Do it Best announces executive leadership changes

Fort Wayne-based Do it Best Corp. has announced the retirement of one of its senior executives and the promotion of three others. The company’s executive vice president of operations, Steve Markley, will retire at the end of October after nearly 40 years in the industry.

Dent Johnson will take over as executive vice president of operations, and Nick Talarico will serve as executive vice president of sales and marketing. The company has also promoted Jason Stofleth to the role of vice president of merchandising.

Markley first worked in the company’s Fort Wayne warehouse, returning after college in the mid-80’s and serving in a variety of roles, including the development of the company’s global sourcing and export capabilities. Markley served as divisional merchandise manager before he was named VP of merchandising in 2007.

“Do it Best and our members have been on a tremendous growth path over the last five years,” said Chief Executive Officer Dan Starr. “Much of our success in supporting and driving that growth has come from the execution of the key initiatives Steve has led. Our member program offerings and core systems across the company are much stronger today — and will be even stronger tomorrow — thanks to his leadership.”

Do it Best says Johnson and Talarico will continue to carry out Markley’s work as executive vice presidents, enabling the company to grow its customer base and the infrastructure to support them.

In his new role, Johnson will lead the company’s IT, logistics, and merchandising divisions. He joined Do it Best in 2018, leading program development, vendor negotiations, promotional opportunities and supply chain enhancements. Prior to his work at Do it Best, he spent 20 years serving in senior roles with Michelin Tire Corp.

Talarico most recently served as VP of e-commerce, and the company says he will continue in that role while also leading the sales and marketing divisions. Talarico joined the company in 2009 as manager of internal audit and was promoted to divisional manager of merchandising in 2014 and later to VP of sales and business development.

“The alignment of our teams to execute on our member growth initiatives has never been stronger,” said Talarico. “Our members are eager to build on the opportunities to expand their current businesses and acquire others, fueled by the support we can provide through highly effective marketing and sales strategies. I’m excited to be a part of that growth.”

The company says Stofleth’s background includes extensive business and leadership experience, as well as several leadership roles at Michelin Tire Corp. He has served as Do it Best’s merchandising divisional manager since 2018.