The Cost Was the Point

Growth & Sales

The Cost Was the Point

Nick Talarico, COO, Do it Best

Key takeaway summary: Real differentiation costs something. The price tag can scare you, but it may also be a signal that the idea matters. Leadership means knowing your own instincts, especially when your instinct is to pull back, then choosing to move forward when the bet is worth it.

I am risk-averse by nature. Always have been.

When I saw the quote to scale a new idea, what turned into Retail Pulse, I simply stared at it.

It had a lot of zeros on it.

We had no shortage of competing priorities.

We were already integrating a $1 billion organization after all.

I thought about it over the weekend.

Then something clicked.

If I were swallowing hard looking at that number, others probably would too.

The cost wasn’t the problem. It was the point.

If it were cheap and easy to build, anyone could do it.

And then it wouldn’t be a competitive advantage at all.

Real differentiation costs something.

What I learned is that as a leader, there are times when you have to place your chips on the table.

Do you believe in it or not?

I believed.

Knowing yourself as a leader matters.

My instinct was to pull back.

But the right decision was to push forward.

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is recognize your own tendencies and move forward anyway.

Author

Nick Talarico

Nick Talarico is the Chief Operating Officer of Do it Best Group. He brings more than 15 years of experience in sales, consulting, ecommerce, and supply chain management to his role leading companywide operations. Before becoming COO, Nick served as President of Do it Best and helped guide key strategic priorities during the integration of Do it Best and True Value. Today, he helps align teams, strengthen operations, and support independent retailers through two powerful national brands.

Do it Best Group Executive Leadership, Operations, Ecommerce, Supply Chain, and Independent Retail Growth Nick Talarico is the Chief Operating Officer of Do it Best Group. He leads companywide operations and helps support the growth, efficiency, and long-term success of Do it Best, True Value, and independent retailers.