Julie Pilgrim, KDL Hardware
From Julie Pilgrim: Farewell and thanks for the memories. It’s been a blast!
September 30, 2024, will mark the conclusion of my incredible 50-year career at KDL Hardware Supply. It has been an amazing journey from my start in the inventory and receiving department, through customer service and into a management role of this fine company. As early as the days in which I worked as the Will Call CSR, it was apparent how special our locksmith customers are. From the hard working, independent small business owners to the diligent locksmiths for large industrial entities. Will Rogers said ”I never met a man I didn’t like.” I could say the same of locksmiths (with 99% honesty!!). It has been a rewarding experience to have worked with so many of them through the years.
There was much fun along the way. 40 KDL regional trade shows, decades of hosting NWLA meetings and locksmith training classes, KDL employee picnics and some very memorable holiday parties. I thank our local factory representatives who have been so helpful and accommodating to KDL. We couldn’t have produced a show or classes without their input.
KDL’s partnership in the Security Distributors Inc (SDI) corporation afforded me the opportunity to annually attend the SHDA distributor conferences and the ALOA locksmith conventions. Attendance at these events allowed me to meet and make friends with many outstanding industry individuals while acquiring skills to enhance KDL’s role in distribution.
At the close of 50 years, in many ways, it feels like the departure of an older generation making way for the fresh start of a younger group with new technology to offer and different paths to explore. Our customers are in capable hands with Marc Snyder, the current KDL President, and Emily Schei, Office Manager, who has been with KDL since 2002, and their staff who are experienced in sales, service and locksmith technology.
On behalf of a team of unique individuals with whom I formed a truly unbreakable bond: Peggy K Steck, Senior KDL CSR from 1973 through her premature departure in 2019; Al Chraca, Senior Outside Sales Rep, 1980 through his retirement in 2019; Cheryl Aasness, Accounting Manager, 1988 through her retirement 2017; and Ron Snyder, President, 1973 through his recent passing.
