Employee Hires, Equipment Investment, and Making Changes Todd Drummond Another year has come and gone, and what an invigorating year it has been for most companies. Net profits after taxes for most component manufacturers were in the high teens to mid-twenties—at least for those who do not allow for never-ending excuses. Once again, it is time to reevaluate... Read More January 2019 Issue #11234 Page 36
It’s Time to Huddle Up! Ben Hershey Setting the tone for higher expectations and productivity I am often asked by lumber dealers, component manufacturers, and others for that “one thing” that will improve results, drive cultural change, hardwire behavior, or create lasting quality. I’ve come to realize there... Read More December 2018 Issue #10233 Page 25
4 Building Material Company Challenges (and One Big Surprise) I Learned at the Whizard Summit Mark Mitchell I’m not just a teacher at my Whizard Summits, I’m also a student. I show up to each event ready to share my knowledge, but I also learn a lot from the companies who attend. The major thing I learn about at each of these events are the biggest challenges building material companies... Read More November 2018 Issue #10232 Page 95
Material Quality Isn’t the Only Metric to a Quality Product Glenn Traylor Many years ago I worked construction as a teenager, and I recall the framing lumber I used to see as a framer’s helper. My teacher was a gentleman by the name of Otho Tew. Otho was a seasoned experienced homebuilder who had learned his trade from his father and probably his father before.... Read More October 2018 Issue #10231 Page 28
Constructing a Roadmap to Operational Excellence Ben Hershey Part 1: Beginning a Journey of 7 Steps We all aspire to have a state of operational excellence in our organizations, but it is often much easier said than done. Although it’s often conceptualized as merely tweaking the current way of doing things, operational excellence is about... Read More September 2018 Issue #10230 Page 36
The Relationship Between Lean and Safety Ben Hershey In my experience and with the work I do with hundreds of component manufacturers, I find that many companies will tell me Safety is important, but, in practice, safety is treated as a burden on the company. Good managers will always have an attitude that they want all of their employees to be... Read More August 2018 Issue #10229 Page 24
Labor Shortage in the Construction Industry is Partially a Self-Inflicted Wound Todd Drummond Our industry has been ignoring and not understanding 51% of the population’s needs—specifically, those of women therefore limiting the qualified candidates to fill vital openings Read More August 2018 Issue #10229 Page 36
How Does Your Company Performance Measure Up? The Importance of Benchmarking Ben Hershey I read a book recently that discussed the term “benchmark” and its origins as relates to business. Surprisingly, the term originates within the history of guns and ammunition. In fact, with the same aim we use it today—comparison and improved performance. The book talked... Read More July 2018 Issue #10228 Page 34
Emerging Pillars for Business Success Ben Hershey As companies grow and change, we should ask ourselves—what are the essential pillars of support that help companies succeed? While making changes that will transform their businesses, successful companies will rely on core pillars that form the foundation of who they will be in the future.... Read More May 2018 Issue #10226 Page 18
Change Your Dynamic By Investing in Your Team Ben Hershey 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... Read More April 2018 Issue #10225 Page 51