Making Software ‘Simple’ Ed Serrano Price, speed, accuracy, footprint, service, and support. Those are the most common features considered when it comes to purchasing a linear saw. And, yes, they are important, but a linear saw is nothing but powder-coated steel and a blade until it’s told what to do. That’s why what... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 62
‘Factor In’ the Low Factor Rates This Summer Ray Fedorko The pandemic environment has affected many things. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the effects derives from the Fed’s desire to assist the economy in any way possible. In particular, interest rates which were already at historical lows are now even lower. As a result, monthly payment quotes... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 73
A Tactical Approach to Automation Mike Ruede Jr. My name may seem familiar or even confusing to some since I share it with my father. We, like every father and son, have our similarities and differences. We share drive, integrity, honesty, and the significance of one’s character. We do have differences as well and one of them is how we... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 86
The Hiring Zone: Are You Learning Something New About Remote Design Employees? With the coronavirus moving many positions from the business office to the home office, some employers are learning things they never thought possible. One of those things is how remote employees seem to have more time to devote to getting the job done. I spoke to several employers about... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 88
Are You Prepared to Build a Modular Factory? Gary Fleisher Over the last couple of years, a lot of new modular home factories have either opened their doors and are taking orders or are in the process of opening. It’s inevitable that many businesses fail in the first 3–5 years for a myriad of reasons, mostly from being under-financed... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 92
EPDs Give Consumers Environmental Assurance for Using Wood Products Robert Glowinski Imagine you’re standing in the bread aisle at your local grocery store, contemplating what loaf you should take home that day. If you’re like any of the millions of health-conscious shoppers, you’ll subconsciously turn the loaf over and read the nutrition label for a better... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 100
Lumber Briefs: Current Lumber Market is a ‘Fad’! Matt Layman Without exception, in every conversation I have had regarding the pandemic’s positive impact on the lumber market, not a single person thought this outcome was possible. On my part, I see that as a failure. My job is to detect the unexpected. When I do not, that creates the 1.4 out of... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 102
Lumber Joe Joe Campagna After 40 years in project management and product ownership for the financial service industry, dealing with everything from futures to equities to basis trading, I thought my brain couldn’t possibly manage another acronym. But, in a world that constantly changes, I too had to evolve... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 104
Safety Topics – What Safety Topics? Have you used our Safety First topics in your production safety meetings? If not, why not? Safety First began in 2013 and the topics rotate every 24 months. This rotation schedule ensures that your new hires have access to important safety topics. From Substance Abuse, Safe Lifting... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 107
Business Owners Today: What Else Could Happen? David Cocke How can a “Back-to-Business” plan help communities and business owners recover after a damaging event? In this guest article, David Cocke, S.E., explores the history of “B2B” programs and how they help expedite the inspection process so owners can get back to normal... Read More July 2020 Issue #12252 Page 116