Small Business Marketing Cheat Sheet
Owning an independent lumberyard, like any small business, is demanding. Marketing is essential to drive demand; and yes, the savvy lumberyard owner can tackle it on their own using social media, free design platforms, AI-powered writing tools, and affordable email marketing software. Still, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, and finding the time can […]
Rising Star: Andrew Choquette
Location: West Suffield, CTPosition: Genral Manager • Suffield Lumber How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry? I got my start in the LBM industry at 18, pushing carts at Lowe’s in Ware, just trying to learn as much as possible and work my way up. That led to a sales role and […]
Flooring Trends In 2026: Warmth, Performance, and the Renaissance of Real Wood
Flooring trends in 2026 reflect a clear shift in priorities: homeowners want spaces that feel warmer, more natural, and more personal without sacrificing performance. Across consumer design media, professional flooring publications, and industry data, consistent themes emerge. Cooler gray tones are fading, while warm neutrals, authentic materials, and thoughtful layouts take center stage. At the […]
Your Website Isn’t A Brochure. It’s Your Hardest-Working Salesperson
For many building supply dealers, the website is still treated like a digital brochure. It lists products, shares location details, and checks a box. But today’s buyers do not engage that way. They are not looking for brochures. They are looking for answers. Your website should function as your most consistent and scalable salesperson, working […]
When Answers Can’t Wait: Building the Support System for Today’s Lumber Channel Needs
The lumber counter has never been a 9-to-5 operation. Yet the questions today continue to escalate, frequently requiring mission-critical response. A contractor texts after hours about a delivery sequence. A Spanish-speaking crew lead opens a chat window from the field because picking up the phone is not an option at the time. These are no longer exceptions—they are […]
Beyond the Samples: Rewriting the Retail Playbook for Modern Dealers
In an era where convenience often replaces brand loyalty, independent lumber dealers are facing a new kind of competition. It isn’t just the big-box store down the street anymore; it’s the infinite, frictionless world of e-commerce. To stay relevant, dealers must offer something a website cannot: a high-touch, immersive experience that builds immediate trust. However, […]
Changing Your Business for the Future…
When a business is started, it is in growth mode. It needs to increase its revenue, requiring sales initiatives, and capturing new customers becomes paramount. As the revenue reaches a certain point, it is easy for an organization to get caught up in the day-to-day, reactionary process of doing business, such as filling orders, addressing […]
FIRING LINE: Purchasing Is Profit
In the lumber and building materials industry, profitability is often discussed through the lens of sales growth, gross margin, pricing strategy, customer retention, and operational efficiency. All of those areas matter. But one of the most overlooked drivers of financial performance remains purchasing. Too often, purchasing is treated as an administrative function responsible for placing orders, monitoring stock levels, and sourcing the lowest available […]
FIRING LINE: Jobsite Delays: Excuse…or Reality?
Of all the reasons builders come up with for not paying their bills, there’s one I’ve heard a thousand times. You know the one. “The job got held up…the bank hasn’t released the progress payment yet.” Which, more often than not, translates into: “You’re going to have to wait a little longer to get your money.” If you’ve been in this business long enough, you develop a pretty good internal […]
Rising Star: Joshua Jalbert
Location: Hyannis, MassachusettsPosition: Sales Manager • Shepley Wood Products How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry? My father is a custom residential homebuilder, so you could say I was born into this industry. I began as most do on a framing crew, sweeping the floors for jobsite cleanup and always getting the […]