leon Lapidus, Steve Buckle, Bill Wilson and fellow inductee Bill Morrison.
He also thanked his first partner in the business Beverly Allen for her major involvement. He acknowledged that since David Chestnut joined Hardlines in 2016, he has helped take the business to a new level. Also, on hand to share the ceremony with Michael was his wife Cathy, son Geoff and another talented member of the Hardlines team Digital Editor Sarah McGoldrick.
Michael concluded that he has enjoyed all the years in the industry attending trade shows and other industry functions, as well as their own Hardlines social and business events. It has been a pleasure seeing and reporting on the growth and innovation experienced in the home improvement industry and the many people who are part of it.
Bill Morrison
Introducing Bill Morrison was Richard Hill who worked with Bill when they were at Lowe’s Canada managing the Ace Canada banner.
Richard remarked that Bill has many fine characteristics but commented in particular on his ability to lead with integrity and inspire as well as mentor people.
Richard added that Bill also showed an ability to navigate difficult business challenges and he never saw him lose his temper.
Richard said that Bill always takes the time to talk to people and ask his team if there was anything he could do to help them. You can always learn from Bill.
Bill Morrison (center) is pictured receiving his Hall of Fame Award from Richard Hill (left) and CHPTA President Sam Moncada (right).
(Bill Morrison giving his acceptance speech.
In accepting his Hall of Fame honour, Bill said he was deeply honoured to join such a group of tremendous Canadian leaders. Throughout his career Bill has learned how much vendors mean to retailers and how both sides have contributed to great growth, product innovation and job creation.
Bill mentioned several mentors who guided his education and understanding of home products including George Heller, Pierre Leveque, Paul Strauss, Robert Dutton, Mario Pilozzi and Leon Lapidus.
Bill pointed out that what those in the audience and industry do is hard – “We compete not only with each other but with every choice Canadians have for spending. But what we do is important and together we impact the most important part of Canadians’ lives – their homes. We help Canadians live better.”
We once again congratulate Michael McLarney & Bill Morrison for their induction to the Canadian Hardware & Housewares Industry Hall of Fame.
