How to Keep Your Gen-X Employees
In a Harvard Business Review article, right before the pandemic unleashed workforce upheaval, the director of the Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research (CABER) at leadership consulting firm DDI wrote that 66% of Gen X leaders had received only one promotion or none in the previous five years. The author said the findings were surprising, […]
Developing the Next Generation of LBM
The topic of attracting, acquiring, and retaining next-generation talent has been one of the most talked about in the LBM industry for the last five years or more and will continue to be at the forefront in the future. It’s no secret that our workforce at the retail lumberyards, wholesale distributors, manufacturers, and builder/contractor levels […]
PAID IN FOOL: “How Do I Love Small Builders? Let Me Count The Ways.”
Everyone knows the Northeast is old-fashioned. There are many examples of this, and one of them is that LBM business in our area is still dominated by small to mid-sized builders. By contrast, my friend Otis, who ran a yard in the Atlanta area, says that 10 builders made up more than half his volume. […]
8 Tips for Modernizing Hiring in 2024
As talent acquisition continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top-tier talent. Last year highlighted labor shortages, looming retirements and a demand for evolving skills. As 2024 begins, the traditional hiring approaches are being reshaped by technology, remote work dynamics and shifting employee expectations. This […]
10 Tips to Winterize Your Business
As winter approaches, it is crucial for small businesses to prepare for the challenges the season’s weather brings. Whether it’s potential property damage or changes in customer behavior, winter can significantly impact a company’s operations. This article provides 10 tips for effectively winterizing a small business. This document is not intended to be exhaustive nor […]
The LC’s Top 10 Articles in 2023
From enlightening perspectives on workforce development, to inspiring insights in remodeling, to essential guidance on better business practices, and helping retail lumber dealers stay abreast of dynamic industry trends, these articles have captured the attention of our readers, making them our top reads in 2023. Scroll through and check them out again or for the […]
2024 Home Exterior Trends from Westlake Royal
A home’s exterior is crucial for making a good first impression, and staying updated on exterior trends can enhance curb appeal, increase home value, and improve living space comfort. Westlake Royal Building Products, known for innovation in exterior and interior building products, provides insights into five anticipated home exterior trends for 2024. Connection with Nature […]
FIRING LINE: “Expect What You Inspect”
One of the secret pleasures of being a manager is stepping around the corner and inadvertently overhearing two employees engaged in what they think is a private conversation. Years ago, when I was the general manager, I came across this exact situation. This time, it was two yardworkers standing beside lifts of 2×10’s. One of […]
Leveraging AI in Employment Decisions
Organizations are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in employment-related decisions. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, around 25% of organizations use AI for HR processes. This may include the following: Although AI can offer several benefits—such as improved efficiency, objectivity and decision-making—it also presents challenges related to biases, transparency and ethical concerns. To […]
FIRING LINE: “Please Don’t Make Me Cold-Call”
I’ve always felt that among the traits of a good salesperson are work ethic, time management, organizational skills, caring about both the customer and the company, product knowledge, understanding profitability, self-confidence, and thick skin. Obviously, few, if any, start off their sales careers with all these traits. Many start off with a good work ethic, […]