1 The right tool New Zealand is remote—900 miles from Australia, and 600 miles from other islands. That made it the last major land mass on earth to be settled by humans. And it put the spirit of DIY into the country’s DNA. That helps explain why Mitre 10, New Zealand’s independent home improvement chain, has grown to more than 100 stores since 1974, about twice the size of its nearest competitor. Many Mitre 10 stores are big enough to have cafes, play areas for children, and drive- thru service for both trade and retail customers. Yet Mitre 10 is also a cooperative, so almost every store is a local, family-owned business. “Everyone has a say,” says Paul Flatt, Infrastructure and Support Manager at Mitre 10, “We’re a close-knit group.” With the spirit of DIY, Flatt recently tackle

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