Our Story

Founded in 1991 located just outside the Chicagoland area, focused on the retail hardware channel. National accounts include Ace Hardware, True Value, Do it Best, Orgill, Sears/Kmart and Menards. National Housewares accounts include Walgreens and Kohl’s. Regional accounts include Blain’s, Mills, Emery/Jensen Dist., Bostwick Braun, Florida Hardware, Horizon, House Hasson, Mid-States, Monroe, United Hardware, and Wallace. A team of about 50 people devoted to supporting coop hardware distribution. Customer corporate office coverage with proven team focused strategy. National Field Coverage for all key hardware retailers. In-house customer service to assist stores with orders, product questions and concerns. Also, marketing & trade show support.

WHY CMI?

CMI exists to bridge any gaps that manufacturers may
have within their distribution relationships and processes.

“People are not your most valuable asset, the right people are.”

Jim Collins, Motivational Speaker

Keys to Success

CMI has consistent growth over its 25 year history
CMI is a proven leader in the hardware channel
CMI has the best overall relationships
CMI has the structure and resources in place
CMI can manage and measure our activity and results
CMI is the right partner to expand hardware penetration
CMI invests for the future

OUR FOCUS ISN’T ON WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF DOING, OUR FOCUS IS ON WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS NEED DONE!

The CMI Philosophy

It is the contributions of each employee in our company that provides a platform for success.
We ask all of our employees to think creatively, act on their own initiative and take responsibility for the results of their actions. All of us embrace teamwork and sharing our knowledge with others.
We want to provide a sense of trust to those who buy, sell and produce the products we represent.
We strive to provide our customers with products and services that exceed their expectations and bring value to the bond of our relationship.
We take pride in all we do to contribute to our manufacturer’s and customer’s success.

Work Hard

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Work Honest

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

William Shakespeare

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.”

Thomas Jefferson

Work Happy

“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”

Simon Sinek