Life is unpredictable. I know you’ve heard that before, but it bears repeating…and repeating. As we grow older, we think we know stuff. That’s natural. It started when we were children – every time we learned something, we knew we were a little smarter and, by the same...

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bombarded with commercials for fitness club memberships and all of those other things we’re supposed to have in our new year’s resolutions designed for “self-improvement.” While most people give up on their resolutions by February,...

Each month before writing this column, I reflect on interesting conversations I’ve had or news and stories I’ve heard. This month, however, I’m a bit more reflective than most. I think “there’s a story in there somewhere” though, so here’s the path that...

The astute observer on our website may have noticed some new links appearing. We should also have a little construction sign up though – the new section is very much a work in progress! Where is that article? From time to time, we’re asked to forward individual PDF copies of...

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...

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...

Gadgets. Upgrades. Fads. Some people love to get the next new thing as soon as they can, some people wait to see if it’s a lasting improvement or a passing craze. Me? I’m the kind of person who waits. I didn’t buy Laser Discs when they were hot, nor did I think SuperBeta was...

If you are anything like me, you were delighted with the new format and content of the January issue. Congratulations to Anna and Thom on producing a first rate resource periodical. I was delighted to see new articles by Carl Schoening at Eagle Metal Products, Sean Hubbard at Square 1 Design and...

In January, I had the privilege of once again attending SBCA Chapter meetings. Having participated in meetings for many years as WTCA/SBCA staff, it was funny to think I was now calling in as an SBCA member. In the past, I spent 13 years working to support members, and now I was a member too!...

So, here I sit with plenty of work that needs to be done. I began thinking of when I first started in the industry, then becoming involved in the national association, then becoming the western distributor of involved. The one constant in all of that “doing” was that as a group we...