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 […]
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 […]