A couple weeks ago, I went on a day trip to visit one of our local Home Depot locations in Troy, Mich. to learn about the new First for Pro program dedicated to professional contractors.

I was greeted with friendly smiles as Chris Gilbert; the regional pro sales manager for the Midwest Region gave me all of the details for their new program.

Under the program, each store will have a First for Pro professional desk area, designated parking and multiple associates working there so they get to know each contractor personally.

Gilbert said, “The focus for the First for Pro program is putting together all the right components our customers need to make their shopping experience the best it can be from a designated cashier, pro account staff out in front of the desk and a new first phone to help speed up lines. There is also a pro loader to help load for contractors, so they can send fewer people to the store and keep more people on the jobsite.”

He also noted the company has a new website dedicated to the pros: www.homedepotestimator.com.  The site is free and allows customers to access real-time data on every item in the store and create a customizable quote form. Contractors are also able to buy items online and pick them up in the store. They can be ordered from the jobsite using a smart phone or iPad.

It will be exciting to see all of the feedback from contractors and how it has benefited them.

For more information, visit www.homedepot.com.