Library

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...

The actual payment to employees for increased performance is truly one aspect that many managers may not understand, especially regarding how to get the most bang for their buck. For example, why give equal dollars to personnel with varying degrees of skills and responsibilities? This payout...

It happens. And it will happen again. Time after time, truss fabricators are faced with the awkwardness of addressing a customer’s complaint call. Fabricating a custom product to meet specifications has its challenges. There are codes to follow. Loads to verify, configuration to consider,...

Every August, federal lawmakers take a recess from their work in Washington, D.C. and use the month to visit constituents at home. For our industry, the recess (which goes through Sept. 6) provides an opportunity to schedule a meeting with members of Congress and their staff to discuss issues...

And, the MOST Important Buying Decision..."Buy Now or Delay?" I read this week that this is no longer the lumber business, rather it is the construction business. Absolutely, the traditional contractor yard wears many hats, however for sawmills, lumber brokers, wholesale lumber...

Sometimes people give me a variety of answers when I ask them to describe lean: tightening the belt; doing more with less; reducing inventory; cost-savings program; waste elimination; quality program; reducing head count; and turnaround tool. The word has meaning to many different people...

When it comes to wood frame construction, hurricane ties are among the most commonly specified connectors. They play a critical role in a structure’s continuous load path and may be used in a variety of applications, like attaching roof framing members to the supporting wall top plate(s),...

Some of you know me as “That Head Hunter”, or “#&@! Recruiter”, but since 1992, most just know me as The JobLine. While the end result may be similar, I am more a Match Maker than a Recruiter. Definitely not a Head Hunter as I have never directly solicited anyone....

Can organizational self-assessment and critical reflection help my business? Following-up on last month’s article, which garnered more comments than usual, I think that we should take a bit deeper dive into metal plate connected wood truss permanent bracing from “the...

We all know about the grand projects undertaken in our industry to support worthy causes and help others in need. We’re proud to report on these terrific causes and thank the chapters, companies, and individuals who contribute time, materials, and cash. But the big projects aren’t...