In 2004, we formalized our supplier diversity strategy and have experienced
countless successes, including regional and national recognition of our
accomplishments.
One of the critical elements of our success has been the state-of-the-art
system we designed in partnership with Supplier Gateway, a minority-owned I.T.
solutions firm. We were determined to provide more than a registration
portal. As a result, we created a system that allows suppliers to access the
appropriate buyer within 72 hours of submission and receive a timely response
from that buyer within 60 days.
I encourage you to leverage this process wisely – take the time to tell your
story in the application. You may upload a comprehensive profile, including
photos, catalog links, service licenses, records, as well as tailored
presentations that you create specifically for The Home Depot.
I’m often asked to advise suppliers on how they can be successful. My personal
advice is as follows.
1. Follow the process –
• As you can imagine, our average buyer literally receives 1000s of product
and service proposals and invitations for meetings each year, so we have
designed a process to place you in direct contact with the actual
decision-maker for the product and/or service that you sell.
2. Do your homework –
• Research our family of companies and know that you are providing a solution
that we actually need. You can begin your research right here on our
corporate web site. Many firms want to sell us things, few firms want to take
the time to offer us solutions specific to our business.
3. Differentiate yourself –
• With rational, fact-based detail, be prepared to identify what sets you
apart from the many competitors in the marketplace.
Although we are certainly proud of our success, we are most energized by the
many things that remain for us to achieve and we are committed to
accomplishing even more. I encourage you to continue to visit our website for
the latest information regarding our strategy and process.
Thank you for your interest in The Home Depot. We wish you every success.
K. Michelle Sourie Johnson
Director, Supplier Diversity
The Home Depot
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