Last month, Thom talked about the origins of The Advertiser as we reached its 10th anniversary. This month, it’s time to celebrate the start of our 11th year! The Second Decade and Beyond What better way to enter the magazine’s second decade than with a brand new website! As I...

In April, I accepted the role of General Manager of the Oahu Lumber division and Truss Plant operation. Although I had spent most of my career at Kimal Lumber & Hardware in southwest Florida, and even served as the 2012 Florida Building Materials Association Chair, I decided the move from...

I was usually the voice on the other side of the phone or computer during my 13 years with WTCA/SBCA, but Ken Cloyd was a person I had the pleasure to meet face-to-face. And believe me, you don’t forget meeting Kenny. Even though it’s been nearly two years since we’ve had an...

So far in this series, I’ve talked about how job descriptions have evolved as the industry has matured. Along the way, I’ve emphasized that the objective is not to impress you with the advanced power of the servo—it is to impress upon you the importance of the journey of...

Last month, I talked about how things were “back in the day” as compared to now. The Servo Revolution is upon us, and we must all work to keep up with technology. Modern technology drives our businesses, both literally and figuratively. Even so, technology is not the sole element in...

What is the difference between companies which are stuck in the status quo and those which are transforming themselves into the leader in their industry? One significant difference is their focus on Continuous Improvement. By focusing on making things better—People, Projects, and...

I love to watch the Olympics. Simply put, every time they come around, I’m hooked. My oldest Olympics memories date back to my mother tuning in to watch Olga Korbut in Montreal 1976. We lived in a suburb of Detroit at the time, so we could watch the coverage on both US and Canadian TV...

Technology certainly has changed the way I do my job. In fact, in many ways, it’s changed the entire industry I’ve chosen to build a career in. When I graduated with a Construction Management Degree, the construction industry was wide open. But selling production saws for the Wood...

How many times have you seen your competitor or other businesses in your area copy what you produce or offer? Maybe it is the kind of company that takes a photo of some trusses, puts themselves in front of it, and says, “Look at me, I am the same kind of company they are.” Flattery...

I know not a steadier and more upright leader than Thomas J. Manenti, who elevated his company from good to great over his 40-year tenure. His characteristic humility and aplomb enabled him to navigate most of his career among strong egos. Tom is the consummate people person who transformed...