BPD January 2025

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A

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Alan Oakes

MANAGING EDITOR

David Koenig • dkoenig@526mediagroup.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Sara Graves • sgraves@526mediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS

James Olsen, Kim Drew, Claudia St. John

CONTRIBUTORS

Matt Gibson, Elisabeth Lodin, Paige McAllister, Christian Moises, Maureen Puettmann

ADVERTISING SALES

(714) 486-2735

Chuck Casey ccasey@526mediagroup.com

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DIGITAL SUPPORT

Alek Olson • aolson@526mediagroup.com

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CIRCULATION/SUPPORT info@526mediagroup.com

A PUBLICATION OF 526 MEDIA GROUP, INC.

151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone (714) 486-2735

BUILDING PRODUCTS DIGEST is published monthly at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 4862735, www.building-products.com, by 526 Media Group, Inc. (a California Corporation). It is an independently owned publication for building products retailers and wholesale distributors in 37 states East of the Rockies. Copyright®2025 by 526 Media Group, Inc. Cover and entire contents are fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without written permission. All Rights Reserved. BPD reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter, and assumes no liability for materials furnished to it. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of 526 Media Group, Inc. Articles in this magazine are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or business management advice.

SHORT TRIP DOWN A LONG ROAD

------------ BY PATRICK ADAMS

IT’S A TRADITION that every year around the holidays, we get the ENTIRE team together. We fly in every team member and their spouse for our annual company holiday dinner. While every year it gets tougher to manage logistics and employees’ own schedules, I feel like it is important.

Yes, it would be easier to send a gift card and a thankyou note. Unfortunately, I have become hard-wired that words are meaningless without the action that supports the message. This team matters to me, I appreciate all they do, and so I try to do things that show they matter to me.

This year turns over 10 years on the “company odometer” since we acquired Building Products Digest and The Merchant Magazine—our first publications serving the LBM industry. I knew nothing other than I wanted our family to chart their own course—to create our own team, based on our own values. To truly serve our customers and in their success, we would hopefully share in it.

That was over 120 monthly articles ago, with many acquisitions, experiments, successes and new team members along the way. I remember when we bought these first publications which, at the time, dated back almost 100 years old. Our editor shared that it was tradition that the publisher write a monthly article and that I needed to continue it. I am not a writer by trade and I dreaded the thought of attempting to fake it. I hated traditional Publisher’s Columns that, to me, were glorified Tables of Contents. “… and, oh, there’s this amazing article on page 13 that you have to read, and a great interview with blah, blah, blah.” I knew I couldn’t write anything about LBM because all of you had forgotten more about it than I will ever know.

So, I started writing about the thing that matters more to me than anything on Earth. The only reason I get up every day and the only reason why I am who I am. Although I am still a long way from considering myself a “good man,” I am the best version of myself only because

of my family and my constant drive to never let them down. It feels like it has been a very quick trip down what I hope is a long road.

Looking back, you have watched me and my family grow every month. I hope you have knowingly laughed at my expense as I try to figure out how to navigate each chapter of raising a family, while running and growing a business in an ever-changing landscape. My son was not yet born, and my daughter was just starting down the road of her story.

In the midst of this, I have had the honor of having more than just a business relationship with so many of you. I have stayed at your homes, and shared meals with your families. You have been open about your challenges, and your dreams. You have done more than simply be kind to the “new guy.” You have shown me you care through your actions, and being surrounded by an industry full of so many amazing, genuine and thoughtful people has made me a better person.

Since then, we have grown quite a bit and do a lot more than just this one magazine. Looking down the road, there are challenges, but also a lot that I am excited about. There will always be new ways for us to serve you. And, in the next 10 years, my daughter will already be out of college and my son will just be graduating high school! I may need your advice and help dealing with that!

I hope that these past 10 years have been just a short trip down what will be a long road for us serving this great industry. In my wildest dreams, I could not have scripted a better mission, serving better people, with a better team than what I have. For that, I thank all of you for an amazing 10 years and truly look forward to the next 10!

Happy New Year!

PATRICK S. ADAMS, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com

A DEALER’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S DRIVING DEMAND IN DOORS & WINDOWS

------------ BY MATT GIBSON

THE WINDOW and door market is evolving rapidly; for dealers, staying ahead of trends is the key to staying competitive. In 2025, sleek black-on-black designs, energy-efficient solutions, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections dominate modern styles. At the same time, classic favorites like Cape Cod, Craftsman and Tudor are making a comeback, giving builders flexible options to meet diverse buyer demands.

These trends are more than noteworthy—they’re opportunities. Thoughtfully curated product displays, paired with data-driven insights on emerging styles, position dealers as trusted partners for builders. Strategic tools like social media campaigns, a strong online presence, and educational content enhance their ability to meet builder needs while showcasing expertise. By leveraging these strategies, dealers can build credibility, foster lasting partnerships, and stand out in a competitive market.

Let’s explore the top 2025 trends and how dealers can turn them into opportunities.

Bold Aesthetics Lead the Way

Dark-colored windows and doors, like black and bronze, remain at the forefront of bold design trends,

providing eye-catching contrast for interiors and exteriors, and enhancing curb appeal.

To make the most of this trend, dealers should focus on showing, not just telling:

• Invest in full-size samples and displays: These tangible examples make it easier for builders to visualize how these products can transform a space and how they can fit their projects.

• Feature higher-end windows with expanded finish and color options: Highlighting premium offerings demonstrates the value and customization available, encouraging upselling opportunities.

Additionally, leveraging social media is essential for showcasing designs, as customers use these platforms for inspiration, staying informed about industry trends, networking, and reading third-party reviews. To maximize its effectiveness:

• Share real-life applications: Post curated images and videos of dark-colored windows in completed projects to showcase their versatility.

• Incorporate testimonials and reviews: Highlight satisfied builders who’ve successfully used these products.

WITH EMERGING trends in the window and door industry, dealers must find ways to standout in a competitive market. Strategies like showcasing how certain window and door products will look in a home, like the Ply Gem Perspective Multi-Slide Vinyl Patio Door in co-extrusion exterior bronze pictured above, will help dealers build lasting relationships and drive long-term growth.

These endorsements add credibility, demonstrate the effectiveness of the dealer’s offerings, and help establish trust with prospective builders exploring similar options.

• Tailor content to key audience: Dealers must understand their audience’s core needs, priorities, and challenges to develop content that resonates with them and addresses their specific goals.

The Continued Push for Energy Efficiency

More builders are prioritizing energy-efficient windows and doors to meet new building codes, such as the rollout of Energy Star 7.0, and customer demands. These pros rely on dealers to guide them in selecting products that strike the right balance between aesthetics and performance. By highlighting energy-efficient options, dealers can help builders meet their needs while positioning themselves as trusted advisors with expertise in both design and functionality.

To capitalize on this trend, dealers can:

• Understand the Energy Star Program: Dealers must familiarize themselves with Energy Star recommendations based on local climates. Highlight basic options, such as vinyl frames and dual-pane windows with spacers, along with premium upgrades like Low-E coatings, specialized glass, or gas-filled panes. Dealers should also educate builders on Energy Star rebates and how they can leverage these for their projects.

• Tailor Conversations to Builder Needs: Start by discussing aesthetic choices like style, color, and grille designs, then transition to performance-focused conversations on climate-specific glass and insulation. Equip your team with resources and tools that streamline the sales process and ensure builders’ questions are fully addressed.

• Leverage Displays and Samples: Showcase energyefficient window options with interactive displays that explain features and benefits, while highlighting the performance differences between standard and upgraded options.

• Create Energy Efficiency-Focused Case Studies: Use case studies to educate builders on the benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors. Highlight Energy Star certifications, climate-specific options, and advanced features like Low-E coatings and gas-filled panes that were used in customer projects. This can also be used as blog content as well as social media and other distribution methods that can help support builders throughout their decision-making process, whether before or after they engage with your team.

The Rise of Transitional Living

Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces has become a key priority as builders respond to the demand for open, adaptable layouts. Multi-slide patio doors are at the forefront of this trend, offering smooth transitions and versatile functionality. To effectively showcase this trend, dealers should leverage hands-on displays, virtual demonstrations, and real-world examples to help builders see how these designs can elevate their projects.

Here’s how dealers can recommend and demonstrate solutions that align with this trend:

• Highlight Product Variety: Showcase various door styles: standard sliding doors with fixed panels for simple projects; multi-slide doors with panels that stack to create wide openings; and pocket doors that slide into walls to maximize space. Interactive displays that allow builders to experience these options firsthand can make a significant impact, helping them envision how each solution fits into their projects.

• Educate Through Marketing: Use in-store signage or virtual demos to show builders how these doors can fit into various designs. Also, offer tips on how these options can be positioned to their clients as both practical and aesthetic solutions.

A Return to Traditional Styles

While modern designs are popular, classic styles like Cape Cod, Craftsman and Tudor are making a comeback. Today’s traditional designs blend old charm with modern features and customization options to suit current tastes.

Dealers can tap into this trend to provide customization and help builders enhance their project’s curb appeal. To achieve this, consider the following strategies:

• Understand Builder Goals: Identify how traditional styles can align with modern customer demands, such as improved energy efficiency or color options like black finishes. Recommend updated versions of classic designs to meet contemporary performance expectations.

• Leverage Social Media: Showcase inspirational visuals and examples of projects where modern windows and doors enhance traditional home styles. Highlight curated and real-world applications, helping builders visualize how these products elevate their projects.

• Enhanced Online Presence: Builders increasingly rely on digital tools for purchasing decisions, making a seamless, engaging and informative online experience essential. Dealers should prioritize e-commerce optimization and use their manufacturing partners’ digital catalogs to ensure builders have access to detailed product information and inspiration.

By embracing 2025’s top trends, dealers can meet builder demands and distinguish themselves in a competitive market. Success doesn’t end with the sale—it’s built on trust, strong relationships, and ongoing engagement. Staying connected with customers through follow-ups, social media, or simple check-ins provides valuable feedback and reinforces your role as a reliable partner at every step. In an ever-evolving market, adaptability and a focus on customer needs are what keep dealers indispensable to builders and drive long-term growth. BPD

MATT GIBSON

Matt Gibson is director of marketing for Cornerstone Building Brands, Aperture Solutions — U.S. (www. cornerstonebuildingbrands.com). Their window and door brands include Ply Gem, Simonton, Silver Line, Atrium, North Star, Cascade, Prime, Harvey, Thermo-Tech, and SoftLite.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS can help reduce energy consumption like US Tile Clay Roofing, which is naturally reflective, 100% recyclable, and, when paired with a cool roof system, can save homeowners up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to a standard composition asphalt shingle roof.

ON-TREND WAYS TO REFRESH HOMES

WHETHER YOUR customers are looking to simply refresh their living spaces or planning a major home renovation, staying current with design trends can not only enhance their comfort and style, but also boost their house’s value.

As modern home design continues to evolve, trends are increasingly shifting toward long-term movements focused on versatility, sustainability and innovation. By embracing these elements in your 2025 updates, you can help your clients ensure their living spaces remain stylish and functional for years to come.

Incorporate Versatile Design Elements

Because tastes are continuously evolving, it’s important to take an adaptable design approach when creating unique and harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces. Using products that offer exceptional design versatility help upgrades to transcend fleeting trends and maintain their relevance and appeal over time.

Similarly, homebuyers are moving away from cookiecutter designs, seeking bold aesthetics that enhance curb appeal and distinguish their homes from others on the block. This shift toward personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes requires mixing textures, finishes and colors to transform both exteriors and interiors to create visually dynamic and unique looks. Blending materials like brick with vinyl siding, stone with wood or modern siding with rustic stone veneer can add depth and character to facades.

Choose Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Designs

Homeowners are increasingly focused on sustainable and eco-friendly home designs to reduce their

environmental impact, save on energy costs, and create healthier living spaces. Complementing this trend, biophilic design is also gaining momentum as it seeks to strengthen the connection between indoor environments and nature. This approach goes beyond simply adding greenery, focusing on the use of natural light, improved ventilation and materials that mimic organic patterns and textures. Features like large windows, living walls, and the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, have become popular choices, blending sustainability with a deeper connection to the natural world.

Eco-friendly materials that use fewer raw materials, generate smaller carbon footprints and conserve water play a vital role in sustainable design and are in high demand. For example, reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are popular choices due to their reduced environmental impact.

Seek Functional, Innovative Solutions

Driven by homeowners’ evolving needs, modular and easy-install systems, like panelized stone siding, are gaining popularity due to their ability to simplify installation while mimicking traditional materials such as stone or wood. These functional systems save time and can empower homeowners to tackle projects themselves.

In addition, the rising frequency of severe weather events is increasing demand for smart, weather-resistant materials that enhance homes’ aesthetic appeal and offer superior protection against extreme conditions. An option like Versetta Stone, which delivers the authentic look and feel of stone in an easy-to-install panelized format, offers wind resistance up to 110 miles per hour and carries a Class A fire rating. BPD

GROUND SCREWS FROM DECKS TO RAIL AND ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

------------

BY ELISABETH LODIN

IN THE QUEST for resilient and sustainable infrastructure, the construction industry continually seeks innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of rail and road projects. Ground screws, also known as pier anchors and already popular in deck construction, are emerging as a pivotal solution for the challenges faced by rail and road infrastructure development. Here’s how ground screws can be tailored to serve as an excellent foundation solution for these sectors, addressing specific needs while promoting sustainability and efficiency.

Adaptability to Varied Terrain

Rail and road projects often traverse diverse and challenging terrains, from soft soils in valleys to hard, rocky substrates in mountainous areas. Ground screws are exceptionally adaptable to various soil types and conditions, providing a secure and stable foundation. This adaptability ensures that infrastructure projects can proceed in almost any location, overcoming geographical and geological constraints that might hinder traditional foundation methods.

Rapid installation, minimal environmental impact

Unlike traditional concrete foundations that require excavation, curing time, and significant manpower, ground screws can be installed quickly, with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. This feature not only accelerates project timelines, but also reduces

the environmental footprint of construction activities, preserving natural habitats and minimizing soil erosion.

Durability and load-bearing capacity

Ground screws are designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for supporting the weight of rail tracks, roadbeds and associated structures. Their corrosion-resistant materials ensure long-term durability, even in moist or corrosive environments common along rail lines and roadways. Furthermore, the helical design of ground screws provides excellent resistance to shifting and settling, essential qualities for maintaining the integrity of rail and road infrastructure over time.

Cost efficiency and maintenance

The initial installation of ground screws is not only faster, but often more cost effective than traditional foundation methods, as it requires less heavy machinery and labor. Additionally, their durability and resistance to environmental factors lead to lower maintenance costs over the lifespan of the infrastructure. For rail and road projects operating within tight budget constraints, ground screws offer a financially viable foundation solution without compromising quality or longevity.

Flexibility for future expansion, modifications

Rail and road networks are dynamic, often requiring expansions or modifications to meet changing transportation needs. Ground screws provide a flexible foundation solution that can be easily adjusted, expanded, or even relocated if necessary. This flexibility is invaluable for infrastructure projects, where future developments and upgrades are anticipated, allowing for seamless integration of new sections or adjustments to existing routes.

Ground screws represent a revolutionary approach to foundation solutions in the rail and road infrastructure sectors. By leveraging the unique advantages of ground screws, project developers and engineers can enhance the resilience, sustainability and efficiency of rail and road networks, paving the way for future developments in transportation infrastructure. BPD

– Elisabeth Lodin represents StopDigging, Sweden’s largest supplier of ground anchoring via ground screws (www. stopdigging.se).

GROUNDBREAKING FOUNDATION: Popular in Europe and New Zealand, ground screws provide a highly efficient method for anchoring decks, boardwalks and even roadways and railways. (Photo by StopDigging)

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PERK UP YOUR STAFF IN 2025

HAPPY, HEALTHY, appreciated employees are, on the whole, significantly more productive than their disgruntled, distressed brethren. Consider kicking off the new year with accessories that can bring good health and good attitudes to your workers, whether they’re in the office, on the sales floor, or in the yard.

For Cashiers and Greeters

Standing in one place on hard flooring for hours on end can cause extreme fatigue as well as musculoskeletal health problems. Anti-fatigue mats made from rubber, carpeting or other materials with some “give” can provide relief.

If possible, consider providing a high chair so that cashiers or greeters can alternate between standing and sitting. Leyform (leyform.com) manufactures a padded Sprint Stool, specifically designed to meet the specific needs of checkout-area workers. The various models feature improved backrests, swivel seat, adjustable height, footrest ring, and stable base that accommodates every shift of the cashier’s weight.

For Yard Workers and Forklift Operators

Maybe your budget won’t allow for a brand-new forklift with every inch ergonomically designed for maximum operator comfort. Consider accessories that can make your existing equipment more comfortable. LiftTruck Stuff (lifttruckstuff.com) offers mesh backrests, portable fans with magnetic mounts, and

even air-suspension replacement seats that lessen the impact of the truck’s vibration.

For Office Workers

Employees who spend most of their day seated, working on a computer, are equally at risk of injury. Many could benefit from the latest ergonomic office equipment, such as: standing desks (to keep workers from sitting too long), two-piece keyboards (that adapt to different body types to help prevent pain in hands, wrists and arms), in-ear headphones (lightweight to help reduce neck strain), ergonomic mouse (to help reduce pain in the palm tendon), trackball (a stationary mouse that stays in one place on a desk), adjustable height chairs, monitor arms or raisers, reading slopes, and footrests

For the Entire Staff

Employee wellness programs can keep your staff fit and even instill a touch of healthy competition. Programs like Wellable (wellable.co) can group employees into teams to rack up points, based on their physical activity and nutritional choices, to win prizes.

Or, just keep your team caffeinated—and on theme— by making sure the company coffeemaker is full of Lumberman Coffee (www.lumbermancoffee.com), available in more than a dozen woodsy blends, including Redwood Rush, Mahogany Espresso, and Hickory Heights. BPD

UNCOMMON COURTESIES

SALES IS COMPETITIVE. We have to make a ton of calls. There’s a lot of humanity to deal with. We have goals to meet, so there is pressure. There are also many techniques we must learn to give a professional sales call, including how to run an effective prospect call, take a thorough inquiry, deliver a promotional sales call, overcome objections, and close.

The two biggest reasons salespeople fail to be courteous are being too driven—it’s fine, even mandatory, to be driven to be successful in sales, but we must also be personable, or the message is “I’m just here for the order,” which is easy to say no to. The second reason is nervousness. If we are nervous, we will make the customer uncomfortable, which leads to a lot of short, unproductive calls. Because of these factors often we forget that being pleasant and courteous is a competitive advantage.

The Greeting

The most professional greeting is “Good morning. This is John Smith with Smith Lumber Sales. I am calling you out of Atlanta, Ga. How are you doing today?’’ Our manner is relaxed, our pace moderate. The person answering the phone has never heard our voice before, so we want them to hear us clearly, easily. We watch our space between words and sentences.

When we tell them who we are, who we are with, and where we are calling from, we answer all the questions they have. This sets us apart from the mass of salespeople who don’t give enough information, talk too fast, and leave whoever answers the phone with a “Who is this?” feeling, which is not

------------ BY JAMES OLSEN

good for rapport. Rapport is built (or not) in the first four to 14 seconds, so our greeting is important.

Most sellers are only charming with the buyer. This is a mistake. The receptionist, or whoever answers the phone, can help us—or not. Often the receptionist is related to the owner or the buyer.

Smile

Some of us are natural smilers. If you are, fantastic. If you aren’t, train yourself to be. I’m not talking about a Bozo the Clown, over-the-top smile. Just a slight smile that sends the message “I love what I’m doing, and I know I can help you.” I agree with Stanley Gordon West: “Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.”

Use Their Name

Get the correct pronunciation and spelling of their name. If it’s an unusual name, we slow the conversation down and make sure we write out the correct phonetic pronunciation and put it in our notes. We may be the only salesperson calling on them who pronounces their name the way their family does.

We don’t want to overuse it, but two to four times a call using their name will warm it up.

Don’t Interrupt

This is the number one thing I have to “un-coach.” We are excited or nervous, so we jump in too soon. When the customer is calling, we give them rapt attention. If there is something we want to say, write it down, wait for the customer to finish, count to two or

three because they will often restart, and then ask our question. If a customer interrupts us, stop talking.

When in Rome, Speak Italian

Our customers have a communication style. We want to match their volume, pace, tone and demeanor. This will make them the most comfortable. We are a tribal animal. We like and are comfortable with people who communicate the way we do.

Empathy

If a customer brings up a problem, personal or professional, we take the time to ask them about it. We show a sincere interest. The best way to show a sincere interest is to ask one or more follow-up questions about their problem. Many salespeople are too quick to get to the business portion of the call. This is a mistake; show emphathy.

Thank Them

We thank them for the order, this may be obvious. We can also thank them for taking our call, for giving us an inquiry, for giving us a firm offer.

Being courteous will make our day and our sales lives more enjoyable. In addition, it will set us apart from the crowd—a competitive advantage. BPD

JAMES OLSEN

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NEW YEAR, NEW ADMINISTRATION, NEW LAWS

WHAT TO EXPECT

------------ BY PAIGE McALLISTER

EVERY YEAR brings new employment regulations for companies to navigate. Add to that the new incoming administration and companies can expect even more changes as the year evolves. While we do not know exactly what 2025 will bring, we have some thoughts as to how it will start.

FEDERAL

Beginning this month, Republicans will control the White House and both houses of Congress with the support of the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. Many are expecting legislative and executive actions that will undo or reverse the direction taken under President Biden’s administration. While we do not know exactly what that will entail, based on President Trump’s platform during his campaign many expect his administration to be pro-employer, reduce the tax burden of corporations and high-net-worth individuals, crack down on immigration, and implement tariffs. Some expected impacts include:

Minimum Wage: President Trump said during the campaign that he supports increasing the federal hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 as long as it does not hurt small businesses. However, most Republicans and companies are not in favor of wage increases given the impact on the bottom line so this is not expected to be a big push. As with the DOL’s minimum salary threshold being vacated by a Trump-appointed federal judge, initiatives that provide for higher wages for lowerwaged employees are not expected.

Employee Protections: While President Biden’s administration implemented and/or strengthened new protections for employees, President Trump will probably direct his administration to be more employerfriendly by either rolling back some protections or only pursuing enforcement for the most egregious situations. Additionally, diversity protections and requirements may be rolled back and/or enforcement of claims minimally pursued.

Immigration: A big push for President Trump, we can expect a crackdown on immigrants coming into the country. Companies that rely on low-wage workers for manual labor may find a shortage of people to fill their positions. Even in white-collar jobs, reduced visa opportunities for employees and their families may make it harder for employers to entice foreign workers to join their firms. Some experts are also expecting that this will be one area where enforcement will increase with more ICE visits, Form I-9 audits, and perhaps additional E-Verify requirements.

Labor Relations/NLRB: President Trump is expected to replace the current staunchly pro-union General Counsel with more employer-friendly counsel as well as fill an open seat on the Board. While the NLRB will still consist of a Democratic majority, the General Counsel sets the direction for the NLRB so the Board will refocus on reducing the power of unions and protections for employees and not enforcing the cases pursued in the past four years.

Q. We are based in one state but have two remote employees who work in other states. What employment laws do we need to follow?

A . In most cases, you need to follow the laws of the state the employee works in. Aspects such as minimum wage, overtime, paid sick leave, paid leave, payout of vacation at termination, acceptable payroll deductions, and protected groups follow the laws of the state where the employee works.

However, laws such as enforcing restrictive covenants (i.e., non-competes and non-solicitation) may fall under either state’s jurisdiction depending on legal precedent.

As with differences between state and federal law, you must defer to the law which most favors the employee. However, you are allowed to apply a more generous standard to all employees if you find it easier to manage.

Independent Contractors: These rules have vacillated over the past three administrations. While the test for independent contractors often relies on an “economic realities” test, the standards for that test changes. The current rule relies on the totality of the relationship based on six factors while it is expected the new administration will go back to focusing on two factors as they did previously.

Restrictive Covenants: The FTC’s plan to ban most non-compete agreements in 2024 was overturned by a Trump-appointed federal judge. Since most employers want the protections of non-competes and other restrictive covenants (such as non-solicitation and nondisparagement clauses), many do not expect this type of ban to be reintroduced.

STATES

In recent years, states have taken the lead on key policy initiatives due to prolonged federal inaction. While this gridlock may ease, states are likely to continue prioritizing measures that resonate with their constituents. The 2024 election-day ballot initiatives reflect this trend, with voters weighing in on several important issues.

Minimum Wage Increases: Voters in Alaska passed a measure to increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by July 1, 2027; additionally, if the federal minimum wage is increased, the state’s minimum wage will automatically increase to $2.00 per hour more than that rate. Voters in Missouri voted to increase their minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2026. Surprisingly, California voters did not pass a similar measure, but their minimum wage will continue to increase as previously established. You should also note that the minimum wage is already scheduled to increase in 22 states as of January 1, 2025.

Paid Sick Leave: Three states passed new paid sick leave laws which will go into effect in 2025. Alaska employees will be able to accrue up to 40 or 56 hours each year (depending on the size of the employer) beginning July 1, 2025. Missouri employees will be able to accrue up to 40 or 56 hours each year (depending on the size of the employer) beginning May 1, 2025. Nebraska employees will accrue up to 40 or 56 hours each year (depending on the size of the employer) beginning October 1, 2025.

Marijuana: While three states failed to pass marijuana legalization, Nebraska passed medical marijuana with it becoming legal later in 2025.

Access to abortion: Voters in Nebraska passed a new abortion ban while also striking down an abortion protection law. Voters in Florida and South Dakota also struck down measures to protect abortion rights. Meanwhile, voters in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York passed laws to protect access to abortion.

While not directly an employment issue, employees needing medical care may be required to travel, thereby missing additional work time. It may also impact benefit coverage requirements.

Other employment areas that are expected to be a focus at the state level in 2025 include pay transparency, paid leave, protected groups, restrictive covenants, immigration protections, worker safety, and climate change.

Other Challenges: In addition to the above areas, most employers will need to manage other workplace challenges including continuing reduced labor pool due to factors such as immigration and generational shifts; increasing operational costs; employees under personal financial pressures which may require them to look for other opportunities; and workplace tensions as the country continues to experience divides.

Through the HR Support Plan, The Workplace Advisors can help you stay up-to-date on the regulations, strategize how to manage the changes, and keep your handbook current. HR Support Plan members also receive our deepest discounts on Recruiting, Compliance, Compensation, Coaching, Organizational Development, and Assessments. BPD

Paige McAllister, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is vice president for compliance with The Workplace Advisors, Inc. Reach her at (877) 660-6400 or paige@theworkplaceadvisors.com.

KICK OFF 2025 WITH EASY LUMBER RETAILER PROMOTIONAL TIPS!

------------ BY KIM DREW

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now is the time for professional inventory: what accomplishments were you proud of in 2024? Where do you see room for improvement in the structure of your business and/or how you do business in 2025? This annual clean slate is the perfect time to take a leap, try something new, and make good changes to increase forward motion.

If one of your goals is to increase your awareness and presence in your markets, you’re in luck! We spoke with several top-notch public relations experts in the building products/construction industry and asked them to share tips for you as we move into the new year. Grab a pen and paper or bookmark this article: you’ll want to remember these!

Katy Tomasulo, Content Builders:

findings into easily digestible information for your customers: blog posts, short social media videos, installation videos, informational social media posts.

This is an easy one: ensure your sales team knows more about the products you sell than your customers do. Your sales team should be a resource, a go-to for information for customers. This level of knowledge is a tool that can be maximized into marketing like emails, short videos, product knowledge, and more. If you’re not an expert, your customers just might find someone who is.

Kathryn Emery, Be the Best Home:

Craft your story and your return on investment for customers. What product do you sell that others don’t? How can you save your customers time and money? If your delivery is reliable, tell them.

Be sure your website is user friendly. This means easy to find, easy to navigate, easy to use. Things like detailed product listings and specs, how to order, sales contacts, recent images—all of this ups the value of your services. If a buyer comes to your website, be sure there’s enough info to close the deal. Consider hiring someone to manage SEO optimization, meaning the use of keywords to draw potential buyers to your website in search engines.

Consider a spokesperson (local or national) who is engaging, knowledgeable, and brings industry credibility. A partnership like this might include earned media (editorial/ free) and paid media (targeted ads, etc.)

Kathy Ziprik, Ziprik Consulting:

Find someone on your existing team who is good with social media and put them in charge of this super-easy outreach tool. Determine which social platforms your customers view most (ask them!), create a social content posting calendar, and watch your engagement and followers grow. Create basic, easy content: a weekly sale item, a customer profile, name a Manufacturer of the Week/Month, and be sure to show fun casual photos from around your store. Creating a social media plan also means including parameters (proper spelling and grammar are a must) and SOCIAL

Use knowledge from your team to build out any educational content you produce: what are your customers’ pain points? What are you seeing from the field when it comes to mistakes made specifying and installing product? What product selection is challenging? What questions do you receive from customers over and over again? Turn these

(Continued on page 48)

BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE BUYS NY’S KLEET LUMBER

Builders FirstSource has acquired Kleet Lumber Co., Huntington, N.Y.

Founded in 1946 by Maxwell Kleet, the business has continued under his son and grandsons, serving builders, contractors and homeowners in the Long Island and metro New York communities.

“This acquisition bolsters our market presence in the Northeast and enhances our ability to serve builders, contractors and homeowners in the region,” noted a Builders FirstSource statement.

Based in Dallas, BFS operates about 580 locations in 43 states.

WEYERHAEUSER EXPANDS EWP IN ARKANSAS

Weyerhaeuser Co., Seattle, Wa., will invest approximately $500 million to build a new, state-of-theart TimberStrand laminated strand lumber facility near Monticello and Warren, Ar., expanding the company’s engineered wood products (EWP) capacity in the U.S. South.

The facility will have an annual production capacity of roughly 10 million cu. ft., which is comparable to the existing TimberStrand LSL facility in Kenora, Ontario. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the goal of starting operations in 2027.

Leveraging its proprietary TimberStrand technology, Weyerhaeuser is combining institutional expertise from Kenora with extensive research and development to manufacture TimberStrand with southern yellow pine as the primary feedstock. Given the company’s sizeable timber holdings in Arkansas, the Monticello facility is strategically located to source most of its fiber log requirements from Weyerhaeuser timberlands in the region. Additionally, the plant will include a biomass-fueled cogeneration system, which will fully supply the plant’s electrical needs and significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

The plant will double the company’s North American TimberStrand capacity and enhance its EWP offerings in the South. It is expected to add nearly 200 jobs once fully operational.

The project expands the company’s total investment and impact in Arkansas, adding a third manufacturing facility to go along with a lumber mill in Dierks and a plywood and veneer plant in Emerson, as well as 1.2 million acres of timberlands, a seedling nursery, and several offices.

“This is an exciting opportunity to

grow our EWP business, expand TimberStrand into the U.S. South, and provide an additional outlet for our fiber logs in Arkansas,” said Devin W. Stockfish, president and CEO.

MCCOY’S ACQUIRES TRUSS PLANT

McCoy’s Building Supply, San Marcos, Tx., is expanding into the roof and truss market with the purchase of Rio Truss, McAllen, Tx.

According to Waylon Walker, senior VP-operations & merchandising, “This is an opportunity that we have examined for the past few years as we sought the perfect fit for McCoy’s and our customers. Rio Truss has proven to be an excellent match for McCoy’s, given their outstanding reputation and specialization in complex homes and designs.”

Founded in 2004, Rio Truss manufactures structural components for commercial and residential builders throughout the Rio Grande Valley. McCoy’s Building Supply has several retail locations in South Texas and the Coastal Bend that have been working with Rio Truss for years.

It will become a wholly owned subsidiary of McCoy’s, continuing to operate under the familiar Rio Truss name. Rene Reyna will remain in his role as plant manager, while Mary Davis will continue to serve as the company’s account executive.

BOISE BUYS FLORIDA DOOR SHOP

Boise Cascade has purchased the assets of the Parksite door shop in Lakeland, Fl. Parksite currently has 22 locations, and this transaction involves their Florida door shop only. The remaining Parksite locations and products were not part of the deal and will continue to be owned and operated by Parksite.

The facility offers a wide selection of premium entry and decorative

BRIEFS

Gazaway Lumber, Paragould, Ar., has acquired 98-year-old City Lumber Co., Fayetteville, Ar., as its third location.

Home Lumber, Ellsworth, Ks., was back in business, operating from a temporary counter in its lumber shed, three days after a Dec. 6 fire.

Antigo Ace Hardware, Antigo, Wi., opened its doors Dec. 3. The 15,000-sq. ft. store is the 2nd location for owners Trig and Tula Solberg.

Westlake Ace Hardware will relocate its Olathe, Ks., store to a new location a few weeks after the existing store closes on March 1.

Arthur’s Hardware, Orchard Park, N.Y., has lost its lease and is closing Feb. 1 after 117 years.

Yeager Ace Hardware held a Dec. 6 grand opening for its fourth location, located in Barling, Ar. (Rebel Humphreys, store manager).

David’s Ace Hardware, Lawrenceburg, Tn., held a grand opening event Nov. 22-24 (David Chiappe, owner).

Malley Hardware, Keota, Ia., closed at the end of December due to the health of owner Jim Malley, who had worked at the family business for 65 years.

White Cap has acquired fastener specialist TOOFast Supply, with four locations in Nebraska.

Home Depot is eyeing a new store site in southeast Dallas, Tx.

glass doors featuring Therma-Tru PrismaGuard premium finish options. Boise Cascade will continue operations there and plans to expand the offerings to include Simpson and interior flush and molded doors.

It becomes Boise Cascade’s 15th millwork location and, in conjunction with its millwork facility in Milton, Fl., will enable the company to provide Therma-Tru products throughout the entire state of Florida.

“Boise Cascade is a clear leader in the Therma-Tru door business,” said Ron Heitzman, CEO, Parksite. “We started the Lakeland door shop operation from scratch in 2017 and Boise Cascade’s acquisition will expand customer service capability as well as expand opportunity for the associates working in the business.”

Read grade rules, span details, and get new promotional ideas for your business.

Sample the variety and versatility of eastern white pine.

Plastic, concrete or pine? Learn why consumers prefer natural over fabricated.

Reach more customers by getting listed on NELMA’s Retailer Directory.

Listen to and watch product installation and comparison videos, plus grade representations.

Use all your senses. Visit nelma.org for all things eastern white pine, spruce-pine-fir and other softwood species grown in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

Discover the difference. Learn the stark contrasts between building with wood or PVC. Scan here to see. Simply open the camera on your smartphone or tablet, and hold it over this image.

@NortheasternLumberMfg

@WoodInspiration

@wood_inspiration1933

DO IT BEST COMPLETES TRUE VALUE DEAL

With its purchase agreement officially signed, Do it Best announces the successful acquisition of a longtime competitor True Value.

The acquisition brings significant assets to Do it Best, including inventory, brand rights, and paint manufacturing facilities. By acquiring these key resources, Do it Best is poised for substantial growth and increased capability to support independent retailers.

“This has been a challenging process,” said Do it Best CEO Dan Starr. “However, the shared commitment from our team and the True Value team has made today possible. We are now proud to be the world’s largest cooperative in our space, and that positions us to make a real difference for all our store owners.”

Starr confirmed that True Value will operate as a separate subsidiary for now, allowing Do it Best to maintain high-quality service while carefully integrating True Value’s operations. He emphasized that this approach will ensure a smooth transition and continued reliability for both Do it Best members and the newly welcomed True Value retailers.

To support the transformation, Do it Best has established a new leadership team dedicated to stabilizing and growing the True Value business, while maintaining a focus on Do it Best member growth. Starr appointed Nick Talarico as president of Do it Best and Dent Johnson as president of True Value. Johnson’s True Value team also includes: Bill Habegger, VP of IT; Justin Hanford, VP of merchandising; Eric Lane, senior VP of marketing; Tim Miller, senior VP of logistics & distribution; Chris Okapal, VP of sales & business development; Steve Rose, VP of distribution; Matt Saines, VP of finance; Rob Schmiedel, VP of operations & sales enablement; Ken Sorg, VP of supply chain; Celeste Stevens, VP of human resources; John Vanderpool, senior VP of manufacturing; Jenna Grannan, director of marketing; and Randy Rusk, director of communications.

The acquisition is expected to be transformational for Do it Best, with a long-term vision that goes beyond growth for its own sake. By leveraging new efficiencies, deepening vendor relationships, and integrating key assets, Do it Best aims to position the cooperative for long-term success.

One of Do it Best’s first moves is combining the True Value Spring Reunion Show—originally planned for mid-March in Denver, Co.—with its own spring market March 21-23 in Orlando, Fl. The mega-event, themed “Bigger. Stronger. Faster,” promises to bring together the best of Do it Best and True Value in an unparalleled celebration of independent retail success.

“We’re focused on bringing more vendors and more new products to our True Value retailers, too,” said Justin Hanford, VP of merchandising for True Value. “But none of it can happen if you don’t make plans to be there. We encourage every member and retailer to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

The market will kick off with a special welcome reception for True Value retailers on the evening of March 20, designed to familiarize them with the market experience and provide all the tools they need to maximize their participation.

BELLETETES EXPANDING IN BROOKLINE

Ten-unit Belletetes has begun construction on a massive expansion at its location in Brookline, N.H., which was purchased in May from Bingham Lumber.

The project includes a 20,000-sq. ft. building that will feature a 15,000-sq. ft. hardware store, offices and a lumber counter, as well as a 30,000-sq. ft. drive-thru lumberyard. Production of custom wood flooring, mouldings and reclaimed lumber processing will continue on-site. The store is expected to employ about 40 additional workers and is slated to open in September.

“The present Bingham Lumber location is nothing like the rest of our business model. It is a complementary business, manufacturing custom wood flooring and processing reclaimed lumber, which we plan to scale up through our existing business channel,” said Mike Shea, president of Belletetes.

LUNAWOOD, AHC FORM JOINT VENTURE

Oy Lunawood Ltd. and Atlanta Hardwood Corp. are partnering on a joint venture, Lunawood LLC, to oversee the procurement, production and sales of thermally modified products across North America.

Effective Jan. 1, all North American Lunawood sales, including products manufactured at Lunawood’s Finnish facilities, will be managed through Lunawood LLC. The joint venture will build a facility at Atlanta Hardwood’s plant in Cleveland, Ga., to produce thermally modified timber products from locally sourced hardwoods. Production is expected to begin mid-summer 2025.

Lunawood LLC will stock the full range of Lunawood products for sale within North America at Atlanta Hardwood’s facilities in Cleveland, Ga., and Clarksville, Tn.

SUPPLIER BRIEFS

Metrie has acquired Eden Millwork, Knox, Pa.

New River Farms Sawmill, Danese, W.V., has been launched by Jack and Kathleen Taggart, offering boards and beams up to 25 ft. long.

Weyerhaeuser Distribution is now carrying AZEK TimberTech decking and railing at 13 of its distribution centers after adding Easton, Pa., and Richmond, Va.

Alan McIlvain Co., Marcus Hook, Pa., is now distributing Accoya wood throughout the Northeast.

US Lumber Brokers, Austin, Tx., is the newest stocking distributor of TimberTech decking and railing in Texas.

East Side Lumberyard Supply is now distributing Chelsea Building Products’ Everlast advanced composite siding to dealers in Illinois and Missouri from its location in East St. Louis, Il.

Hawkeye Distribution, Sioux City, Ia., now sells Chelsea Building Products’ Everlast composite siding in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

PrimeSource acquired door and bath hardware distributor Harney Hardware, Tampa, Fl.

Rockwool will invest $1+ million on an additional production line at its insulation plant in Marshall, Ms.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Brendan Florian, ex-Lowe’s, is new to outside sales with Champion Builder Supply, Elkridge, Md.

Eric Chippeaux, Star Lumber & Supply, Wichita, Ks., has been named VP-building materials.

Jason McDonald, ex-Premier Building Supply, is now Kansas City metro regional mgr. for Fiberon decking.

Bo Hackney has been promoted to store mgr. at Lezzer Lumber, Muncy, Pa.

Rich Ross has retired after 40 years of owning and operating Keystone Ace Hardware, Ridgway, Pa.

Leslie Davis has been appointed VP, controller and chief accounting officer for LP Building Solutions, Nashville, Tn.

Dena Bright has moved to D&L Wood Products, Crown Point, In., as purchasing mgr.

Kevin Linn has been promoted to mgr. of Mead Lumber, York, Ne.

Stephen Bradley, ex-Ridgefield Supply, is a new outside sales rep for Northeast Building Supply, New Canaan, Ct.

Jon Slaunwhite has joined BlueLinx, as Richmond, Va.-based mgr., national accounts-builder relations. Jonathon Sutton, ex-Lowe’s, is new to outside sales with BlueLinx, Charleston, S.C., and Dan Johanek to inside sales in Aitkin, Mn.

Manuel Juarez, Texas Building Supply, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx., has been promoted to area mgr.

Dana Cowart, ex-TAL Building Centers, was named president of The Lester Group, Martinsville, Va.

Kevin Gribbon, ex-Ridge Supply, is new to outside sales at Blue Ridge Lumber Co., Fairlawn, N.J.

Kevin Sholett was promoted to VP of sales for Erie Materials, Syracuse, N.Y. Brian Kinney is now territory mgr., Utica, N.Y.; Kevin Hale, inside sales, Albany, N.Y.; Nick Martin, inside sales, Scranton, Pa.; and Tim Hickey, branch administrator, Utica.

Rebeca Nevitt is a new sales operations specialist at Robinson Lumber Co., New Albany, In.

Ken Widner has been named VP of information technology and chief information officer for Do it Best, Fort Wayne, In. He succeeds John Mergy, VP of information technology, who is set to retire this month after nearly 20 years with the co-op. Ty Sordelet was promoted to VP of logistics.

Jennifer Kelso, formerly at Builders FirstSource, is now branch mgr. at Richards Building Supply, Johnson City, Tn. Courtney Burke is new to outside sales in Dayton, Oh.

Dave Doering has been named senior vice president of sales for HouseHasson Hardware, Knoxville, Tn.

Michael Revis is now assistant general mgr. at Builders FirstSource, Jacksonville, Fl.

Darren Floyd has joined the inside sales team at Cameron Ashley Building Products, Bluffton, In.

Joey Simpson, ex-Richards Building Supply, is now in sales with Kellogg Building Supply, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Roger Buker is now in inside sales at Hammond Lumber, Belgrade, Me.

Andy Mitchell has joined the sales force at Crosslin Building Supply, Nashville, Tn.

Will McElmurray returned as sales mgr. to Interwood Forest Products, Shelbyville, Ky.

Tony Houk, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, has been promoted to VP of store operations for parent Ace Retail Holdings, Kansas City, Mo.

Patrick Lumber Company

Over 100 Years in Business

Phillip Lahr has been appointed VP of sales & marketing for Palram Americas, Lehigh Valley, Pa. Mike Howser is business unit mgr.-construction products, and Jeramy Albert retail business unit mgr.

Dale Fennel, Ace Hardware Corp., Oak Brook, Il., has been promoted to president of Ace International.

Terrence Ceulemans, ex-3M, is the new president of Deceuninck North America, Monroe, Oh. He replaces Joren Knockaert, who is transitioning to a global role as chief corporate planning officer for the Deceuninck Group in Belgium.

Shawn Harlacher was named vice president of sales with Euro-Wall, North Point, Fl.

Kelly Franklin has been promoted to president of the Building Material Suppliers Association, Matthews, N.C. She succeeded Lynn Schwarz on Jan. 1.

Kristina K. Berano has been appointed executive director of the Florida Building Material Alliance.

Stan Still is a new greeter at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus

NELMA MILLS WIN SAFETY AWARDS

Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association handed out its 2024 Safety Awards during its most recent annual meeting, honoring 2023 performance.

A total of 18 mills in the Northeast and Great Lakes provided data from their OSHA Summary of Work-Related Injuries report for calendar 2023 to compete in the 2024 NELMA Safety Award Program.

NAWLA INTRODUCES ON-DEMAND EDUCATION

The North American Wholesale Lumber Association has rolled out NAWLA Academy—virtual home for the latest education in the wholesale lumber industry.

The online platform (academy. nawla.org) provides on-demand access to resources and training designed to deepen your team’s knowledge of the lumber industry and strengthen their professional skills. NAWLA members can access recorded content including on-demand webinars for free as part of their membership in the association. There, they can browse NAWLA’s catalog of over 50 products, including webinars and on-demand education.

More than 962,000 man-hours of planer operation work, and 1.09 million man-hours in the sawmill operation were reported. Seven mills employing 420 people with combined operations totaling 899,671 man-hours reported a no loss-time accident-free year in 2023.

Sawmill winners were Hammond Lumber and Lamell Lumber (under 50,000 man hours), DiPrizio Pine Sales and Biewer-Wisconsin (50,000-75,000), and Pleasant River, Dover-Foxcroft, Me., and Irving Forest Products, Ashland, Me. (over 100,000).

Planer operations winners were DiPrizio Pine Sales and Hammond Lumber (under 50,000 man-hours), Irving-Ashland and Milan Lumber (50,000-75,000), and Pleasant River and PotlatchDeltic, Bemidji, Mn. (75,000-100,000).

Combined operations winners were Hammond Lumber (under 50,000), Robbins Lumber, East Baldwin, Me., and DiPrizio Pine Sales (50,000-100,000), Hancock Lumber, Pittsfield, Me., and Madison, N.H. (100,000-150,000), and Irving-Ashland and Johnson Lumber (over 150,000 man-hours).

VERTICALLY SPEAKING

CT Darnell and LBM Advantage member, A.D. Moyer Lumber, teamed up to maximize inventory efficiency with smart vertical storage solutions. By prioritizing ease of access, they made products simpler to find and faster to load.

The result? A transformed yard that went from 11 acres to just 4, while increasing SKU capacity. With the addition of 2 new T-sheds, 2 new L-sheds, and 2 Power Bins, the yard now offers more storage and improved loading efficiency—without losing a single SKU.

SOUTHERN PINE EXPORTS ON THE RISE AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

------------ BY CHRISTIAN MOISES

SOUTHERN PINE and treated lumber continues to strengthen its place on the global scene based on the latest export numbers from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Services’ Global Agricultural Trade System.

Year-to-date exports of southern pine lumber (treated and untreated) are running 13% ahead of 2023 through October, according to data from the USDA. However, exports were down 23% in October over September 2024 and down 16% over the same month in 2023.

The picture is even rosier when looking at the past 20 years: 6.3 billion bd. ft. of southern pine lumber has been shipped outside the U.S. since 2003, representing a total value of $4.1 billion.

The top five countries to make the biggest gains during that time,

in order, are the Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Vietnam and Honduras.

The Southern Forest Products Association’s international consultants weighed in with the following thoughts on southern pine exports, and the broader, longer-term picture shows four key takeaways:

• Caribbean markets have remained steady because of growth in the resorts and tourism sectors.

• Exports to Europe continue to struggle because of weak markets related to concerns by the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

• Shipments to China continue to plummet because of prohibitive tariffs.

• Exports to alternative Asian markets continue to grow, with India and Pakistan—both very new

markets—growing quickly for the southern pine industry.

When looking at the report by dollar value, southern pine exports in October were up 7% YTD ahead of the same period in 2023 at $183 million, with Mexico leading the way at $51.9 million, followed by the Dominican Republic at $43.1 million, and India at $13.9 million. Treated lumber exports, meanwhile, are down a slight 2% YTD over 2023 at $113 million led by the Leeward-Windward Islands at $19.2 million, Jamaica with $18 million, and the Dominican Republic at $9 million.

In all, 32 countries have imported more than 1 million bd. ft. of southern pine and treated lumber yearto-date through October 2024.

Mexico remains the largest export market (by volume) of southern pine and treated lumber, up 27% YTD over 2023 with 133.5 MBF of imports. The Dominican Republic, the No. 2 importer of southern pine, is running 20% ahead of the same period last year with 81.2 MBF. Jamaica is squarely in the third spot, up 4% with 48.7 MBF for 2024.

India’s total of SYP imports continues to trend upward, running 5% ahead of 2023 at 30.1 MBF, led mostly by rough southern pine, while exports to China, a longtime

leader in southern pine consumption, continue to plummet, down 51% YTD compared to 2023 with 12.2 MBF of lumber imports.

Each month it becomes more and more unlikely China’s tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. wood products will be reduced any time soon. Tensions between Washington and Beijing are increasingly rising, and Washington recently opted to leave Section 301 tariffs on China unchanged. China is expected to respond in kind, but much remains to be seen with a new administration coming into the White House.

What About the EUDR?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to ensure a set of key goods placed on the EU market will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and elsewhere in the world.

The European Commission’s Stepping Up EU Action to Protect & Restore the World’s Forests, introduced in July 2019 as part of the EU Green Deal, outlined a plan to improve the health of existing forests

and increase sustainable, biodiverse forest coverage worldwide.

The EUDR was adopted in 2023 with overwhelming majorities both in the European Parliament and in the European Council. As part of the preparation of its 2021 proposal, the Commission conducted a public consultation that attracted the second largest number of responses (almost 1.2 million), with the vast majority of stakeholders supporting an ambitious approach including mandatory due diligence.

However, Parliament voted Nov. 14 to delay launching the EUDR

to Dec. 30, 2025, from its original effective date of Dec. 30, 2024. The decision to delay, which received nearly 58% of votes in support of the new deadline, came after concerns raised by EU member states, non-EU countries, traders, and operators said they would not be able to fully comply with the rules if applied as planned Dec. 31, 2024. The Commission will have to finalize a country benchmarking system by June 30, 2025, Parliament reported.

The value of southern pine exports to Europe was about $12 million in 2023, shared almost

equally between treated and bright lumber. Shipments have been down since 2021.

Exporters have expressed growing concerns about how to comply with the EUDR. One of the primary objections is the requirement for lumber shipments into (and within) the EU to include geolocation information— specific polygon coordinates of the timber stand(s) from which the fiber originated so it can be verified the forest was not converted into another land use.

The issue has drawn attention from high levels within the U.S. government, and SFPA has provided input and comments through the Industry Trade Advisory Council (ITAC), which advises the Commerce Department on trade issues. Other government agencies, including the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the Secretary of State, also are engaged.

Eric Gee, SFPA’s executive director, has spoken to both the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau and Timber Products Inspection to see if their current grading/ reporting systems might be adaptable to include geolocation information or if they thought geolocation tracking was a service they could include. Neither felt it was a space that they could currently fill.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the American Forest and Paper Association, and ASTM International are independently developing standards for compliance.

SFPA will continue to provide input, monitor, and report on EUDR developments and impacts on southern pine exports at SouthernPine.com.

SFPA and International Promotion Efforts

As a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) cooperator, SFPA receives nearly $1 million annually to support export promotions. Those funds help SFPA develop and manage programs and activities each year to increase exports of southern pine lumber and provide

than 35 years, providing benefits to companies expanding their sales in export markets. Its reach extends to Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, South America, India, the Middle East and India.

A primary benefit of the program includes representation at major trade events and travel reimbursement

SFPA EXECUTIVE director Eric Gee meets with visitors at the Dubai WoodShow in Dubai, UAE.

• IndiaWood in Bangalore, India

• Dubai WoodShow in Dubai, UAE

• Philippine International Furniture Show in Manila, Philippines

promotion programs, despite travel disruptions. A successful pivot toward virtual events ensured that the association was able to reach a record number of timber traders and construction professionals worldwide and to safely meet their needs effectively.

• Interzum – Guangzhou in Guangzhou, China

Let’s break down the activities and successes and take a closer look at each.

• Carrefour International du Bois in Nantes, France

FEA Strategic Planning Webinar

As a gold sponsor of this online or virtual event, SFPA was able to provide member access to information, which helped each better define their international goals moving forward.

• Sylva Wood in Shanghai, China

• BATEV in Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Tecno Mueble in Guadalajara, Mexico

Worldwide Conference on Timber Engineering

• Expo Camacol in Medellin, Colombia

• Saudi Wood Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Thailand International Woodworking and Furniture Show in Bangkok, Thailand

SFPA’s participation bolstered the Association’s seminar programs across the globe to enrich international outreach and education. With international advertising and messaging support in multiple global markets, southern pine information was showcased internationally through a variety of channels.

• Cairo WoodShow in Cairo, Egypt

Japan Technical Committee (JTC)

• Taipei Building and Construction Show in Taipei, Taiwan

In partnership with American Softwoods, SFPA and the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau banded together to jointly present information on the southern pine resource and clarify the grading procedures for dense vs. non-dense grades.

Outreach: Caribbean

Outreach: International Trade Shows

While many lumber industry trade shows across Europe, India, the Middle East, and Asia were cancelled or postponed in 2021, plans are well underway for a full slate of in-person trade shows in 2022. Members are keen to take advantage of these face-to-face opportunities, and SFPA stands ready to serve member needs.

Southern Pine Exports

Throughout the southern pine-loving Caribbean, virtual seminars targeted hundreds of key buyers in both traditional markets and new markets—some of which SFPA reached for the first time.

SFPA and its members who travel to these shows continue to hear the same trends: southern pine has made its way into most global markets. While some, such as Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean, are mature with many design professionals having a solid working knowledge of using southern pine lumber, opportunities still remain to provide further education on these products.

Outreach:

Central America

Export numbers calculated throughout the majority of 2021 are roaring back to pre-pandemic levels, an encouraging sign as plans are underway for 2022.

Given sustainably sourced lumber is a growing concern among international buyers, SFPA representatives can explain how the U.S. South is a world leader in providing quality lumber products sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Multiple southern pine lumber events were held in Guatemala, with brand-new outreach activities expanding into the Panamanian building market.

Outreach: South America

Targeting potential southern pine lumber buyers across the continent, a first-ever virtual education seminar was held and pulled in excellent results.

For example, visitors seeking southern pine at Expo Camacol in Colombia were interested in applications such as decking, wood housing construction, pallets, and packaging. Some were concerned about sourcing from renewable forests, while others sought durable materials resistant to humidity, insects and decay— essential for supporting heavy loads in construction.

Outreach: Latin America

Attending these events allows SFPA staff, its international consultants, and members the opportunity to interact with international customers and share firsthand accounts regarding southern pine’s sustainability story.

Enhanced with upgraded discussions focusing on using southern pine lumber to build for high winds and in seismic zones, SFPA targeted audiences throughout Latin America with these solutions to these key discussion points.

Southern pine lumber shipments surged 57% through September of 2021 to a whopping $222 million, and exports of pressure-treated lumber—almost all of which is southern pine—jumped an incredible 31% to $93 million.

New Outreach for 2021

Brand new for the southern pine international outreach in 2021: SFPA launched informational newsletters in the Caribbean and Latin American markets aimed at maximizing engagement with a growing in-house database of traders and specifiers.

In addition to international tradeshows, SFPA also works with its industry partners to host Reverse Trade Missions. The most recent event took place in early November 2024, when nearly 15 design professionals from Central and South America visited SFPA lumber manufacturer member LaSalle Lumber Co. in Urania, La., as part of a trade mission with American Softwoods-Latin America.

Participants had the opportunity to tour the LaSalle sawmill and learn more U.S. southern pine lumber,

– For more information on all the activities managed by the Southern Forest Products Association, to access our numerous pieces of free educational information, or to become an SFPA member, please visit www.sfpa.org.

VISITORS to the American Softwoods LATAM booth discuss southern pine lumber exports at Expo Camacol in Medellin, Colombia.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS have become an important focus for the southern pine industry.

including how it’s sustainably harvested, produced, and graded, while introducing them to U.S. suppliers. They also had the chance to tour a southern pine plantation to learn more about the raw material resource in the field.

New Funding for Expanded Promotion

In May 2024, SFPA received approval for $1.24 million in funding over five years from the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP).

The $1.2 billion program, launched in 2023, aims to support market development activities to expand exports, address trade barriers, and showcase American agricultural products in new and diverse markets.

“The RAPP program allows SFPA to complement established promotional efforts that educate trade and consumers about the benefits of southern yellow pine (SYP) lumber in two important markets: Egypt and the Caribbean,” said SFPA executive director Eric Gee. “RAPP’s five-year award will expand efforts to lay a firm foundation of knowledge about SYP in Egypt and provide a long-term strategy of consistency and presence in the Caribbean region, where sustainably grown SYP from the United States is desired for its strength and quality.”

The RAPP program aims to diversify and expand market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional top customers—Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and China (including Hong Kong and Macau)—which collectively comprise nearly 60% of U.S. agricultural export sales, according to FAS.

Instead, RAPP will focus on enhancing U.S. exports to new markets in parts of the world—including South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa—where the middle class is growing and the desire for high-quality U.S. products, such as southern pine lumber, is increasing.

SFPA has awarded multiple contracts to execute

comprehensive social media and other promotional strategies in the Caribbean and Egypt starting in 2025, supported by in-depth market assessments in each region. BPD

– Christian Moises is communications manager for the Southern Forest Products Association (www.sfpa.org).

NEARLY 15 design professionals from Central and South America tour the LaSalle Lumber Co. facility in Urania, La., as part of a trade mission with SFPA and American Softwoods LATAM.

LOWE’S TO INCREASINGLY TARGET PROS

Lowe’s Companies provided an update on its nearand long-term growth and productivity initiatives, several focusing on pros, during its recent analyst and investor conference.

“We are evolving our Total Home strategy to help solve our customers’ total home improvement needs with more value and exceptional service,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “By leveraging leading technology solutions, we’re creating a best-in-class omnichannel shopping experience for all generations of homeowners. At the same time, we’re building on our momentum with pros now that we’ve reached 30% pro penetration.”

Lowe’s 2025 Total Home Strategy spans five growth initiatives:

• Drive pro penetration

• Accelerate online sales

• Expand home services

• Create a loyalty ecosystem

• Increase space productivity

To support these initiatives, Lowe’s has developed a framework to harness the power of generative AI through a standardized development process, designed to enhance the customer experience and unlock productivity. With a robust AI platform, the company has the agility needed to create innovative solutions alongside many of the leading tech platforms. Leveraging the experience gained from its success with early AI models that power its online search and product recommendations, sourcing engines, and demand planning tools, the company is now piloting new solutions to empower frontline associates to better serve customers and improve the in-store shopping experience.

Lowe’s is also launching the first product marketplace in the U.S home improvement industry. It is working with both new sellers and existing suppliers to offer their full product catalogs, including products across price points to better serve both value-oriented and more affluent consumers. This allows Lowe’s to offer a wider selection of products without carrying the inventory, managing pricing, or investing in new online fulfillment centers.

Early this year, the chain will relaunch its pro loyalty program as MyLowe’s Pro Rewards, designed specifically for the small-to-medium pro. The new program will be more intuitive to use, making it easier and faster for pros to earn rewards and redeem them. Additionally, pro customers who shop with their MyLowe’s Pro Rewards credit card will save 5% every day on eligible purchases.

The company is combining its DIY and pro loyalty programs into one ecosystem, under a single currency, to create a simple yet compelling value proposition for these different customers.

Through a direct interface with supplier systems, the company is creating a seamless solution for large, special pro orders. Lowe’s sales associates will have instant access to an expanded digital catalog, including inventory availability, pricing and supplier services like jobsite and rooftop delivery. With this expedited quoting process, the company expects to improve its close rate on larger orders, capturing more planned pro spend, while

relying on large suppliers to execute jobsite delivery.

Lowe’s plans to open 10-15 stores per year over the next several years in fast-growing markets in the U.S.

To better serve customers living in rural communities, Lowe’s is planning to extend its rural assortments to 150 more stores, bringing everything needed for farm and home under one roof. Customers can expect to find more options in categories such as pet, workwear, automotive supplies, and utility vehicles.

BURTON ACQUIRES MENOMINEE SAW

Burton Mill Solutions, Woodland, Wa., has acquired Menominee Saw & Supply, Menominee, Mi.

Menominee specializes in supporting wood processors across the Northern Great Lakes region and Midwest by supplying and reconditioning a variety of industrial cutting tools, including machine knives, smalland large-diameter circle saws, and band saws.

With the addition of Menominee, Burton strengthens its already comprehensive technical expertise in processing technology, including saws, knives, filing room equipment, technical services, and industrial wear parts.

John Brock, general manager of Menominee, noted, “Burton has been important partner for many years, but by joining forces, we’ll be able to significantly expand our network and capabilities.”

Menominee’s Great Lakes location will complement Burton’s existing network of saw and knife reconditioning service centers in Maine, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana.

GEOGRAPHICAL distribution of softwood lumber product regions.

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

UPDATED ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS HIGHLIGHT BENEFITS OF

USING SOFTWOOD LUMBER

------------ BY MAUREEN PUETTMANN, PHD.

PRODUCING ALL materials, renewable and non-renewable, has environmental impacts. More recently, environmental assessments of materials have evolved from not just considering operational practices for producing a product but have expanded to include impacts related to fiber sourcing, as well as impacts beyond the manufacturing gate which might include distribution of materials, installation, use and end of life scenarios.

The need for such specific environmental information is being met through the use of Life Cycle Assessments. The resulting information is made available through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which thus are a great resource for material and product selection.

Historically, the criteria for a preferred environmentally friendly building material was that it was made from renewable or recycled resources. Today, building materials are held to a higher standard. Builders, designers, politicians and the public are asking for transparency in regard to a full suite of a products’ environmental impact to meet green building standards as well as state and national emission reduction benchmarks.

Building materials that have low embodied carbon and energy are preferred, and other functional aspects such as structural performance, ease of installation, and product durability are also desired. Users of building materials are increasingly relying on EPDs that are based on quantitative life cycle

assessment (LCA) studies to ensure that the material has the environmental attributes they seek. This article will highlight the American Wood Council (AWC) softwood lumber EPDs and their importance and use in the building community while providing the background to the processes of producing an EPD.

The AWC commissioned regional EPDs of softwood lumber from the Pacific Coast, Inland Northwest, and Southern and Northern regions of the United States (see map above). These covered the production processes from forestry operations to the final product ready for shipping.

The new EPDs are a great advancement compared to previous EPDs that were based on North American industry-wide weighted averages. Published by the AWC and

certified by ASTM International, the new EPDs offer the most accurate, comprehensive information about the environmental impacts associated with producing softwood lumber in the regions.

They also provide insight into the resource use efficiency and a carbon balance of softwood lumber produced from manufacturers in major wood producing regions of the United States.

EPDs

An environmental product declaration—or EPD—is a standardized report of environmental impacts associated with a product or service. Like a food nutritional label, EPDs communicate relevant information to consumers, in this case the environmental impact of a product.

EPDs go through a rigorous third-party review process having to pass criteria set forth by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) for producing LCAs and EPDs (ISO 14040, 14025, 14044, 21930 and EN 15804) as well as the procedures and reporting set forth by the Product Category Rules (PCR) Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services, Part A: Life Cycle Assessment Calculations Rules and Report Requirements (UL 2018) and Part B Structural and Architectural Wood Products EPD Requirements (UL 2020).

An EPD can be produced for a single manufacturer’s product(s) or for products from an industry sector (e.g., softwood lumber in the United States). The new regional softwood lumber EPDs are based on industry weighted (by production)-averages for each region. An EPD can encompass the impacts of different life cycle stages, i.e., which defines the system boundaries and modules (see chart at upper right). At minimum, EPDs are required to include the production stages (cradle to gate). They can also include the other life cycle stages. For example, if they also include disposal, they are called cradle to grave.

Regional EPDs

To develop the EPDs, an LCA study collected basic production data from AWC member facilities that sourced wood from the Pacific Coast (PC), Inland Northwest (INW),

and Southern regions. A little more than half of the production (54% produced by 33 facilities) were

included in the database for the PC region and about half (49% produced by 13 facilities) were included

QUALITY WOOD PRODUCTS, GROWN RESPONSIBLY

EXAMPLES of life cycle stages in light green boxes. Modules in white boxes. Minimum modules required in an EPD in dark green boxes.

Production Efficiency and Byproducts

The quantification of environmental impacts also provide information about production efficiencies and byproducts. The softwood lumber mills recover about half of log volume as planed dry lumber. Byproducts, such as bark, sawdust and chips, are sold for uses such as fuel, wood composite panels, and paper manufacturing. Thus, the industry has an extremely high resource use efficiency and minimal waste. Many softwood lumber facilities also utilize wood residues on site as fuel, covering over 90% of the energy demand for kiln drying (see chart on next page)

in the INW regional data base (Forisk 2024). The Southern region had the largest representation having 85 softwood lumber facilities representing 53% of the regional capacity.

The strong participation by facilities provides high confidence in accuracy of the new EPDs. Note, that the previous EPD were only based on 15%, 9%, and 27% of the regional production for the PC, INW and Southern regions, respectively. The primary species processed in the PC was Douglas fir, while in the INW region it was white fir and Douglas fir. Southern pine dominated the Southern softwood lumber production.

With such a strong database, the LCAs could consider the significantly different growth rates between the two regions, different forest management activities and intensities, different proportions of the various tree species, as well as different wood properties within the tree species found in each region.

The AWC LCAs for softwood lumber used a cradle-to-gate boundary and quantified impacts of forestry operations, transportation to the facility, lumber manufacturing, and packaging for transport (see chart above).

Using renewable wood fuel thus minimizes dependencies on fossil fuels and their associated environmental impacts. Such operations are close to carbon neutral, as associated emissions are largely offset by the biogenic carbon uptake during tree growth, creating a close to net-zero balance in greenhouse gases.

Environmental Impact Metrics and Results

The EPDs report results of the LCAs separately for numerous environmental impact categories (for specifics, see EPDs for Pacific Coast, Inland Northwest, Southern softwood lumber. As highlighted on the previous page’s chart, they

CRADLE-TO-GATE (A1-A3) system boundary and modules for Pacific Coast, Inland Northwest, Southern softwood lumber production.

are based on a cradle-to-gate LCA. The data were analyzed using an internationally used and accepted software using standard life cycle assessments methods and widely accepted impact assessment methods. To ensure scientific rigor and reliability, the LCA adhered to all relevant national and international standards.

There are 36 impact categories required for reporting in the EPD. Table 1 (on previous page) presents 10 selected impact categories such as global warming potential or embodied carbon for softwood lumber, renewable and non-renewable energy use, waste, and water use. Differences in results between the two regions could come from many different input parameters due to, e.g., different forestry operations, transportation distances, product densities, electricity grid, and/or fuel types and quantities used at the manufacturing site.

Carbon Sequestration and Biogenic Carbon Accounting

In addition to presenting information about environmental impacts and energy use, EPDs require reporting of biogenic carbon to demonstrate sustainable forestry, a good indicator of the carbon balance of a product.

Wood is a biobased material and thus contains biogenic carbon. The biogenic carbon “enters the system” when the log is on the truck ready for shipment. Biogenic carbon “leaves the system” as the product or byproducts and ready for shipment. In terms of carbon balance, the log is viewed as a negative emission and the products, byproducts, and wood combustion are reported as a positive carbon emissions. The net carbon emission across the cradle-to-gate system boundary is zero or neutral.

While the biogenic carbon balance is bound to stay neutral within the cradle-to-gate boundary (what comes in must go out), the potential to highlight additional benefits of wood products exist. For example, wood has a positive carbon balance (more sequestered than emitted) when considering end-of-life scenarios where biogenic carbon can be stored for centuries, such as landfilling.

As background, the carbon that is contained in wood is derived from the carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, i.e., it is sequestered as trees grow. The carbon content of wood is typically around 50% (by dry weight). The new EPDs report that one cubic meter of lumber from the PC, INW, and Southern regions contains 906 kg, 863 kg, and 1,036 kg of CO2 eq, respectively. The global warming potential (Table 1), i.e., CO2 eq released into the atmosphere through forest mangement and manufacturing (also called embodied carbon) is 74 kg CO2 eq for the PC and 71 for the INW and 90.35 kg for the South.

In summary, the carbon balance of softwood lumber is negative, i.e., under current forest management and production practices every cubic meter of softwood lumber from the PC, INW, and Southern region removes 830 kg CO2 eq, 725 kg CO2 eq, and 742 kg CO2 eq from the athmosphere.

Forest Sustainability and Certification

Also reported in the EPDs is that the softwood lumber industry in these regions obtain their timber sustainably, with 100% of fiber meeting legal sourcing criteria, and over 87% sourced from certified sources (e.g., FSC and SFI). The numbers confirm the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices, as well as to meeting building standards and environmental regulations.

Conclusion and Industry Implications

The new EPDs initiated by the AWC underscore the industry’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement. They provide the construction sector and the public with reliable data to make informed decisions, ensuring that environmental impacts are minimized, and resources are used efficiently. The regional LCA results as reported in the three EPDs highlight the industry’s strong environmental performance, achieved through efficient use of resources, renewable energy reliance, and sustainable forestry operations. For stakeholders interested in “green” construction, softwood lumber offers a low-carbon, renewable building material that meets both environmental impact and sustainability goals.

Thus, EPDs serve as a valuable tool for architects, builders and policymakers aiming to make informed decisions about building materials. EPDs show that by choosing softwood lumber, builders promote renewable resource use, minimize negative environmental impacts, and better align their work with green building standards such as LEED. BPD

– Maureen Puettmann, PhD, is director of operations for the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (www.corrim.org). Contact her at maureen@corrim.org.

SAWMILL UNIT processes from roundwood to planed dry lumber.

TOUGHER LUMBER TAGGER

MidSouth Tag & Label has made its MidSouth Tagger even more durable by incorporating the Tagger Guard, a protective piece that shields the tagger’s exhaust valve, an area subject to frequent wear.

This enhancement ensures the exhaust valve remains intact for longer, boosting the overall lifespan of the lumber-tagging tool. Additionally, the Tagger Guard includes a hook, designed for customers who tag under sheltered areas, allowing the tagger to hang conveniently from rafters or overhead supports. The added piece protects the T-value from breakage that could occur when taggers are dropped or mishandled.

MIDSOUTHINTL.COM (205) 251-9447

PERGOLA PLUS

Azenco Outdoor is integrating new technology into its popular R-Blade pergola. The structures now feature smart sensors, motorized louvers, and expanded compatibility with smart home systems.

In partnership with Bond Bridge Pro, Azenco has crafted a streamlined solution that minimizes the need for separate components. Features include gapless roofing for enhanced waterproofing, dual-walled motorized louvers, and weather-responsive sensors that automatically adjust to changing conditions. Among the customizable add-ons are privacy walls, integrated screens, ceiling fan beams, integrated gutters, and lights.

AZENCO-OUTDOOR.COM (305) 306-3204

PUSH-BUTTON PRIVACY

IG Railing has introduced the IG Switch, the first-ever brand of privacy frameless glass railing.

It leverages cutting-edge Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology to create a seamless blend of privacy and transparency at the flick of a switch. It integrates seamlessly with IG Lighting and all existing IG Railing components, whether used as a single feature panel or across an entire deck.

Not just a privacy feature, IG Switch can double as a high-quality white screen, transforming a deck into an outdoor entertainment hub.

IGRAILING.COM/SWITCH (646) 249-7776

COLUMN CONNECTIONS

Simpson Strong-Tie introduces three new connections for mass timber glulam columns—one for column-to-column and two for column-to-foundation installations. Each offers a concealed connection for aesthetics and fire protection.

The MCT (Mass Column Tie) connects two columns together, while allowing the vertical download to be transferred by column-to-column bearing.

The MCB and MCBS column bases provide standardized connections between glulam columns and concrete foundations or supports. MCB is the most economical option for use in conditions where a standoff between the column and the concrete is not required. MCBS provides the highest download capacity for a given column size and can be used where a standoff is required.

STRONGTIE.COM/GCC (800) 999-5099

CONTEMPORARY CABLE RAILING

Digger Specialties Inc. has introduced Westbury Bella Cavo aluminum and stainless-steel cable railing.

DSI’s Westbury Bella Cavo horizontal cable railing is sleek and contemporary in design and incorporates thin cables between durable aluminum posts that maximize views from decks, patios, balconies and stairways.

Bella Cavo comes in a choice of 4-, 6- and 8-ft. sections in either 36” or 42” heights, and is available with matching adjustable 36” and 48” wide gates. Offered are an industry-leading 12 colors with the option of textured or non-textured surfaces.

DIGGERSPECIALTIES.COM (800) 446-7659

REDESIGNED FLASHING TAPE

The new Trex RainEscape Clean-Edge Butyl Tape delivers all the proven performance of the original Trex RainEscape Butyl Tape with design enhancements that ensure a cleaner, more efficient application.

It is designed specifically for use with the Trex RainEscape system, which is installed above deck joists to divert water away and create dry, usable space underneath. The 4”-wide, self-adhesive, waterproof butyl tape is applied after the system’s troughs are installed to create a watertight seal between the trough overlaps and seals around screw penetrations from the deck boards. The tape also seals around deck screws to hold them in place while preventing rust and corrosion.

The tape features a butyl width of 3-3/4” on a 4” facer. This updated design leaves 1/8” of clean facing on either side of the butyl, effectively preventing any oozing and ensuring that tape adhesive does not get tracked onto the decking or into the house.

TREXRAINESCAPE.COM (877) 348-1385

EXTRA-SPECIAL EXTERIOR TRIM

TrimLogic Exterior Trim from AZEK is made with up to 95% recycled PVC material that delivers excellent performance and appearance as well as a Class A Flame Spread Rating. It is engineered to outperform traditional wood and fiber cement trim options, resisting moisture, rot, and insect damage.

It is easy to install using standard tools and must be painted within 180 days of installation. Available regionally in both a 0.675” and 1” thickness, it offers a real wood look with low maintenance benefits and a lifetime limited warranty.

TRIM-LOGIC.COM (800) 910-3545

GLAZING TOOLS

CRL has unveiled a host of new glazier tools, including a revolutionary caulk gun without a steel rod.

The lightweight, 13.5”-cartridge CRLCG2 extrudes caulk by exerting pressure on the plastic cap at the end of the caulk tube from a pre-tensioned spring. Like a tape measure, its spring-loaded mechanism is located at the handle, retracting back into itself when a tube is removed.

Also introduced were: MultiPRO advanced urethane elastomeric construction adhesive sealant with tinting ability and Interlocking Horseshoe Shims, designed to streamline the alignment process for such applications as window and door installations and curtain walls.

CRLAURENCE.COM (800) 421-6144

NAWLA TRADERS MARKET

SHOW STOPPER: [1] During the event, Humboldt

gave away a truckload of redwood timbers.

(in

vest) Brad

OrePac

The North American Wholesale Lumber Associ ation held its annual Traders Market Nov. 13-15 in Phoenix, Az.

In addition to the always-packed show floor and countless networking opportunities, other highlights included speakers Mike Rayburn, who inspired attendees with three powerful tools to unlock their potential, and Stefanie Couch, who explored the power of AI, building a personal brand, and developing the next generation of leaders.

During the event, NAWLA finalized its 2025 directors, who will begin their terms on Jan. 1. New chair is Kyle Little, Sherwood Lumber; 1st vice chair Judy Haney, Boise Cascade; 2nd vice chair Warren Reeves, Wholesale Wood Products; secretary-treasurer Derek Cone, Capital; executive committee at-large Thomas Mende, Binderholz; and immediate past chair Clark Spitzer, Snavely Forest

Products. They will be joined on the board by Kent Beveridge, Skana; Bryan Boyd, MRS; Lori Byrd, RoyOMartin; Harris Gant, ECMD; Gavy Gosal, Terminal Forest Products; KayCee Hallstrom, Zip-O-Log; Carl Lamb, Snavely; Paul Odomirok, Lumin Forest Products; Grant Phillips, Wildwood Trading Group; Alden Robbins, Robbins Lumber; Steve Rustja, Weston Forest; Curt Stuckey, Wholesale Wood Products; and Morgan Wellens, Nicholson & Cates.

Sawmill

[2] Winner was

green

Gabriel,

Building Products, Denver, Co. [3] Jessica Hewitt, Matthew Slack. [4] Mikey Goodman, Andy Goodman, Natalie Heacock, Josh Goodman, Alyson McLaughlin. [5] Peter Crowell, Alex Darrah. [6] Rob Rowe, Emily Beckley (More photos on next pages)

NAWLA TRADERS MARKET (continued): [7] Dion Dorazio, Kyle Jones, Curt Stuckey, Darren Barker, Chad Findlay. [8] Steve Firko, Susan Cho. [9] Scott Elston, Gerry Pankratz. [10] Craig Combs, William Ramos. [11] James Olsen,

Jake Olsen. [12] Paul Quandt, Tatiana Larson. [13] Joe Honochick, Natalie Heacock. [14] Roelif Loveland, Chuck Casey. [15] Kalayna Crook, Ryan Hagen. [16] Kirk Todish, Jim Vandegrift. (More photos on next three pages)

NAWLA (continued): [17] Tricia Dauzat, Connie Baker, Kelly Matthews, Spencer Martin, Patrick Price, Kristie McCurdy, John Morrison. [18] Nick Matute, Brad Schneider. [19] Mike Watkins, Lauren Pruett, Philip Barter. [20] Emily Russ, Raven Garrett. [21] Garrett Mahigan, Emily Bachand, Jonny Wilford, Jeff Wiesner. [22] Kris Long, Hal Mitchell, Mike Mooney. [23] Keaton Smith,

Steve Getsiv, Jason Benford, Bill Christou. [24] Joe Buttice, Terri Adair, Greg Johnson. [25] Geoffrey Richson, Rob Dennison. [26] Chris Boyts, Larry Boyts. [27] Janet Pimentel, Bobby Byrd, Nestor Pimentel. [28] Leslie Southwick, Terry Rasmussen, Aaron Fleming, Tyler Robitaille. [29] Mark Rutledge, Sean Coughlin, Jordan Murphy. (More photos on next two pages)

TRADERS MARKET (continued): [30] Rob Parisotto, Paul Johnson, Kati Walton, Robert Hettinger. [31] Max Yarbrough, Mark Scott, Dave Patch. [32] Steve Bernardi, Chad Gomon, Hanna Smith, Tony Bonansea, Kent Bond. [33] Amy Vitek, Len Moscowitz, Brenda Collons. [34] Archie Rafter, Brian Hawrysh, Ken Kalesnikoff. [35] Stacy Patterson, Darren Richardson. [36] Joel Lambert, James Sedlack. [37] Chip Brittain, Jeff Jackman, Mike Mischke, Steve & Jenny

Culbertson, Andy Faircloth, Ben Sluder. [38] Brandon Crosier. [39] Wade Buick, Terry Blanton, Bill Sweeney, Todd Lindsey. [40] Lee Daugherty, Mark Pennington. [41] Hank Delesandro, Bill Price. [42] Mark Romano, Andrew Romano. [43] Kaylee Dorris, Greg Wells. [44] Chase Darnell, Clint Darnell. (More photos on next page)

NAWLA (continued): [45] Dina Fuller, Harris Gant, Lori Baines. [46] Joe La Berge, Tyler Freres, Dean Johnson. [47] Rick Mueller, Elijah Dela Cruz. [48] Mike McInnes, Jack Romano. [49] David Hanson. [50] Patrick Adams, Jeff Easterling. [51] Mason Fuller, Will Anderson. [52] Bobby Lewis, Laurence Newton, Tony Strange. [53] Tyson Sands, Ryan Kline. [54] Charles Nwoye,

Stefan Lyren, Blake Moran. [55] Charley Melkonian, Karim Bedran. [56] David Conner, David Jones. [57] Ryan Brunner, Bob Uglow, Michael Krider. [58] Manuel Kohler, Daniela Contreras, Patricio Diaz-Valdes. [59] Mark Stewart, Anthony Muck, Jason Bolstad. [60] Noah Macy, Cassidy Bowers, Cecil Higby, Jeff Bowers

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EASY PROMOTIONAL TIPS

(Continued from page 22)

obtaining management approval prior to posting.

Ask your vendors to get involved: what can their marketing team offer your store team to add interest and value to your customers? This might be a contest, a giveaway, a cool display, or a fun partnership between products.

Local involvement is a must. Join and get involved with key local organizations that will help connect you with contractors and current/future customers. Look at the local Chamber of Commerce, builder/remodeler groups, and even leadership groups. The key here: go beyond sending a check, actually get involved. Attend meetings, sponsor events, and hand out paper or digital business cards to increase networking.

Nora DePalma, Dialogue:

Getting involved locally forges lasting connections with your customers and community. When you sponsor a sports team or support veterans’ initiatives, you create emotional connections people remember—even when they’re not immediately in the market for lumber.

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

Take it one step further and share your local efforts: good deeds make great stories. People-focused visuals perform incredibly well on your website and on social media. This is a simple way to fill your social media feed with stories that resonate with your customers and your community.

Determine what measurement tools to evaluate your success matter to you, then employ them. It doesn’t have to be anything big and fancy and difficult: set small goals for earning local media coverage, how many people visit your website from the QR code on a sponsorship banner, how many qualified prospects you met at a local meeting or sponsored event, and/or how many qualified email subscribers you picked up.

And one last tip, from this author: remember your audience. What might be an important selling point to YOU may not resonate with THEM. Know your customer, know what they want to know, know what they NEED to know, and meet them where they are with communications tools.

Here’s to a happy, profitable 2025 to everyone reading this article! BPD

------------| IN MEMORIAM

Ardis Almond, former past president of Almond Brothers Lumber Co., Coushatta, La., passed away on Nov. 21 at the age of 75.

Ardis worked alongside his brother, William Almond, to help Almond Brothers become among the largest producers of export-grade southern pine in the United States before handing the reins to his son, Vince Almond.

Stanley Albert Grunenwald, 84, retired co-owner of Sonrise Lumber, Grand Rapids, Mn., died on Dec. 9.

After graduating from Dunwoody Industrial Institute in 1960, Stan worked in Illinois and Iowa for Fullerton Lumber Co. He then served as a U.S. Navy Seabee from 1961-1965. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota to work for Lampert Lumber, Arrowhead Lumber, Pacific Mutual Door Co, and Itasca Lumber.

In 1996, he and his wife, Millie, started their own lumberyard. In retirement, Stan served as a state building inspector.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

------------| DATE BOOK

Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.

BLD Connection – Jan. 7-9, Estimating 1-2-3, Connection Conference, Coralville, Ia.; members.bldconnection.org.

American Wood Protection Association – Jan. 9, winter executive committee meeting, Starkville, Ms.; www.awpa.com.

Peak Auctions – Jan. 9-13, Midwest online LBM auction; www. peakauction.com.

BLD Connection – Jan. 13, Wisconsin Next Gen roundtable; Jan. 14, Wisconsin Connection Conference, Glacier Canyon Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, Wi.; Jan. 15, sales development course, North Little Rock, Ar.; members.bldconnection.org.

Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club – Jan. 14, meeting, Embassy Suites, Concord, N.C.; www.lumberclub.org.

Missouri Forest Products Association – Jan. 14-15, winter meeting & legislative breakfast, Jefferson City, Mo.; www.moforest.org.

Midwest Association of Rail Shippers – Jan. 14-16, winter meeting, Schaumburg, Il.; www.mwrailshippers.com.

World of Concrete – Jan. 20-23, Las Vegas, Nv.; worldofconcrete.com.

BLD Connection – Jan. 21-23, Estimating 1-2-3, Kansas City, Mo.; classic roundtable, Bloomington, Mn.; members.bldconnection.org.

American Fence Association – Jan. 24-28, FenceTech, Salt Lake City, Ut.; www.americanfenceassociation.com.

National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors – Jan. 27-29, executive summit, Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.; www.naw.org.

BLD Connection – Jan. 28-29, BizCon North, Rivers Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, Mn.; members.bldconnection.org.

Construction Suppliers Association – Jan. 29, HR workshop, Tyrone, Ga.; www.gocsa.com.

Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association – Jan. 29, selling KD hardwoods, White Pigeon, Mi.; www.ihla.org.

House Hasson – Jan. 30-Feb. 1, winter market, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tn.; www.househasson.com.

Building Material Suppliers Association – Feb. 5-6, annual Learning Exchange & LBM Expo, Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, N.C.; www.mybmsa.org.

Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association – Feb. 5-6, annual meeting, The Inn at Ole Miss, Oxford, Ms.; www.mlmalumber.com.

Lumbermen’s Assn. of Texas – Feb. 6, Action Day, Austin, Tx.; lat.org.

Peak Auctions – Feb. 6-10, online LBM auction; www.peakauction.com.

Construction Suppliers Association – Feb. 10-12, store manager learning group, Tyrone, Ga.; www.gocsa.com.

Illinois Lumber & Material Dealers Association – Feb. 11, Expo, Bloomington, Il.; www.ilmda.com.

BLD Connection – Feb. 11-13, Estimating 1-2-3, Cambria Hotel Downtown, Omaha, Ne.; members.bldconnection.org.

Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association – Feb. 12, air drying hardwood lumber, Cole Hardwood, Logansport, In.; www.ihla.org.

Monroe Hardware – Feb. 12-13, spring market, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; www.monroehardware.com.

Florida Hardware Co. – Feb. 14-15, spring dealer market, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; www.floridahardware.com.

BLD Connection – Feb. 18-19, BizCon South, Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel, Altoona, Ia.; members.bldconnection.org.

Orgill – Feb. 20-22, spring dealer market, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.; www.orgill.com.

International Builders Show/Kitchen & Bath Industry Show – Feb. 25-27, Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; buildersshow.com.

FLASHBACK: PROMOTIONAL PANDEMONIUM

BUILDING MATERIAL companies take their businesses seriously—though some like to have a little fun with their marketing. A sign of fun to come should have been evident 50 years ago this month on the front cover of BPD’s sister publication, The Merchant (upper right).

In its January 1975 front-cover ad, Rounds Lumber Co., Cloverdale, Ca., shared how—despite priding itself on finding the hard-to-find—it recently received an order it simply could not fill: a woman needed a 2x10 redwood timber... 110 feet long.

Inside the magazine, you could also find the staff of the Southwest’s Pine Ridge Lumber Co. (directly below) illustrating that they were really into lumber by posing for a photo literally inside a stack of lumber.

Kimberly-Clark took a light approach to explaining the advantages of building their newest mill in the more temperate “banana belt” of Michigan (lower left).

And Inland Lumber Co., Colton, Ca., promoted its wide inventory of all building materials by poking fun at wholesalers that sold only lumber (below). Because, they explained, while “our middle name may be ‘lumber’... we’re the last word in building materials.” BPD

Rounds Lumber shared a tall tale on the cover of the January 1975 issue.

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Redwood Empire stocks several grades and sizing options of Redwood.