When I’m asked why I chose a set of puzzle pieces for the 4Ward Consulting team logo, I’m glad to explain that fitting the pieces together has always been a part of my approach to business, my own and those I have assisted. We have teams, divisions, branches, departments, etc....

As discussed in last month’s article, “Addressing the Roof Truss Design Note: 'Provide adequate drainage to prevent water ponding.’,” by Frank Woeste and Scott Coffman, ponding is an issue not always addressed adequately. Ponding is a design issue, a mishap, or an...

With the New Year just begun, I always like to take a moment to reflect on the year we’ve left behind. Although we (like everyone else) had an assortment of ups and downs in 2018, I definitely think The Advertiser can do a little bragging about having had a great year! So to take a...

As we start the New Year, a focus of many operations will be setting goals to remain competitive. Today’s companies in the LBM/Component/Modular market are looking for ways to drive efficiencies throughout their manufacturing processes. Extending Lean Manufacturing principles and practices...

How do you measure customer satisfaction? Do you rely on your P&L, sales perception of your performance, the lost deal, the next order, the no-bid deal, your Google or Yelp score, or all of the above? Maybe the number of followers on your Facebook page? Do you wait for someone to complain or...

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...

Per ANSI/TPI 1–2014, National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction, plates should be installed within a 10 degree tolerance. So what happens when the plate is rotated and exceeds this requirement? The simple answer is: the configuration and design of...

The 37th Annual BCMC show took place in late October at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. It was the second time in the past four years at this location, so most of us already knew the great restaurants and bars to visit. Every year the show just seems to get bigger and better, and this...

Apparently, some things can never be said too many times. We are stronger together than apart. United we stand, divided we fall. In unity, there is strength. The Pressure to Divide These days, the approach of divide and conquer seems to appear everywhere. In many facets of our lives, we...

How to handle prior contact is a subject that comes up a lot at The JobLine. What is it? How do you manage it? Why would some employers rather miss a great candidate than deal with prior contact and recruiters? Prior to JobLine presenting an application, we ask the candidate if he/she has had...