Well, I just returned from the SBCA Open Quarterly Meeting in Las Vegas. It was almost historical. This was the first time that I can remember the OQM being in Las Vegas. It seems a place that has a way of drawing greater attendance for any event and this was true for the OQM. A great time...

I said I wouldn’t write again, but I felt compelled to, at the very least, commemorate the passing of a great human being. In the past few weeks, many of you have read articles about the passing of Dwight Hikel. Dwight was something pretty special. Not just as a businessman or component...

It is with a great deal of thought and careful consideration that I am thinking this may be my last story. I have enjoyed being back in this game and offering perspective. The strong, positive responses to my stories and articles is making this decision that much more difficult. First, let me...

Those of us who have been around this industry long enough have a general feeling of cautious optimism. We have all been through the economic ups and downs, the building cycles, and all the rest. We have sat listening to economists at BCMC every year. We have read so many detailed articles over...

Because I’ve been receiving great feedback from readers (thanks for that), in my July article I also welcomed suggestions of topics. One reader stepped forward with an idea which, as I thought more about it, became the start of this month’s piece on how far we’ve come as an...

This month I wanted to stop down again and talk about some of the great individuals who have worked in this industry. It wasn’t my idea….well, not completely. After a few of the articles I penned about some of the guys that haven’t received due recognition, I started getting a...

Before I launch into this month’s musings, I would like to thank everyone who has responded so positively to my writing. My hiatus from writing and publishing articles occurred when my primary outlet decided all of their article-writing should be done in-house. Not that I needed one more...

Okay, I have finally had it. I have been reading articles for months and finally reached a tipping point. I cannot sit quietly any longer. So, I’ll start by saying I have been in this industry a very long time…..and on all sides of it. I have worked as a carpenter installing...

This is the continuing recollection of the good people I have crossed paths with over the years, but may remain unknown to most folks in the industry. Keep in mind, I may have a bit of a romanticized perspective…..could be due to adult beverages at the time of our last meeting. Don...

As I was pondering the latest loss of a great Truss Guy to “retirement” a thought began to rattle around in my head about all of the wonderful people I had a chance to work for, work with or simply enjoy a cocktail with over the years. Many of them retired or were retired, some we...