Stop rislack-off summertt sy

Six ways to keep your company focused

A u. surul,rsR... THAT woNDERFUL .CLtime of year when everything slows down-including your business. Your clients, employees and vendors are on a seemingly constant rotation of vacation time. No one's ever in when you need them.

The easiest thing to do, then, is just accept this state of affairs. After all, there is a gentlemen's agreement in the business world that operations are supposed to slow down a little in the summer, and since your competition has slowed down, it's fine if you put on the brakes for a while, too. Right?

Wrong, says business strategy expert Tom Hall. In fact, summer is the best possible time to really get focused on what makes your company tick-in large part precisely because your competition is taking it easy during these lazy,hazy, crazy days.

"It makes perfect sense," says Hall, co-author of Ruthless Focus: How to Use Key Core Strategies to Grow Your Business. "If everyone else is slowing down and losing their focus during the summer months and you do the opposite, then you will be way ahead of the competition when fall rolls around. Plus, losing your collective grip on what you're supposed to be doing-and why-for three months is just bad for business."

The ability to focus-ruthlessly-is what separates the companies that grow steadily and successfully from the ones that get distracted, trot down the wrong side path, and find themselves lost in the forest, says Hall.

"Focus requires complete concentration, which can be difficult to achieve when the joys of summer are distracting you and your employees at every turn," he says. "It's difficult but not impossible. Take the right steps and you can end the summer in a much better position than when it began."

Step 1. Vow to make this the Summer of Strategy.

This summer, strive to make your core strategy (the main strategy that drives your business) the focus of everything: meetings, new projects, old projects, communications with clients and prospects-everything. You should be able to describe your core strategy in a couple of crisp sentences. And it should answer two key questions: ( I ) How are we going to beat the competition? and (2) How are we going to make money?

"Every action, every day, moves you and the business forward, especially in the summer," Hall says. "A clear strategy will help you stay focused and help you stay on track. If you get off track, use that same clear strategy to help you identify what happened and what needs to change. Keep the two key questions in the forefront of everything you do."

One great way to maintain focus during the summer and beyond is to create a stick-to-the-strategy group. Hall explains: "The group should include people from every department. Their main objective should be to make sure the organization as a whole isn't losing sight of the core strategy. They'll bring you and the rest of your employees suggestions on how to push forward and get back on track whenever necessary."

Step 2. Plan the work and work the plan.

Sometimes the best way to stay focused during the summer is to put everything you have to do right there in front of you. Create a to-do work list and encourage your employees to do so as well. Carefully manage the master list so that you are regularly updating it with new tasks and crossing off those that you have already completed. Make sure your employees do the same with their individual lists. The constant focus on these work lists will keep people from slacking off just because it's summertime.

-74 n I BuiHing hodu6 Dig€st r Argu* 2010 BuiHing-Produdsom paying close attention to his or hers. A pending vacation should not be an excuse for not getting work done. Rather, it should be a red flag that urges you to be mindful of deadlines, rearrange more flexible projects, and ask for help if you need it. This is the message leaders should be sending to employees: If you are going to be on vacation, know what your deliverables are-and then deliver!

Building witlr tostern White Pine is choracfer building. It is a reflection of who you are, how you choose to live and your commitment to authenticity. To learn more about building with eastern white pine visit www.easternwhitepine.org. Willyour next proj*t have character?

"You'll be surprised how gratifying it can feel to check a task off of your to-do list," says Hall. "When you do, it provides you with the encouragement you need to move on to the next task. Making a to-do list might seem like a simple idea, but, trust me, it will have a big payoff. The list will help you see the big picture, and having everything in front of you will be a great way to continuously remind yourself that there is a lot to accomplish this summer."

Step 3. Don't let people use their vacation as a get-out-of-work-free card.

"Have a meeting with employees a couple of weeks in advance of their vacations in order to go over their lists," suggests Hall. "Point out those tasks that absolutely must get done before they go. Obviously, it's important for everyone to get a break during the summer, but no one-not your employees, not you-should take three months off just because it's summer. Not only will getting your work done make for a more enjoyable vacation for you, but it will make things a lot easier on coworkers and employees while you are out. And it will make your return a lot easier, as well."

Slcp J. Update clients once a week.

During the summer, you and your employees aren't the only ones who are traveling or just MIA. Clients likely will be, too. Knowing they aren't as available as usual, you might allow yourself to slip into less frequent communication with them. Don't.

"Make yourself provide your clients with an update on what's going on with their accounts at least once a week," says Hall. "Doing so is a great way to stay ruthlessly focused on providing them the best service and making sure you are on track to meet your clients' goals. Providing updates will push you to pay close attention to each of your clients. It forces you to keep the ball moving, constantly thinking about what step should come next, what goal should be reached next, and what you can do to improve your overall service."

Stcp 5. Leverage the freedom of summer to generate fresh ideas.

Summertime is just more fun than any other time of the year. It brings out people's "inner child" and sparks creative ideas. That's why summer is a great time to focus on developing fresh ideas at your organization. One way to get people's creative juices flowing is to hold an organizationwide contest.

"Ask everyone to submit their bright idea for the company and a plan for implementation," he advises. "To motivate them to give you their best effort, offer the winner an extra day of vacation or a Friday off. Another way to inspire is to hold a brainstorming lunch with your staff once a month or so. Ask them to each bring at least one idea, whether it be a way to help a client, a way to save money, or a way to improve the business as a whole.

"Finally, get outdoors from time to time," he adds. "Take everyone to the local park one day. Encourage them to use the time outside the office to brainstorm ways to improve the business or tackle a problem that has been giving them trouble. Not only will people get to spend some fun time together enjoying the weather, they'll have a chance to clear their heads and do some great brainstorming."

Sttp 6" Look for ways to keep people refreshed.

Staying focused shouldn't be about drudgery. People need a bit of fun and levity to prevent boredom and burnout. That's why Hall suggests you look for ways to infuse the spirit of summer into your organization. Let your employees enjoy the things that make summer great without ever leaving the office. Provide fresh flowers for everyone's desks. Serve up a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade. Relax the dress code (at least one day a week). Pipe beach music throughout the office. The possibilities are endless.

"Do whatever you can to make work more summer-y," says Hall. "It will create a nice escape from the status quo that will refresh you and your employees and help everyone refocus on the work at hand while still getting to enjoy the spirit of summer."

"It may sound like a great idea to check out for the summer and just pick things back up in September," he says. "But in doing so, you leave a lot of great opportunities on the table."

Rustic Beauties Under Foot

Armstrong's Rustics Premium line now includes New England Long Plank laminate flooring. The floorboards are more than 7 ft. long, with the look of handscraped, oil-finished hardwood. Available in five colors, the tongue-and-groove boards can be locked in place.

T ARMSTRONG.COM

0 17\ 397 -06rr

Quieter Gompound

Green Glue noise-proofing compound reportedly can be used between layers of drywall or other building materials to decrease sound transmission by up to 907o.

The products are water based, non-toxic. low-VOC. and exceed LEED building standards.

T GREENGLUECOMPANY. COM

(866) 435-8893

Vermont Natural Tings

Whey Better Finish

PolyWhey from Vermont

Natural Coatings is a waterborne polyurethane finish for exterior wood that cleans up with soap and water.

The environmentally friendly finish includes whey proteins-a byproduct of cheesemakingttrat reportedly create a natural bond with wood. It may be used on new, pressure treated, and weathered wood for a quick-drying finish.

Choose from Caspian clear, acorn brown, or autumn red, in quarts or gallons.

I VERMONTNATURALCOATINGS.COM

(888) 639-9439

Better Gutter Covers

Leaf Relief gutter covers from Ply Gem reportedly can drain more than 29" of rainfall an hour.

Built of solid aluminum, the covers lay flat and prevent overflowing by keeping debris out of gutters.

T PLYGEM.COM

(800) 587-1339

Plug the Deck

Starborn's Smart-Bit Pro Plug System includes everything needed to install a deck with invisible fasteners.

Included are the Pro Plug tool for pre-drilling and counter-boring, stainless or hardened steel fasteners, replacement drill bits, a Titebond glue nozzle, and wood plugs to match a variety of wood species.

T STARBORNINDUSTRIES. COM

(800\ 596-1147

Exterior Wood Protection

Sansin's 2-Coat DEC stain uses modified natural oils and a water-borne formulation to protect exterior wood.

The product reportedly allows wood to breathe. allowing it to adjust to natural moisture levels. Available in 79 colors, it can be used on old or new wood to repel water and provide protection from UV exposure

T SANSIN.COM

(817) 726-1461

Composite Gate Kit

A ncw compositc gate kit from TimberTech complemcnts the companv's deckin-u. railin-e. and t'encing products.

A lock, latch. ancl mountin-e hardu'ate are included. The kits rcportedly are code-compliant tbr use with swimrning pools and second-story decks. and availablc in a selection of complementarv colors.

I TIMBERTECH.COM

(r.t(x)) 307-77tto

ll-lDrhTaped Solution

Pcal & Scal PowerBond White 250 can be used tcr tapc scams on roof and gutter repair, window flashing, arrcl as a gcncral-purpose waterproofing product.

An asphalt adhesive and UV-stable outer filrrr lirrms :r long-lasting protective barrier.

The -50' rolls come in both .1" and 6" wiclths. in whitc only.

I SOLUTIONS.MFMBP.COM (800) 882-7663

Plantation Plywood Panels

Lumin plywood from Weyerhaeuser is manufactured from plantation-grown eucalyptus and pine.

The all-eucalyptus panel is available in seven grades, including four proprietary grades.

The combi-panel is available in three standard grades, pairing the strength of eucalyptus-core veneers with the traditional visual appeal of a pine-face layer.

Both are produced in a mill with FSC chain-of-custody and controlled wood certification.

I LUMIN.COM

(877) 668-0lss

Easy Underlayment

Elastilon underlayment allows stick-and-peel installation of 5/16" to l" hardwood flooring.

The self-adhesive membrane can be used on concrete, both below and above grade, eliminating the need for subfloor construction or glue and nails.

I ELASTILONUSA.COM

(87'7) 526-9663

For confi dence u nderfoot - and overheadbu i lders trust Ainsworth E n g i n e e red.

For flooring systems that lay flat and true.

For stairs that won't cup, sag or squeak. For cost-competitive, sustainably sourced products, reliably supplied, choose quality. Choose Ainsworth.

SOUTHEASTERN LUMBER Manufacturers Association held its annual conference July 14-16 in Naples, Fl. [1]Sandy & Jeff Miller. [2] Rich & Judith Williams. [3] Beverly Hankins, J.D. Hankins. [4] Alex Seabolt, Sandie Sparks, Ardis & Pat Almond. [5] Bill Scott, Melissa Scott, Barry Black. [6] Ethel & Tom Rice. [7] Hank & Kimberli Scott, Andy Pollard. [8] Wade, Margaret & Leslie Camp, Alicia & Fred Stimpson. [9] Stuart, Steven, & Vicki O'Neill. [10] Daniel & Rachel Dickert. [11] Sue Jordan, rc r Building Produds Dfuest r Argust 2010

Melissa Hanis, Bob Jordan, Christy Jordan. [12] Keri & Ryan Hilsinger. [13] Robert Harris, Theresa & Bailey Bailey. [14] John & Deborah Ball. [15] Katie, Hunter, & Gina McShan. [16] Connie & Jeff Wilson. [17] Buddy & Ann Klumb. [18] Bob Tweedy, Debbie Burns, David Richbourg.

[19] Jason Houck, Mike Pastore. [20] Digges Morgan, William Almond.

[21] Jack Jordan, Joe Patton, (More photos on next page)

Charles Cornelius "Chuck" Veenstra, 85, founder of Big Buck Building Centers and Custom Component Co., Racine, Wi., died July l0 in Racine.

He was a captain in the U.S. Marines, serving in World War II and Korea. He took over the family's Veenstra Lumber in the early 1960s. helping it grow to three locations. He opened his first Big Buck in Waukesha, Wi., eventually renaming the other yards Big Buck. He also launched ProMillwork, a millwork fabrication division. When he retired in 1985, his two children took over. ProBuild bought the business in 1998 and closed it last summer.

Donald A. Butterfield. 83. cofounder of A&B Lumber, Pembroke, N.H., died July 3 in Loudon, N.H.

He served in the military during WWII and the Korean War. He helped launch A&B in 1977 and for the past 16 years had worked with Loudon Buildine Supply, Loudon.

Joseph Meyer Hymerling, 89, former owner and operator of Fort Meade Lumber Co., Fort Meade. Fl.. died June 9 in Fort Meade.

He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force in WWII. He managed Nicholson Supply Co., Fort Meade, before starting his own business in 1975.

Donald E. Doppler, 87, president and c.e.o. of Johnson-Doppler Lumber Co., Cincinnati, Oh.. died June 5 in Cincinnati.

He joined the family business in 1949 and assumed the top post in 1957.

He was actively leading the company at the time of his death.

Andrew "Andy" Orlet, 79, retired president and c.e.o. of O'Neil Lumber Co., E. St. Louis, Il., died July 6 in Belleville,Il.

He joined O'Neill Lumber in 1960. Five years later, he and two partners bought the firm. He retired in 1992.

He was a past president of the Illinois Lumber Dealers Association.

Alton C. "Jake" Mercer. 102. retired co-owner of Sellersburg Lumber & Supply, Sellersburg, In., died July 7 in Madison, In.

He worked at Graham Lumber Co.. Scottsburg, In., and Russ & Russ Lumber, Jeffersonville, In., before becoming co-owner and manager of Sellersburg in 1950. He sold the yard and retired in 197 4

George F. Dean, 89, retired owner of Northshore Ace Hardware, N. Muskegon, Mi., died from heart complications on June 30.

He served with the U.S. Army during WWII, then became a pro hockey player. He opened the store in 1955 and passed it to his sons in 1986, but still came into the store every day during his retirement.

Kevin E. Perry, 65, longtime Indiana hardware store manager, died June 28 in Muncie. In.

Before retiring in 2O02, he worked for Yorktown Hardware. Hi-Wav 3 Hardware. True Value, Lowe's, and Ace.

John Thomas Munro. 78. retired owner of Munro Builders Supply/True Value Hardware, Rolla, N.D., died June

2l in Lake Upsilon, S.D.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he served with the U.S. Army in Korea. He also operated Munro Contractors, Rolla.

Pete Windiate Jr., 54, co-owner of Perkins Builders Supply, Perkins, Ok., died June 2 in Stillwater, Ok.

He and partner Larry Wilson opened the business in 1988.

Greg Ziegler, 89, former head of Ziegler's Ace Hardware, Elgin, Il., died June 22 in Barrington. L.

During WWII, he served with the Marines in the Pacific. After the war, he graduated from Kalamazoo College then joined the family business. The lO-location chain is now run by the third generation of Zieglers.

He also served as director and vice chairman of Ace Hardware Corp.'s board of directors, and received the Illinois Retail Merchants Association Retailer of the Year award in 1983

Paul E. Drone, 62, co-owner of Carmi Lumber, Carmi, Il., died June 20 after the experimental aircraft he was flying crashed at the local airport.

He joined his brother, Don, at the business in 1973, and they later purchased it.

Harper C. Chambers, 78, owner of Harper Chambers Lumber, Tuscaloosa, Al., died June l8 in Tuscaloosa.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he established the business in 1967. He also served on the board of Hardware Wholesalers Inc. and was named Associate Member of the Year by the Tuscaloosa Home Builders Association.

Robert Junior Rose, 76, retired employee of Rose Lumber Co.,Tazewell, Va., died June 21 in N. Tazewell.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Frank Caillouet Gauthier, 76, retired owner of Frank's Couvillion Lumber, Cottonport, La., died May 29 in Cottonport.

He retired from the lumber business after 28 years, following six years in the U.S. Army.

Armond Kirk Carlin. 85. former owner of Carlin Lumber Co., Monett, Mo., died May 29 in Monett.

He served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II.

From l96l ro 1969, he managed Meek Lumber locations in Lockwood and Springfield, Mo. He owned and operated Carlin Lumber from 1969 to 1983. In 1986, he helped open Meek's new store in Monett, Mo., staying on until his retirement in 1998.

Rates: $1.20 per word (25 word min.). Phone number counts as 1 word, address as 6. Centered copy or headline, $9 per line. Border, $9. Private box, $15. Column inch rate: $55 ifartfurnished "camera+eady" (advertiser sets the type), $65 if we set the type. Send ad to Fax 949-852-0231 or dkoenig@ building-products.com. For more info, call (949) 852-1990. Make checks payable to Cutler Publishing. Deadline: 18th of previous month.

To reply to ads with private box numbers, send conespondence to box number shown, c/o BPD. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released.

Lumber Trader

We are a wholesale lumber company looking for an experienced trader. Any species. No restrictions on mills or customers. No relocation.6OVo split for trader. Call John at Lakeside Lumber at (623) 566-7100 or email lakesidelumber@cox.net.

We Buy And Sell Panel Strips

Plywood, OSB, particleboard and MDF by the truckloads. Lumber Source, Phone (800) 8741953, Fax 888-576-8723, email LumberSource@hotmai l.com.

New Hampshire Dealer Promotes Recycling

Middleton Building Supply's stores in Hampton and Dover, N.H., have partnered with a local environmental group to create colorful recycling bins for the nearby city of Portsmouth.

"We are really working to offer more green options in our stores," said Andy Carberry, who manages the store in Hampton. "Collaborating on a very visible project such as this one was a perfect fit."

Middleton donated a variety of building materials for the project, as well as the manpower, trucks, cranes, and forklifts needed to construct and carry the 500 to 600 lb. bins. The company also solicited donations from vendors such as MoistureShield, which supplied exterior trim.

The bins' sides feature colorful tiles decorated by local schoolchildren. Tiles on the top identify Middleton, MoistureShield, and other donors. The group installed the first bin in midJuly, and hopes to build and install 16 more bins over the summer.

Remodeling to Pick Up in'11

Remodeling spending is expected to increase on an annual basis by the end of the year. Harvard's Iatest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity points to growth accelerating to double-digits in first quarter 201l.

"Absent a reversal of recent economic progress, there should be a healthy upturn in home improvement activity by year-end and into next year," says Harvard's Eric S. Belsky.

IWPA Revises Veneer Standard

International Wood Products Association has approved a new voluntary IWPA Grade "Product Standard for Imported Rotary Cut Wood Veneer & Platforms." The previous standard was released l0 years ago.

"It was time to do an overhaul," said IWPA veneer committee chair Bronson Newburger, Clarke Veneers & Plywood. "Taking into account that veneer faces continue to be thinner and thinner, we realized that adjustments to the standard had to be made."

The new specs establish minimum requirements for each grade, and reflect the current trend in the waY veneers are being produced and used in veneer and plywood markets. "It's a better explanation of what mills need to know in order to satisfy customers' demand, and what users can expect from suppliers," added Newburger.