Library

I applaud employers who haven’t laid people off so far, but I can’t help but think of 2007 when hiring quickly dried up. Back then, hiring slammed on the brakes while the rest of the economy slowly ground to a halt over the next year. This time, it is not a financial problem...

Since 2010, the number of households that rent has grown from 32% to 36% with the addition of 4,000,000 new renters. Mid and high-income renters saw the biggest increase. With construction slowing down due to COVID-19 and lawmakers debating the pros and cons of rent forgiveness for those who...

As elected officials discuss potential policies to support the nation’s economic recovery, the American Wood Council (AWC) is supporting a number of policy efforts to stimulate housing, and construction in general. In addition, we have engaged on a related issue that has the potential to...

Seems like every week I get more contacts regarding urgent buying strategies. I want to share two of them with you today. One was a contractor yard, preparing to requote a $3 million multi-family framing package. The member was advised by the contractor that his price was roughly 10% high,...

The average American works 8.8 hours a day, 44 hours per week. The average entrepreneur works 63% more than that. So, when I had the idea for a tech start-up designed to transact raw materials, specifically lumber and wood products right now, you better believe I wanted to like the people that I...

In the past, relocation was an acceptable means to advance, find a better place to live, better benefits, or better compensation. Myself, I found relocation helped me advance from a mid-level manager to a multiplant GM at a young age. The downside is I had to move several times, uprooting my...

Simpson Strong-Tie has always been a leader in designing innovative products for various construction markets. As an R&D engineer, I enjoy the opportunities for continuous exploring, experimenting and learning that come with my role. There’s never a dull moment working in research and...

If you missed BCMC Columbus last year, you’ll have your chance to attend BCMC Columbus this year! An excellent conference destination, it seems a great choice during these uncertain times. A walkable, visitor-friendly downtown with ample hotels, restaurants, and other attractions,...

While many Americans are stuck at home without work, most of us have been blessed to keep working, at home or in component plants. Remarkably, most CMs have operated continuously with very few incidents. One large manufacturer with 1500 associates has not had a single Covid case. Then, why such...