Toano, Va.-based Lumber Liquidators, the nation's largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring, appointed Sandra C. Whitehouse as senior VP and chief human resources officer.   

Whitehouse, who is expected to begin her new role later this month, will oversee the development and operation of the company's human resources functions, and will report directly to CEO Robert Lynch.   

Friedman’s Home Improvement promoted Barry Friedman, 34, to the position of CEO and president. 

Friedman, who has climbed the company’s ranks for 10 years most recently as VP operations, will take over as CEO, effective immediately. He represents the third-generation of Friedmans to run the family business.   

Indianapolis -- Bob Taylor has a good memory for weather conditions.

Back in March, the Do it Best Corp. CEO flew out of Fort Wayne, Ind., with the thermometer reading 14 degrees. On exactly the same day the year before, traveling to the same business event, the temperature was a balmy 83 degrees.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware reported first-quarter revenues of $923.2 million, up 1.7% from the same quarter in 2012.

Net income of $4.4 million was down from $10.2 million earned in 2012.

Chicago-based True Value Co. reported first-quarter gross billings of $443.3 million, down 0.9% from the same quarter last year.

A nearly non-existent spring in many parts of the country hurt sales. The company also explained gross billings were affected by a decline in lumber and building material vendor direct-ship sales.

"While winter-related product sales exceeded the prior year, the general lack of spring weather this March versus last year was too much to overcome," said Lyle Heidemann, president ad CEO. 

Everybody loves a winner. And there will be plenty on hand for the 29th annual Golden Hammer Awards in Las Vegas May 8.

The breakfast ceremony will honor the best-of-the-best in home improvement, by revealing the Golden Hammer Vendor Award winners in 30 categories