Responsible AI in LBM Starts With Responsible Operators
AI can help dealers move faster and see more – if they protect their data, keep people accountable and treat the ERP as the source of truth. A delivery truck is waiting at the gate. A contractor is calling about a backorder. The yard team is trying to find a misplaced unit. Someone in the […]
FIRING LINE: Conspiracy Theory—When Customers Think Everyone Is Out to Get Them
Sometimes the toughest customer complaints have very little to do with the products we sell. Like a lot of independent lumber dealers, I’ve spent much of my career dealing with contractors, remodelers, homeowners, and the occasional customer who was absolutely convinced that somebody was trying to pull a fast one on them. After more than […]
The Frontline AI Playbook for Lumber and Building Dealers
A lumberyard should never begin an artificial intelligence initiative by asking which tool to buy. It should begin by asking which repeated task wastes the most employee time, creates avoidable rework, or slows service during the busiest part of the day. A useful frontline AI playbook follows the Small Business Administration’s advice to start small, […]
Rising Star: Michele Gregg
Location: Greenville, NY Position: Sales Manager • GNH Lumber & Home How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry? My official start was at a big box home improvement retailer, but being introduced to the industry started much earlier. Growing up on a farm, I was always helping my mom with DIY projects, […]
Accurate Wood Moisture Readings Require the Right Meter and Method
Professional moisture testing depends on proper instrument selection, calibration, species correction, reading depth, temperature awareness, and consistent measurement practices. For professionals that rely on moisture measurements to make critical decisions, the accuracy of the results often depends not only on the quality of the instrument, but the type of meter and how it is used. […]
Outdoor Living Trends Driving Railing Sales in 2027
Outdoor living continues to be one of the strongest growth segments in the home improvement industry, remaining a priority investment for homeowners. Inflation and economic uncertainty are influencing spending decisions, leading families to be more selective about where they invest. As a result, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing projects that improve how they use and enjoy […]
Why New Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection Sooner Than You Think
Pressure-treated wood remains one of North America’s most widely used building materials. It is a popular choice for decking and fencing due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, longevity, and availability. And while it is extremely durable, it still benefits from added weather protection to help preserve its appearance, manage the effects of weather exposure, and extend […]
Helping Dealers Communicate the Long-Term Value of Pressure-Treated Decking
For most homeowners, a deck is more than a home improvement project—it’s an investment in outdoor living. When built with quality materials and installed correctly, a pressure-treated wood deck can provide decades of performance, beauty, and value. While material selection is important, long-term satisfaction often depends on understanding how a deck performs over time and […]
It’s the Cold That Will Cost You: Preparing LBM Businesses for the Winter Season
Winter weather has a sneaky way of exposing weak points on a property. An aging roof could cave in from snow and ice accumulation or a small crack can leave a building vulnerable to cold air that leads to a frozen pipe. What begins as a simple maintenance task in the warmer months can turn […]
FIRING LINE: AI Isn’t Replacing Great Sales Managers—It’s Giving Them More Time to Be One
Artificial Intelligence … depending on who you ask, it’s either the greatest business tool to come along in decades or the beginning of the end of civilization. Personally, I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Over the past few years, I’ve spent a significant amount of time experimenting with AI—not because I wanted […]