Trace It Back
(Click here to view as published in print.) There is nothing that happens at Hancock Lumber in the way of a problem that I can’t trace back to myself as the senior leader of the organization. I can connect every challenge we face to something I did that I shouldn’t have done or something I […]
Performance Review Toolkit
(Click here to view as published in print.) Receiving performance feedback is a fundamental part of any job. Without some sort of reflection, how would your employees know what they’re doing well or what needs improvement? They likely wouldn’t—at least not in any formal capacity. Although most employers agree that performance reviews are important, the […]
Rising Star: Vincent DeKoskie
Location: Darien, Conn.Position: Operations Manager • Ring’s End How did you begin your career in the LBM industry? I started building framing loads and unloading train cars full of lumber. Every day I am learning something new! What are some of the responsibilities of your position? I currently operate Ring’s End’s flagship station. Every day […]
Football & Advocacy: Get in the Game!
Passing legislation is like a game of football; you make progress towards the goal line (passing your legislation), but it is not a fast process. You gain a little ground at a time over the course of a 6-month session (working your way down the field gaining yards), but then if your bill does not […]
Making Sense of Thermally Modified Wood
Every November, lumber wholesalers gather for the NAWLA Trader’s Market. It’s an opportunity to network with peers around the country and deepen ties with our mill partners, and for suppliers to introduce new products. Last year’s conference was notable for the large number of new thermally modified lumber offerings. Typically, it takes 12-18 months for […]
FIRING LINE: Slow Moe
Moe will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. He just won’t say which Tuesday. Like all salespeople, our salespeople were proud of their contribution—and quick to remind everyone just how valuable it was. They seemed to love the old adage, “Nothing happens until a sale is made.” Mary, our credit manager, had a […]
The LC’s Top 10 Articles in 2024
From strategic insights on marketing and sales to practical advice on winter weather risks and sustainable building practices, these articles have sparked meaningful conversations among our readers. As we step into 2025, here are the top reads that have resonated the most, offering valuable lessons and innovative ideas for navigating the dynamic world of the […]
FIRING LINE: Trash Course
Lenny knew exactly where his profits were—in the dumpster! Lenny was a stickler for punctuality. In fact, he was a stickler for everything. That’s one of the reasons we considered Lenny’s Custom Homes one of our best customers… He was a bit on the eccentric side, but boy was he predictable. In contrast to some […]
Rising Star: Sam Dutkowsky
Location: Niskayuna, N.Y.Position: Outside Sales • Culpeper Wood Preservers How did you begin your career in the LBM industry? Out of college, I got a job at Penske Truck Leasing and ended up in sales leasing commercial vehicles.One day, I received a call from a company called Northeast Treaters looking to lease their fleet.About a […]
Fire Away: Tips to Protect Your Lumber Business from an Increasing Risk of Fire
Not surprisingly, fire is a leading cause of insurance claims for wood-related businesses. Wood is combustible and improperly stored or disposed-of paints, varnishes, oily rags and the wood dust commonly found in our businesses are fuel for fire. While we know more about fire risk at lumber and building material businesses and understand the safety […]