In late July 2004 as the UBC/Wickes deal officially closed in Marion,hopes were beginning to ride higher at the prospect of getting the transfusion of UBC support received by colleagues such as Rudolf in the 2002 acquisition. Sherron was busy getting rid of the last of his Wickes business cards still lingering in the back of his desk drawer, salespeople were working builders on the phone, and wiring was being prepared for an updated POS computer system.
“We’re really looking forward to the change,” Sherron says. “UBC has been very good with the transition, already investing money into our location, meeting with managers, efficiently installing and overhauling systems, and talking with our employees to explain changes and answer questions. We just went to a manager’s presentation, and UBC reminds me of the Wickes of 15 years ago, lean and focused directly on the contractor market, with the [corporate] marketing and administrative support to make those efforts succeed.”
In parallel, Marion itself is starting to come around, with new jobs at Martin Transportation Systems, AMCAST Automotive, and telecom company Lenoco Technologies promising a more home building–friendly county for the newly anointed UBC yard to feed from. And as employees at the Marion location continue to adjust in the coming months, Rudolf offers some final advice: “They should feel very fortunate that the company that just acquired them is so strong and that their future in the industry is much better than it was a few days prior [to the acquisition],” he says. “Don’t look for the flaws or look for ways to buck what they want to do. Jump in and become a partner in the business and your business will flourish.”
Rowling, for one, is already on board, and her initial apprehension is fading fast. “I guess most of the anticipation now just comes from learning anew,” she says. “But we finally have some new energy and vitality.” Eager to dispel the naysayers of Wickes’ past, Rowling embraces an attitude to make any pro dealer involved in consolidation smile. “Just show me how you do things,” she says, “so I can start running.”
