Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Fewer Inspections = Better Quality?

Geordie Secord

“What do you mean you are stopping the QC inspections?” I could not believe what the operations manager was telling me when it was decided that we would no longer have each truss inspected at completion. Our truss company had always prided itself on delivering the highest quality...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 124
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Addressing the Truss Designer Shortage

Geordie Secord

For many years, there has been a great deal of discussion at industry events, in component industry board rooms, and even in this publication about a looming shortage of design technicians. So, what is behind the wood truss designer shortage and why is it such a pressing issue? And, how can we...

#17308 Cover image
March 2025
Issue #17308
Page 108
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: The Complex World of Truss Design Access

Geordie Secord

This month I’d like to discuss something that’s causing quite a stir in the component industry: how software suppliers are handling the explosion of remote work, and the sometimes blurry line between different types of designers – including their own design centers. The...

#17307 Cover image
February 2025
Issue #17307
Page 108
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: The Personal Side of The JobLine

Geordie Secord

Past articles by Thom and myself have discussed some of the things that make The JobLine stand out from other recruiters. In fact, Thom’s article in this issue also focuses on what makes us different. But, I’d like to shed a more personal light on this difference by sharing my own...

#17306 Cover image
January 2025
Issue #17306
Page 104
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Finding Opportunities in the Mass Timber Movement

Geordie Secord

In my previous article, “Making the Most of Mass Timber,” I discuss what mass timber entails and why it may not be a good add-on for your existing light-frame component business. Even so, component manufacturers (CMs) need not be completely shut out of the benefits of the burgeoning...

#16305 Cover image
December 2024
Issue #16305
Page 104
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: The Perennial Problems with House Plans

Geordie Secord

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...

#16304 Cover image
November 2024
Issue #16304
Page 108
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Options for Filling Your Open Positions

Geordie Secord

Continuing the discussion from my column last month, “The JobLine in Canada, eh,” I thought it would be worthwhile to look at some of the pluses and minuses of using an outside recruiter. Your company or location may have its own resources to use when filling truss and component...

#16303 Cover image
October 2024
Issue #16303
Page 102
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: The JobLine in Canada, eh

Geordie Secord

Since I began my column here in July 2022, you’ve gotten to know me as a truss and component designer who happens to live in Canada. Over the months since then, I’ve focused on many design considerations, including “Cost-Saving Measures and Memorable Debacles,”...

#16302 Cover image
September 2024
Issue #16302
Page 106
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Making the Most of Mass Timber

Geordie Secord

Undoubtedly you’ve seen many articles talking about mass timber, but you may not be very familiar with what products are included and some of their applications. In speaking with some light-frame component manufacturers over recent years, I have heard many of them mention that they are, or...

#16301 Cover image
August 2024
Issue #16301
Page 76
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Estimating and the Cost of Quotes

Geordie Secord

One constant thorn in the side of truss fabricators is the cost of preparing quotes, often multiple times for the same job through the life of a project. I find that this is especially true for custom homes, as they often go through numerous revisions for aesthetic, budget, zoning, and other...

#16300 Cover image
July 2024
Issue #16300
Page 90
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