Transition Planning: Selling to a Strategic Buyer
How can I prepare for a successful sale when family succession isn’t an option? In this last article of the series, we will look at what it takes to transfer a business to the next generation. But for many lumber dealers, that simply isn’t realistic. Sometimes the kids aren’t interested. Sometimes they aren’t ready. And sometimes […]
Transition Planning: Keeping Business in the Family
Should I transfer my business to my family, and if so, how? What challenges must I address? In the last article, we talked about why business owners should plan for succession on their own terms, not in response to a crisis. This time, let’s focus on what happens when the plan is to keep the […]
FIRING LINE: Stop Guessing What Great Service Means
Why the Best LBM Dealers Define, Measure, and Deliver What Customers Value Most About 20 years ago, I wrote an article about a builder who taught me an important lesson about customer service. The lesson has stuck with me throughout my career. In fact, I think it’s even more relevant in today’s LBM industry than […]
9 Best Practices for Protecting Workers From Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles released when vegetation, structures, and other materials burn. It contains carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, aldehydes and particulate matter, and the exact mixture varies depending on what is burning, the weather, and how far the smoke has traveled. The health effects on workers can include eye […]
FIRING LINE: Are We Dreaming Big Enough?
Why Good LBM Dealers Sometimes Struggle to Be Great One of the most influential business books ever written is Jim Collins’ “Good to Great.” Its opening premise is both simple and uncomfortable: “Good is the enemy of great.” Collins’ point was not that being good is a failure. A good company may be marginally profitable, respected, and filled with capable […]
How Permit Data and AI Help Lumberyards Win More Business
Sponsored Content from SalesJack Building permits are one of the clearest signals of future material demand in a dealer’s market. They show which projects are active, who’s building them, and how big the work is. For a growing lumberyard, permit-based sales means a better lead list, an earlier shot at upcoming work, and a heads-up […]
Rising Star: Thomas Getzke
Location: Tully, NY Position: Chief Operations Officer • Tully Building Supply How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry? I was working for a large agriculture company and needed a change. I saw a job posting for a purchasing assistant/sales support role at Tully Building Supply and took the leap. What are some […]
What to Expect with Hardware in 2026
When it comes to construction hardware and hardlines, productivity continues to be the name of the game. For most pros, the goal is simple: Finish the job right, finish it efficiently, and move on to the next one. But productivity in 2026 is not just about speed. It is also about safety, consistency, quality, and […]
A Stronger Industry Through Persistent Advocacy: Reflecting on ABMA’s Growing Impact
Billions of dollars—that is the scale of what the American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) has protected for independent lumber and building material dealers through its advocacy in recent years. Through smart tax policy victories, regulatory reform, and pushing back on costly mandates, we’ve ensured our members can continue investing in their businesses and communities. After […]
FIRING LINE: Why the Top LBM Salespeople Aren’t Always the Busiest
How Top LBM Salespeople Stay Organized and Sell More If you are a salesperson in the LBM industry, you know one thing for certain: the day rarely goes according to plan. You might start the day intending to follow up on quotes, prospect for new business, and visit a couple of jobsites. Then reality shows up … your phone starts ringing … a delivery is delayed … […]