The Value of Your ABMA Membership
You have likely seen American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) articles in past LCs. You have probably seen ABMA information on NRLA social media channels. And maybe you’ve read some of what ABMA is up to in D.C. in the weekly LC Wired. But did you know that as a member of NRLA, you have access […]
A Matter of Trust: Contractors Weigh in on Daylighting Systems
Contractors place their trust in rooftop systems that provide brilliant, diffused daylight to interior spaces with easy installation and high level of leak-free reliability Natural sunlight has long been known to be superior to any kind of artificial light source. It contains the full spectrum of colors and studies show that people are generally happier […]
The Email Vs. Chat Debate
Choosing the Right Communication Tools for Improved Productivity In the fast-paced world of business, effective communication is crucial for productivity and success. With the advent of various digital communication tools, professionals often find themselves faced with the decision of whether to use email or chat to convey their messages. Understanding the appropriate situations for each […]
Rising Star: Nick Plourde
Location: Caribou, ME Position: Assistant Manager • S.W. Collins Co. How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry?I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, so I applied at the local lumberyard. I started out ringing up customers and stocking shelves. What are some of the responsibilities of your position?Mainly, I […]
Exploring Rising Stair Trends for 2023
The staircase has long been considered an essential element in the design of the home. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in staircase designs that not only serve their functional purpose but also make a bold and personal design statement. Homeowners and designers are seeking to create a unique staircase with customized […]
Lumber Safety: Mitigating Risks as the Market Evolves
While lumber and building material dealers continue to navigate risk exposures like cyber theft and distracted driving, they also have additional and growing risk exposures in the form of untrained staff and unfamiliar business partners as they wade through ongoing labor shortages and supply chain complications. In this environment, a renewed focus on safety and […]
5 Ways IT Admins Can Improve Password Management and Security
If you’re an IT administrator, you know how difficult it is to get employees to create and remember strong, unique passwords for business accounts and technology. Often, users will fall into common habits like using short, easy-to-guess passwords or passwords they’ve already used in other accounts. Users who do not follow password security best practices […]
Why Reviews Are Critical for Retail Lumber Dealers
You’ve worked hard to build relationships with professional contractors in the building materials industry. Your word is your bond. You listen to your customers. Your customers know they can trust you to deliver the building materials they need to meet demand. So, you may wonder why building material manufacturers, specifically retail lumber dealers, need user […]
Relationship Selling—What Value Do YOU Bring?
The LBM industry has been a phenomenal place to make a career. The best things about this industry are the people and the relationships that are formed along the way. Throughout my time in the industry, I have learned how relationships can open doors and that the memories of past experiences are long. As a […]
How to Expand Your Applicant Pool
A huge challenge in the building products industry is a lack of quality applicants, especially if you’re looking for someone with 5–15 years of experience. One of the ways to address this is with a bigger pool of qualified applicants. And creating a larger pool requires getting more eyeballs on your job openings—the more people […]