Be it joy or tragedy, we learn a lot along the way. We learn to adapt, adjust, and plan where we can. Especially during unpredictable times, planning and adapting are key to managing the roller coaster, along with a good attitude and a desire to keep moving forward. We can’t change the...

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...

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...

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...

Determining a genuine cause and effect relationship can be tricker than it seems. Some situations are obvious, but others may be only coincidental. How do we know for certain? When Causation is Obvious Thankfully, some cause and effect relationships are easy to prove. You fall down and...

What’s in our forum? Simply put, we include articles and updates that our readers want to share. Will every reader be interested in every article? No, but that’s true with most magazines. What’s more important to us is that our articles contain information and ideas that our...

Most will agree the adage, “better safe than sorry,” serves as a helpful warning sometimes. It’s an easy way for us to justify taking extra precautions, even when they seem unnecessary, because we’d rather do a little more first than suffer the consequences of a less...

It never ceases to amaze me how “simple” things can become so complicated. I’m sure I’m not alone in this quandary – the feeling that you’ve stepped into a maze and now struggle to get out. Simple Beginnings, Complicated Developments Last spring, I...

In last month’s Showing Appreciation with Candy and Corned Beef, I remind everyone how easy it can be to build camaraderie and team spirit at your business with a little effort and a little food. As a perfect follow-up to that, I have a little story to share as a reminder that kindness and...

The holiday season is upon us (yes, really), and it provides ample opportunities to build camaraderie and team spirit at your business with a little effort and a little food. Making the Effort Many companies have some form of employee appreciation program, but those that don’t have...