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 […]
FIRING LINE: Happy Go Lucky
Ralph was all business; Ted was getting all the business. Ralph and Ted both came to work for me about the same time, and both were promising prospects. They knew construction well, had some outside sales experience, and were highly motivated. But if I had to bet on which one would ultimately generate greater volume, […]
Decking Fastener Trends: Speed and Efficiency Leading the Way
When it comes to deck building, time is of the essence. Both contractors and homeowners are increasingly prioritizing project timelines and quick completion. This shift in expectation is driving significant changes in the decking fastener market, where speed and efficiency have become paramount. One of the major challenges facing the construction industry today is the […]
Water Management for Wood Decks: A Retailers Guide
Building a beautiful wood deck is an exciting project, but in the midst of design choices and material selection, the long-term impact of water exposure isn’t always top of mind. However, water is the silent enemy of wood decks, leading to warping, rot, and even structural issues that can compromise the safety and enjoyment of […]
Trends to Watch in Decking + Outdoor Living
The outdoor living market has been on an incredible high since 2020. Outdoor spaces are now an almost standard part of residential construction, while commercial spaces increasingly integrate green spaces and other features to encourage spending time outdoors. As we look ahead, shifts in the market are shaping outdoor living investment and how outdoor living […]
Lumber Safety: Understanding Our Industry’s Top Risks
The lumber industry is building safer workplaces, thanks to significant strides made in recent years by industry leaders. Across the board, property insurance claims have declined, in addition to less frequent fire and auto losses. In fact, we have seen total claims drop nearly 17% year over year, with pending property claims down 23% annually […]