Advertiser Forum: Problem Solving 101—A Refresher Anna Stamm Large and small, we’re confronted with problems on a daily basis. Often, they’re something routine and simple, so we don’t even think of it as problem solving. But other times, they hit us like a roadblock, at which point it helps to have a strategy so we can move... Read More April 2025 Issue #17309 Page 6
Importance of Factory Layouts and Investing in the Right Machinery! Wendy Boyd Factory layouts are important in any industry, and none more so than in the structural building components industry. Not only do factory layouts allow you to simplify and streamline workflow processes, but they can also assist you in maximizing your productivity and improving overall... Read More April 2025 Issue #17309 Page 19
Advertiser Forum: True Colors Anna Stamm Can you predict someone’s true colors by their resume alone? Probably not. The better indicator will always be actions. To the extent that a resume can capture past actions, it will help you get to know them. But, keep in mind that a complete picture will consist of more than bullet... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 6
Leadership in Challenging Times Todd Drummond As the competition gets more aggressive and the markets have slowed, your company’s sales are inevitably slowing, and margins are dropping. Let us face the fact that these are now becoming challenging times, and leaders must face these challenges in a healthy way. Whether you are a line... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 28
How Important is Training in Your Operation? Glenn Traylor What do you think of when you hear the word “training”? A classroom with students listening to a teacher? A truss plant with a new hire following behind a seasoned truss builder? Or, maybe your first thought was sitting in front of a computer for an online course? The truth is that... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 39
Planning for the Triad National Trade Show TRIAD / Merrick Machine Company Team As Triad celebrates 65 years in this great industry, we’re finalizing the plans for our 16th Annual Trade Show! The event is being held on April 9–10 at Merrick Machine Company in Alda, Nebraska. Our product showcase will feature our latest machines, including the PreStage Framing... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 55
The Benefits of a 32-Hour Workweek for Truss Designers Truss manufacturers looking to attract younger truss designers might want to think outside of the box. We have found one key issue affecting many Gen-Z truss designers and have a solution that may help entice them to your company—offering a Gen-Z-preferred workweek. Consider this: Gen-Z... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 100
Design Connections: Addressing the Truss Designer Shortage Geordie Secord For many years, there has been a great deal of discussion at industry events, in component industry board rooms, and even in this publication about a looming shortage of design technicians. So, what is behind the wood truss designer shortage and why is it such a pressing issue? And, how can we... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 108
MSR Workshop Heads West for Valuable Learning Opportunity at Resort Destination MSR Lumber Producers Council In 1995, the MSR Workshop was born out of one man’s commitment to fulfilling what he saw as a real need to bring together those who produce MSR lumber, those who sell MSR lumber, and those who use MSR lumber, in order to develop a better understanding of each other’s challenges and... Read More March 2025 Issue #17308 Page 132
The Sales Team’s Number One Time-Wasting Activity Todd Drummond When it comes to the sales team, the very group that provides the lifeblood of the entire company, there is often one blind spot for wasted efforts. Why do so many companies allow their sales team to jump through so many hoops to find need-to-know-right-now information? Why must the sales... Read More February 2025 Issue #17307 Page 28