The NATM’s Leadership Dinner commenced with a warm welcome from John Riddle, Head of the National Alliance of Trade Merchants (NATM). “If by some strange chance, I haven’t met you this week, I’m John Riddle with NATM,” he began, setting an inclusive tone for the evening. Drawing a parallel between global celebrations in Paris and the gathering of NATM’s top retailers, he added, “We should celebrate here as well because we have the best retailers in the world at NATM.”
Riddle emphasized the core values of NATM—character, integrity, and transparency in partnerships. He spoke about the industry’s interconnected nature, where maintaining these values is crucial. “In all the industries in the world, they are actually really small. It’s very difficult to escape if you’re in an industry for any amount of time,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of lasting relationships.
Riddle expressed deep appreciation for the attendees, many of whom faced travel disruptions. He acknowledged the challenges that led to 37 or 38 individuals being unable to attend. “Despite the difficulties, it’s clear that the NATM community’s dedication remains strong,” Riddle shared, highlighting the commitment of those present.
Shifting to the main points of his presentation, Riddle discussed the strategic focus areas he has pursued since taking on his role last spring. These include enhancing collaboration within the organization and leveraging data to drive business decisions. “At NATM, we’re focused on working collaboratively and innovating around data and dashboard reporting to better serve our vendor partners,” he said, emphasizing the importance of trust and transparency.
Riddle also highlighted NATM’s commitment to its members, the strength of vendor partnerships, and the goal of growing NATM to a national account-sized business. “There’s no way we can win in the marketplace at retail without your support,” he stated, calling for continued collaboration and shared success.
Following Riddle’s remarks, Don Wilson, Director of Home Appliances and Luxury Products at NATM, took the stage. A veteran of the industry, Wilson offered a unique perspective on the evolution of the appliance industry, blending nostalgia with sharp insights. He began with a humorous note, addressing the teasing he received over his outdated headshot, which he noted had been in use since his early days with Whirlpool.
Wilson echoed Riddle’s sentiments about the importance of people in the industry, stating, “This is a people business, right? Nothing happens without us.” He praised the collaboration between vendors and NATM members, which has been critical in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of the appliance market.
Taking the audience on a trip down memory lane, Wilson recounted the significant shifts in the industry from the 1980s to the present. He recalled a time when the market was dominated by replacement sales, with minimal promotional activity and straightforward pricing strategies. “Back in the ’80s, promotional activities were sparse. There were no complex pricing maps, just straightforward margin targets and occasional private sales,” he said.
Wilson contrasted the past with today’s aggressive house events and digital marketing strategies, noting the intense competition among major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Costco. “Today, we see national retailers running six to seven house events annually, a stark contrast to the past,” he remarked.
Expressing concern over the pressure to maintain margins in an increasingly aggressive promotional environment, Wilson emphasized the need for collaboration between OEMs and NATM members. He underscored the importance of maintaining a high-quality customer experience, which he described as the cornerstone of NATM members’ success. “Our members have grown by taking care of the customer,” Wilson stated, stressing the need for continuous training and innovation.
Wilson concluded by calling for continued collaboration between manufacturers and NATM members, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in driving traffic, enhancing the customer experience, and boosting sales. “Working together will continue to drive people into NATM members’ stores, ensuring they receive a good customer experience and helping to maintain strong sales performance,” he said.
The evening’s program also featured a keynote speech from Nora Gomez, Chief Merchandising Officer of Nebraska Furniture Mart, whom Riddle praised as a leader in the industry. “Nora represents the future of our industry,” he noted, setting the stage for an insightful and inspiring address.
Gomez’s speech was a powerful blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on partnerships, the female economy, and women in leadership. She began with lighthearted jokes, expressing gratitude for being the first woman to speak at the NATM event. She shared her journey from the fashion industry to her current role at Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), highlighting the significance of collaboration, honesty, integrity, and customer loyalty.
Gomez shared eye-opening statistics about the “Sheconomy,” noting that women control or influence 85% of consumer spending, with the female economy worth over $20 trillion and growing. Despite their significant contributions, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. She urged companies to consider the benefits of having more women at the top.
In her closing remarks, Gomez encouraged gender bias training, sustainable work models, succession planning, and mentoring programs. She ended on a hopeful note, envisioning a future where there are no “female leaders”—only leaders. Her speech left the audience with much to consider about the role of women in the industry and the importance of strong partnerships.
The NATM’s Leadership Dinner not only celebrated the achievements and commitment of its members but also underscored the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking in the industry. Through inspiring speeches from John Riddle, Don Wilson, and Nora Gomez, the evening highlighted the shared values of excellence, integrity, and innovation that drive NATM’s success. As the event concluded, it was clear that the strength of NATM lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead, setting a positive trajectory for the future. The collective insights and experiences shared reinforced the commitment to fostering strong partnerships and driving continued growth, ensuring that NATM remains at the forefront of the industry.
See also: Navigating Market Challenges And Driving Growth: Insights From John Riddle, Head Of NATM
