In 2013, I launched LimTek Solutions with a clear mission: to promote, market, and sell Enventek’s groundbreaking truss manufacturing technology, first developed in 2007. For over a decade, it’s been full steam ahead and we have cultivated an impressive Feed the Beast! customer base. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Now, as we approach 2026, we’re facing something new: a slowdown. But we have turned this slowdown into an opportunity. This pause has given Enventek the space to perfect the NEXPLATE Automated Plate Picking and Sorting system, creating an entirely new category in truss plant automation. NEXPLATE will continue to transform the industry by helping truss manufacturers boost production, improve quality, reduce labor challenges, and enhance safety.
When the going gets tough, the tough don’t just keep going—they innovate!
Rising to the Challenge
This recent slowdown has given me a unique opportunity to step back into the “plate side” of the truss industry—a space I haven’t been deeply involved in for years. It’s ironic because we’ve spent over a decade helping truss fabricators grow profitably with one-time CapEx investments.
Now, with NEXPLATE, we’re introducing another game-changer: an automated plate picking and sorting system that creates an entirely new category in truss plant automation. And yes, I can’t help but smile and say, “We have a great camera—too bad we don’t get to sell the film.”
No one would say, “Hey, a slowdown would be great right about now,” but a slowdown is an opportunity to review what’s working, what’s struggling, and what we should do next to improve our business and our industry. Opportunities exist everywhere, and it is up to us to put our minds to work and innovate.
Learning From Our Mentors
Over the last three decades, I’ve been very fortunate to draw on lessons I’ve learned from the great Charlie Vaccaro. I am honored to call him a mentor, and I am forever grateful for his friendship.
Many may not realize this, but for roughly two decades at the end of Charlie’s legendary career in this industry, he took a special interest in Canadian truss fabricators and hosted numerous Florida plant tours along with me to the benefit and enjoyment of all attendees and hosting truss plants through his insight and wit.
Which brings me full circle to Charlie Vaccaro’s timeless article, “A Fable For Our Time.” This story is a must read for everyone in the offsite construction industry, because everyone is in sales when it comes to value-added manufacturing.
Please enjoy this story (which appears on the next few pages of this issue)…and take it to heart. It was an important lesson when Charlie wrote it so many years ago, and unfortunately it still rings true today. When we don’t value our work and effort, then no one else will either.
And of course, when you’re ready to take a plant tour, please reach out! I’ll be happy to toss in a few more Charlie stories, too.