Midwest buyer Bob “Suds” Sedlatschek just got promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager, the top position directing live goods sales. He replaces Don Blume, who is moving to Home Depot’s building materials division, a large category which covers roofing, drywall, concrete, ladders, gutters and more. Sedlatschek has been very popular with growers and influential as he has risen through Home Depot’s ranks. He is the one who really got behind the Proven Winners brand in his region, which led to it becoming a national premium program for Home Depot. He also represented large retailers on our Medal of Excellence panel in 2009.