Earlier this fall, Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) member Silica For Your Home hosted a select group of visitors for an exclusive, two-day event in Wisconsin, on October 13-14, 2025. The group consisted of 20 top tier NMG independent retailers from all over the United States, along with seven leaders from NMG’s merchant leadership team. 

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, WI, Silica For Your Home is a fourth-generation family-owned business with three Wisconsin store locations — in Fond du Lac, Watertown, and Beaver Dam, respectively — and a warehouse also located in Fond du Lac. The retailer’s categories include appliances, furniture, bedding, consumer electronics, and outdoor. 

“We were honored to visit the Fond du Lac area,” said John Laing, Director of Appliances at NMG. “The Silica team were gracious hosts, sharing their century-long history and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Consumers there are fortunate to have such a strong independent dealer.” 

On day one, attendees were treated to a tour of the Silica For Your Home flagship store and warehouse, both in Fond du Lac. The store tour and presentations were led by Tom Schneider, Josh Schneider, Karen Wilhems, Jordan Soukup, Jacob Schneider, and others from the Silica team. Josh Schneider also led the warehouse tour with help from Service Manager Lucas Schneider and Delivery / Inventory Manager Steve Wagner. 

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home

“At Silica For Your Home, we’ve always believed that independent retailers are stronger when we share ideas and learn from each other,” says Silica President Josh Schneider. “As a fourth-generation family business, we know that long-term success in retail comes from both tradition and innovation.”  

On day two, members of the Silica team presented an overview of key performance metrics to supplement their operating decisions with quantitative, data-backed insights. 

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home

“It was an honor to welcome our NMG peers, share ideas, and highlight what’s possible in independent retail,” Schneider said. “Our site visit gave attendees a glimpse into a 100-year-strong, multi-location business that continues to evolve.” 

Beyond showcasing Silica’s legacy, the event demonstrated NMG’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful peer connections. 

“Feedback from our members shows that market visits to a peer’s business are among the most valuable meetings NMG coordinates—because when members graciously open their doors and share their business insights, the entire network grows stronger.” cites Mike Collier, SVP of Appliance Merchandising for Nationwide Marketing Group.  

For more information about Silica For Your Home, visit: https://www.shopsilica.com/ 

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home

Photo credit: Silica For Your Home