A quick internet search of the term “legendary” will reveal this among the possible definitions: “remarkable enough to be famous; very well known.” Unfortunately, our industry has lost another member who was very well known, very well respected, and very well...

I said I wouldn’t write again, but I felt compelled to, at the very least, commemorate the passing of a great human being. In the past few weeks, many of you have read articles about the passing of Dwight Hikel. Dwight was something pretty special. Not just as a businessman or component...

For those who just came here and those of us who have been here a long time, this a fine place to be. All of us are reaping the benefits given us by two generations who built a solid foundation for our industry, and a third generation now coming into its own. Not unlike our great country, which...

Many people have commented on the great articles Carl Schoening has contributed to this magazine. Because we don’t have his reflections on industry leaders in this issue, I’ve decided to contribute some of my own. While I am the first person to say “I’m no Carl...

It is with a great deal of thought and careful consideration that I am thinking this may be my last story. I have enjoyed being back in this game and offering perspective. The strong, positive responses to my stories and articles is making this decision that much more difficult. First, let me...

None of us had to ask Dwight Hikel how he has multiplied his truss business even though housing starts are lower today than when he started his business. Or how he survived three periods when housing starts dropped precipitously, including the most recent drought, when many predicted the demise...

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...

This month I wanted to stop down again and talk about some of the great individuals who have worked in this industry. It wasn’t my idea….well, not completely. After a few of the articles I penned about some of the guys that haven’t received due recognition, I started getting a...

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...

“Do it as if your job depended on it” was a directive that I will never forget, even 45 years later.  Fateful words from an owner, to me, a new employee of Hydro-Air Engineering, long before it became MiTek.  Other lasting words have come to me from SBCA Hall of Fame (HOF)...