Scott Sommers

#289 | Member since 2001
Hartville, Ohio | 4 locations

Scott grew up in his family’s business with other fourth-generation siblings and cousins. As a child, he wasn’t focused on the home improvement industry per se—he simply aimed to emulate his dad and uncles. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur and run my own business when I grew up,” Scott says. After earning an accounting degree, he briefly handled the company’s taxes and bookwork. When an opening came up in the lumberyard, he grabbed it. “I fell in love with LBM, especially buying lumber. I just loved it,” he says. Scott led that division for seven years and the merchandising division for five years. 

In 2021, Scott stepped into the role of president, recalling, “I went from being an expert in one area to knowing a little bit about all areas. It’s so rewarding.” He’s steadfast in helping make Hartville a great place for his 360 employees to work and for his community to come in and shop. “I also really enjoy being a bit of a consultant in this diverse business. I’m involved in the appliance dealership, the grills, and the lumberyard all in one day. And I get to work with our team on every aspect of the business. This is what excites me each day, and the variety of each challenge is great!”

As part of HRM Enterprises, Hartville Hardware & Lumber’s sprawling, 305,000 sq. ft. flagship location is the largest independent hardware store in the US. An 1,845 sq. ft., standalone house inside showcases all of the hardware, building materials, and design work offered at Hartville. Scott refers to the 200-acre campus as a shopping destination where DIYers and pros come to get help with their projects or make their living. “They shop with us because of our knowledgeable team and their trust in us to offer the right advice and take care of them,” he says.

Scott recalls his family’s decision to join Do it Best more than 20 years ago was an easy one. “Their culture aligned with ours,” he says, “and I’m part of a co-op that treats its team the same way we treat our team. I’m proud to promote and perpetuate our guiding statements and the incredible culture my uncles established. If I can keep that culture going, the rest is easy.” Scott is truly grateful for Do it Best, its members, and others in the industry who’ve helped his business along the way. “Serving on the board allows me to give back to those who’ve lifted us up. When our co-op is strong, our members and the whole industry become stronger.”

At a glance

Area: Northeast Ohio
Store type: Home center, lumberyard
Market: Rural and urban
Core categories: Tools, LBM, John Deere, Carhartt, appliances
Best advice: Excellence finds opportunity. Operate with excellence and opportunities will appear.
Favorite activities outside of work: Boating with my family and traveling with my wife.

Hardware Retailing Top Gun (2023)
The Hardware Connection Best New Store Beacon Award (2013)