Tools for Retention

Customers visiting one of Sunshine Ace Hardware's eight locations on the west coast of Florida can find hammers, screws and other home-improvement supplies. But they also might find something a bit more unexpected— 65 employees with more than 10 years working at the company, including some with more than 20 and 30 years on the job.

Creating a culture that values and encourages employee longevity has paid off in a number of ways for Sunshine Ace Hardware, based in Bonita Springs with stores in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Pinellas counties. “The longer tenure we have with our team members,” says company president Michael Wynn, “the more knowledge they have and the more valuable service they provide to our customers.”

That often translates to increased profitability and productivity, as well. “The average sales per employee is higher when you have higher-tenured associates,” says Wynn. “They're just better at their jobs.”