The industry was on display at the 2024 Building Component Manufacturers Conference in Milwaukee last month, and by all accounts it was a great show. From what I’ve heard, the venue was welcoming, the attendees enthusiastic, and the exhibitors eager to show what they have to offer. Many...

We’re now back at work in our facility in Jacksonville, Florida after a positive experience at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) in Milwaukee. A big thank you to SBCA and all those involved in organizing such an awesome event. An event of this scale is no easy feat to...

While attending an Ontario Structural Wood Association meeting in October – somewhat like attending an SBCA Chapter meeting – part of the discussion turned to the quality of house plans. After many years in this industry, I can tell you that this discussion wouldn’t have...

Unlike my father who was an Eagle Scout, I never had any professional training in being prepared. I’m a fan of the idea though, and I like to Be Prepared for situations as best as I can anticipate. Crafting Your Plan Simply put, the best way to be prepared is to think about the...

When it comes to investing in machinery and equipment for your frame or truss production, a number of factors are normally part of the decision making – what efficiencies will this product provide, what pain points does it need to alleviate, how will it aid my growth or overall profits,...

Last month, I attended a seminar that sparked my interest in the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in business. The event was held at an arts-focused hotel in Louisville, KY, during a company retreat my wife, an executive at the local hospital, was attending. One of the sessions...

My July column, What’s in The Advertiser’s Forum?, reiterates that our monthly issues contain content that our authors and advertisers would like to submit, rather than designating particular topics or themes each month. But that doesn’t stop some themes from appearing! Are...

Millions of dollars are being lost by many companies that don’t recognize they have a problem — Does your LBM company have more than $50 million combined sales? Quantified as a ratio of sales, according to Six Sigma case studies, the cost of poor quality, defined as waste,...

In the past, businesses prided themselves on exceptional customer service, especially in addressing warranty claims and service lapses promptly and effectively. Unfortunately, recent years, particularly since COVID, have seen a significant decline in this vital aspect of business. Take, for...

We’re thrilled to announce another successful Do What You Can Day, our annual companywide event dedicated to giving back to our communities. This year, we’re especially excited about our partnership with the ACE Mentor Program of America, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to...