Do it Best names Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

FORT WAYNE, IN – Do it Best, the largest US-based, member-owned comprehensive hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative, is pleased to announce Ken Widner as vice president of information technology and chief information officer. 

Widner succeeds John Mergy, vice president of information technology, who is set to retire in January 2025. 

Widner’s extensive experience in IT leadership, retail innovation, and transformative technology initiatives positions him as a key driver of the company’s future growth and operational excellence. Widner’s career is marked by a focus on data and innovation, including leading transformative projects such as Oracle Retail ERP implementations, AI-driven operational enhancements, and pioneering cutting-edge retail and technology solutions during his senior leadership roles at Casey’s, Tailored Brands, and Interstate Batteries. 

“Ken Widner’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental in helping Do it Best continue to innovate and deliver technology solutions that empower our members to succeed,” said Dan Starr, Do it Best CEO. “His proven ability to connect technology with business objectives makes him the ideal leader to guide our IT division into the future.”

A proponent of servant leadership, Widner is known for fostering collaboration and innovation within his teams. In his new role, Widner will focus on leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance member support, and create innovative solutions that help Do it Best members thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

About the Do it Best Group

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world’s largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For more information:

Taylor Feighner, Ferguson Advertising
260.428.1174
taylor@fai2.com