EXECUTIVE TEAM
Left to right:

Tim joined Do it Best in 1993 as a retail data processing specialist after starting his career at IBM. He has worked in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in information technology, marketing, and logistics. In 1999, as the logistics director, he co-managed the development and launch of the company’s Warehouse Management System (WMS). He moved into marketing in 2004 as the retail marketing manager and was instrumental in growing member and vendor success with the ADpak advertising program. In 2009, Tim was promoted to vice president of marketing, where he led initiatives in advertising, store design, retail programs, exclusive brand packaging, markets/expos, and the communications activities of the co-op.
In 2014, Tim was promoted to Vice President of Logistics, where he led a team dedicated to providing our thousands of member-owners around the world with highly responsive, agile, and accurate order management, fulfillment, and delivery services from eight strategically located warehouses. In 2024, Tim was named the Senior Vice President of Logistics for True Value. Tim is a graduate of Indiana University-Fort Wayne. He is a graduate of Leadership Fort Wayne and serves on the board for Erin’s House for Grieving Children. He has also served as a board member of F. McConnell & Sons and a member of the Fort Wayne Leadership Forum.

Ty Sordelet was named vice president of logistics at Do it Best in December 2024, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in logistics innovation, supply chain optimization, and operational excellence. Since joining Do it Best in 2022, Ty has been instrumental in streamlining warehouse operations, aiding in the go-live of a complete warehouse management system, and driving process improvements to support member success.
A Distinguished Graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Nuclear Science and Engineering from MIT, Ty combines his technical expertise and strategic vision to deliver exceptional value and growth in every role he undertakes. Sordelet is committed to philanthropic efforts supporting the military and future leaders. He interviews candidates applying to the United States Military Academies and those seeking congressional and senatorial nominations to attend, overseeing efforts across most of northern Indiana.

Ken Widner was named Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer in December 2024, adding 25 years of IT and retail expertise to the Do it Best executive team. Before joining Do it Best, Ken held senior roles at Casey’s, Tailored Brands, and Interstate Batteries, where he led transformative initiatives, including modernizing IT systems, implementing Oracle Retail ERP, and driving innovative retail solutions.
A strong proponent of servant leadership, Ken excels at aligning technology with business goals to drive growth and operational efficiency. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). At Do it Best, Ken is focused on using technology to empower members and enhance their success in an increasingly competitive market.

Russ began his LBM career at a young age when he and his brother purchased and rebuilt their father’s lumber business. Russ has held leadership positions with 84 Lumber and former Builders First Source companies. Most recently, Russ was the CEO of a large independent LBM dealer where he oversaw a dozen locations across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While leading these companies, Russ gained experience in sales, management, purchasing, and operations. In addition, he gained a thorough understanding of the LBM dealer’s perspective.
Russ joined the Do it Best team in 2020 as a Business Development Manager, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the LBM industry. Assuming the role of Vice President of Lumber and Building Materials in 2021, Russ ensures the LBM team is positioned to support member growth by partnering with our dealers to provide the buying programs and services needed for our success. Russ served on the board of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and currently writes a leadership column for LBM Journal.

Nick Talarico brings more than 15 years of experience in sales, consulting, ecommerce, and supply chain management to his role as Chief Operating Officer of Do it Best Group. He oversees companywide operations for Do it Best and True Value, leading initiatives focused on efficiency, profitability, growth, and competitiveness for independent home improvement retailers. Before becoming COO, Nick served as President of Do it Best, helping lead operational priorities and the integration of Do it Best and True Value.

Dan Starr has been the CEO since January 2016. He is only the fifth CEO in the company’s history, which dates back to its founding in 1945. Dan began his career at Do it Best in 2005 as director of human resources and general counsel. He was promoted to vice president of human resources in 2006 and advanced to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2012, gaining extensive experience in leading key operational areas of the business before assuming the top role.
Before joining Do it Best, Dan was a partner at a prominent Midwestern law firm, where he specialized in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and tax matters. During that time, he provided legal counsel to Do it Best, building a deep understanding of the company’s operations and industry. Dan earned his law degree magna cum laude from Indiana University School of Law in 1994. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the continued growth and success of Do it Best.

Gary Furst joined Do it Best in March 2012 as vice president of human resources and general counsel. In his role as vice president of human resources, Gary oversees all human resource programs, including compensation, benefits, employee recruitment, and staff training and development.
As general counsel, he is responsible for all internal and external legal matters. Prior to joining Do it Best, Gary was an attorney at the law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP. He practiced at the firm beginning in 1996 and was a partner from January 2005 until he joined Do it Best. Gary is an active community volunteer, having donated his time and expertise to a number of area nonprofits and causes. In the past, he has served on the boards of Erin’s House for Grieving Children, the Early Childhood Alliance, and the President’s Advisory Council on Excellence (PACE) at Huntington University.

Jason Stofleth was appointed vice president of merchandising in October 2022. In this role, he oversees our hardware products purchasing, global sourcing, inventory control, category management, Alliance partner activities, and pricing teams. He is committed to our members-first, servant-led approach to building growth and adding to the success of our independent business owners.
Jason joined Do it Best in 2018 as a Merchandising divisional manager responsible for plumbing, paint, paint supplies, hardware, building materials, farm & ranch, pet, apparel, and sporting goods. In that role, he led the development of targeted, strategic programs and initiatives to help our member-owners increase their sales and profitability across each department. He earned his MBA from Indiana University. Jason is actively involved with 4-H with his children and serves as an advisory board member. He and his wife also help operate their family farm.

Allison Flatjord was named the vice president of marketing and ecommerce in early 2024. In this role, she leads a world-class marketing and ecommerce team focused not only on increasing online sales but converting those customers to drive more foot traffic to members’ stores. Allison joined Do it Best in 2022 as director of ecommerce. Shortly after she was named vice president of ecommerce where she was centrally involved in developing a winning strategy and state-of-the-art platform to support members’ online competitiveness while also increasing store traffic.
Allison was previously the Chief Marketing, Merchandising, and Digital Officer for a national party supply e-tailer where she actively grew online sales and overhauled their web platform. As Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer for a national clothing and lifestyle brand, she directed the re-platforming of their ecommerce site, doubling sales in just four years. Allison holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School. She’s an active supporter of her twin daughters’ sports activities. She’s also an avid runner, and a member of Chief, an organization promoting women in leadership.

Doug Roth joined Do it Best in 1999 as the company’s internal auditor and served in that role for several years before being promoted to director of financial reporting. He was named the vice president of finance and CFO in 2012.
Doug has instituted a variety of protocols to ensure the financial stability and oversight of the growing co-op, including major initiatives in risk management and financial analysis as well as other areas of risk and potential exposure. He oversees the various responsibilities in general accounting, credit, and treasury. Doug’s extensive background includes experience in banking and public accounting, and he is active in both community and professional organizations.