Hardware's New Capital: Why One City is Uniting an Entire Industry

FORT WAYNE, IN – July 01, 2026 – In a move that redraws the map of American retail, Do it Best Group has declared Fort Wayne, Indiana, the new world headquarters for the iconic True Value brand. This is far more than a corporate relocation; it is the deliberate creation of a global center of gravity for the independent home improvement industry, consolidating two of its biggest names under one roof. The decision, announced today alongside Indiana Governor Mike Braun, marks the next chapter in Do it Best Group’s ambitious integration of True Value, which it acquired out of bankruptcy in late 2024. By anchoring both brands in Fort Wayne, the company is making a calculated play to rewrite the rules of competition and secure the future of the independent hardware store.

A Unified Front Against the Titans

The strategic rationale behind this consolidation extends far beyond geographic convenience. It represents a fundamental restructuring designed to fortify the independent sector against the immense market power of big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's. Since acquiring True Value for $200 million, Do it Best Group has focused on stabilizing its new subsidiary. This headquarters alignment is the next logical step, moving from stabilization to strategic integration.

“Do it Best Group has always believed in the power of independent business owners and that commitment is at the center of this decision,” said CEO Dan Starr. He framed the move as essential for creating the “leadership structure, operational focus, and shared momentum” needed to support the combined network of thousands of store owners.

By uniting the leadership and core operations of both Do it Best and True Value, the parent company aims to unlock significant efficiencies. The vision is to build a more powerful cooperative network, leveraging the combined purchasing power of a nearly $6 billion enterprise to secure better pricing from vendors. This amplified buying power is a critical advantage that can be passed down to member stores, allowing them to compete more effectively on price and product availability. The integration also promises a more streamlined supply chain and a unified platform for innovation, particularly in digital technology. The company has already invested over $100 million in upgrading its core systems—from ERP to e-commerce—to create a more efficient and data-driven ecosystem for its members.

For the thousands of True Value retailers who navigated the uncertainty of their brand’s 2024 bankruptcy, this move signals a new era of stability and support. To ensure a smooth transition, True Value will continue to operate as a separate subsidiary under the Do it Best Group umbrella. This structure is designed to preserve the unique identity of the True Value brand while providing its retailers access to the enhanced programs, financial strength, and robust support network of the larger cooperative.

The Fort Wayne Fulcrum

The choice of Fort Wayne is as strategic as the consolidation itself. The city is not merely the incumbent headquarters for Do it Best; it is home to Electric Works, the sprawling innovation district that serves as a powerful symbol of post-industrial revitalization. Once a massive, dormant General Electric campus, Electric Works has been reborn through a $286 million public-private partnership into a vibrant hub for technology, education, and commerce.

Do it Best Group was the project's anchor tenant, and its decision to bring True Value into the fold further cements Electric Works as a cornerstone of the region's economy. The district already boasts 1,000 jobs created since its first phase opened and is projected to generate an annual economic impact of $375 million. The addition of True Value’s global headquarters will amplify this effect, solidifying Fort Wayne’s reputation as a city where major companies can thrive.

State and local leaders were quick to celebrate the announcement as a major economic victory. “Do it Best Group’s decision to establish Fort Wayne as the official world headquarters of True Value demonstrates that Indiana is a place where companies can grow, lead, and compete on a national and international stage,” stated Governor Mike Braun. His comments underscore the broader narrative of Indiana positioning itself as a competitive business hub.

Mayor Sharon Tucker echoed this sentiment, noting that the move “builds on that momentum and further establishes Fort Wayne as a city where major companies can lead, innovate, and make an impact far beyond our region.” The headquarters consolidation is a testament to the success of long-term economic development strategies centered on revitalizing urban cores and attracting corporate anchors.

True Value's Next Chapter

For the True Value brand, a staple of American retail for decades, the move from its historic home in Chicago to Fort Wayne marks the beginning of a new chapter. The integration is being carefully managed to maintain brand identity while leveraging the parent company’s strengths. A new leadership team has been appointed, with Dent Johnson as President of True Value, tasked with guiding the brand through this transition.

The physical proximity of the leadership teams at Electric Works is seen as crucial for fostering collaboration and accelerating decision-making. In a heavily team-based environment, having key personnel in one location is expected to drive innovation and create a more cohesive corporate culture. The focus is on building a shared future where both Do it Best and True Value retailers benefit from shared resources and a unified strategic vision.

This consolidation is more than a story about corporate synergy or regional economic development. It is a powerful statement about the enduring value of the independent business model. By combining forces, Do it Best Group is creating a formidable entity designed not just to survive, but to thrive by providing thousands of local entrepreneurs with the scale and support they need to serve their communities for decades to come.