With BCMC 2025 in the rearview mirror, I’d like to give a hearty Thank You to everyone who was able to connect with me in Omaha. From my perspective, it was a terrific show with ample opportunities to talk about this industry we’ve chosen. Seeing everyone face to face is always a...

At BCMC Omaha, something more important than equipment was present in Clark Industries’ booth—a photo of Jason Adam “J” Schulz. Sadly, Jason lost his battle with cancer on July 31, 2025. Jason was deeply committed to advancing the equipment developed by his...

Over the past few decades, many employers have shifted from offering separate vacation, sick time, and holiday benefits to providing a single pool called Paid Time Off (PTO). On the surface, this change is framed as a modern improvement. Employers highlight administrative simplicity, cost...

Before I begin, let me say that I did not always believe that expanded benefits would pay off, or were even possible for most companies. When companies talk about employee benefits, the conversation often turns to cost. Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave—these all sound like...

Almost two years ago, the MSR Lumber Producers Council (MSRLPC) Board of Directors got serious about putting together a comprehensive timeline for the history of the MSR lumber industry. In their experience, it was one of the few topics that, when Googled, came up short on information. Even...

Join SBCA and the National Framers Council (NFC) for our Quarter 4 Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) for networking, learning, and a grand time in Napa Valley, CA, December 9–11, 2025. This gathering will bring attendees together for important updates, education, committee meetings, and...

In the world of frame and truss manufacturing, there aren’t many events that gather the industry in quite the same way as the annual Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC). It’s a touchpoint – not just for showcasing machinery and equipment, but for sharing ideas,...

There has been a lot of attention paid to solving the global housing and affordability crisis. The component manufacturing and modular housing industries have been innovating for over seven decades. Much of the innovation has been successfully commercialized as evident in the annual volume of...

Building safety is an essential part of our daily lives, influencing everything from the homes we live in to the businesses we visit and the public spaces we use. Safe buildings don’t just happen by accident, they are the result of careful planning and the adoption and enforcement of...

When I heard the nightly news would have a feature on the return of shop classes to high schools, my interest was piqued. Listening to the report, it was refreshing to hear the students’ excitement for the good job opportunities that would be available to them after graduation. Apparently,...