Library

"Why do we do the things we do?" is not a rhetorical question or psychological evaluation. It is important that we understand the reasons why we work in a specific category of the lumber industry...or any profession. It is important because, subconsciously, our customers and suppliers...

The evidence is all around us that the “art” of component design continues to advance. This I clearly witnessed last week in a Northeast Atlanta suburb. Down the road from a jobsite I visited over 40 years ago, a highly customized project is rising (see photos on page 20). In the...

Do Building Officials really want education on the trusses we produce? On Monday, March 14, I had the honor and privilege of presenting to a group of Building Officials (BOs) and Building Designers (BDs) [over 350 individuals live and in-person!] at the Finger Lakes Building Officials...

Last month, The Advertiser hit a milestone – its 200th issue! To recognize that achievement, let’s take a quick look back at how this magazine has evolved from its humble beginnings. 8 Years Ago and 8 Pages When The Advertiser was launched in the fall of 2008, it was 8 pages...

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...

Many would agree that it is wise to implement an effective incentive program (IP) that actually increases productivity and lowers costs. However, very few companies actually have implemented such an effective IP, especially one that affects every group within an organization (including...

Day after day we rely heavily on computers, smart phones and tablets. The power of each device makes our jobs faster, more efficient and hopefully easier each day.  Our own corporate policy sets a four year life cycle for each computer. As technological advances in both...

Connectors are essential to the integrity of the truss.  It is imperative the plate is properly pressed in order to insure effective lateral load transfer from truss member to truss member.  Since on occasion modern and older equipment does not press the plate completely into the...

Large construction site fires have been gaining attention in the media and have resulted in large financial losses. With so much at risk, it’s essential that fire safety policies and procedures be in place at all construction sites. In cooperation with FireforceOne, the American Wood...

Market Summary This is an FDP reversal week as well as a 3-week interval. This three week interval is the third consecutive one making this rally now nine weeks old. Historically, "extended" trends last nine weeks. This one has certainly given buyers ample time and opportunity to...