Introducing the Simpson Strong-Tie ® EasyFrame automated marking system. A combination saw and printer, EasyFrame cuts detailed wall panel framing members that are pre-marked for fast, accurate assembly. Designed for efficiency, EasyFrame prints framing plans directly onto lumber, including locations of boards, connectors, wiring and more. It can be paired with a manual or automated saw, and features a blade enclosure for safety. Powerful software also lets you ensure precision and optimize material use. EasyFrame is supported by our installation and onboarding services, training and technical expertise. It’s a smart way to equip customers for wall panel jobs while setting your business apart. Add EasyFrame to your lumber sales area. To learn more, visit easyframesaw.com or call (800) 999-5099.
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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®2024 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.
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REMEMBER WHEN...
------------ BY PATRICK ADAMS
I DON’T RECALL the exact moment it happened, but as a kid I remember that the frequency of lectures that started with “I remember when…” increased in correspondence with my age. Like most kids, the internal dialogue that I had with myself as these stories of the past unfolded consisted mostly of, “Good Lord, please make it stop.” I don’t recall a single interesting or inspiring story.
Whether it was the famous “…walked in the snow, uphill both ways, to school…” or some version of a horror story of punishments they used to receive and how lucky I should feel that I was only receiving the diluted version of mine, the “I remember whens” continued into my adult life.
But this weekend, I caught myself doing it with my daughter. The difference was that it wasn’t about something she did wrong, or in regard to a punishment I was handing out. She was explaining that things like electric bikes and social media were her generation’s social outlets and was trying to defend why she “needed” them. I listened to her oral arguments intently, then she paused as if waiting on the jury’s verdict. Instead of immediately responding, I pondered her argument.
I recalled the countless adventures I had as a kid. My parents kicked me out of the house after breakfast and my only instruction was not to be home until dinner. With my pedal bike, my world was only limited by the time it would take for the return trip to have me arrive by dinner. It felt like every trip was a new voyage to discover every back alley, new street, or shopping center. I would take riverbed trails all the way to the beach and I would take dirt trails into the hills where nature had provided my very own jumps and turns. Many of these adventures included setbacks and challenges, including many where I learned the hard lessons of “cause and effect.”
Talk back to someone older and stronger? Get punched in the mouth. Lesson learned. Leave your bike unlocked while you explore a store at the beach? Bike gets stolen and you have to run nine miles home in order to make it for dinner and not get in trouble. Bike gets stolen, so you have to mow yards for two months to save up
enough to get another used, garage sale bike. I believe this “freedom” did more to shape what I would become than any other education or training I have received. And now, my almost 14-year-old daughter was asking for her equivalent of the same.
In my mind, however, things are different now. There are bad guys, and predators, and bullies. People in cars don’t pay attention, and people don’t look out for each other. My access to local law enforcement call logs tells the story, as does any nightly news segment or social media post. The world is falling apart, they say, and the “evidence” supports this.
But, what if things really haven’t changed at all? I remember “creeper vans,” and I grew up in a gang environment that makes where we live today seem like Disneyland. There were bad guys, and predators, and cars that by today’s standards didn’t even have brakes. Maybe today, we just have too much access to too much information that is created in a way to elicit fear. They say crime is down from the past, and yet every day the news starts with the nightly death count. They say child predators are down, yet every minute there is a warning about not letting your kids online or out of your sight.
I pondered all of this wishing for my daughter the freedom to learn, and explore as I did and learn the lessons of life in the only way you can—firsthand. After my deliberation, I rendered my judgment with one simple word…”No.” Her hopeful expression fell and as she stormed off rambling on about how she’s the only kid in the world without, and how we are the strictest parents in the whole world, I responded with the only thing that came to mind…”I love you.”
I hope as we enter the holiday season, the decisions you have to make are easier and are met with more excitement than mine! Happy holidays and thank you for the gift of serving you and this great industry!
PATRICK S. ADAMS, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com
HOW TO NAVIGATE TARIFFS AND SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES IN 2025
BY MIKE CHISHOLM
AS 2024 DRAWS to a close, lumber wholesalers across North America are reflecting on a turbulent year. From rising tariffs to ongoing supply chain disruptions, businesses have faced mounting pressures in crossborder trade. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear challenges will persist, but proactive strategies can help wholesalers navigate what’s to come.
Tariffs and Supply Chain Strain
In 2024, the lumber industry was hit hard by increased tariffs on Canadian softwood, a key import for many North American wholesalers. These tariffs pushed prices higher, impacting both residential and commercial construction projects.
The tariff hike, originally implemented to protect domestic producers, had the unintended effect of reducing the availability of high-quality lumber while increasing costs for builders and consumers. It also impacted profitability for Canadian companies who’ve had to absorb some of the additional costs.
At the same time, supply chain bottlenecks persisted. Rail strikes, labor shortages, and capacity issues made it harder for wholesalers to ensure timely deliveries, further compounding the challenges of cross-border trade. Lumber, often transported via rail from Canada to the U.S. and beyond, saw significant delays, forcing wholesalers to look at more expensive alternatives like trucking, or to stockpile inventory to weather potential disruptions.
While 2025 may not see an immediate resolution to these issues, wholesalers can mitigate some of the
damage. For example, diversifying transportation options and building stronger relationships with logistics providers can help businesses weather future supply chain disruptions. A flexible logistics strategy, including exploring alternative transportation methods and using multiple providers, can reduce vulnerability to delays and price hikes.
What Lies Ahead for the Lumber Industry
The economic landscape for 2025 remains uncertain. Inflation, high interest rates, and fluctuating demand in the housing market will continue to influence the building materials sector. As a result, wholesalers should expect demand for lumber to ebb and flow throughout the year, depending on shifts in the broader economy.
Supply chain issues are also likely to persist, particularly when it comes to rail transport. Labor shortages, combined with the potential for further strikes, could create additional delays in the movement of goods. While there’s potential for these issues to stabilize as economic pressures ease, wholesalers would be wise to build contingency plans.
Planning Ahead for Cross-Border Trade
Given the challenges faced in 2024 and the forecast for 2025, lumber wholesalers must rethink how they operate. Strategic inventory management will be critical in the coming year. While large inventories can cushion against supply chain disruptions, they also tie up capital and carry the risk of holding overpriced stock if tariffs fluctuate. A more agile approach to inventory—one that allows for ------------
quicker stock turnover—can help minimize exposure to tariff-related price increases and supply delays.
Investing in technology can also play a key role in navigating the coming year. Digital tools that allow wholesalers to track shipments in real-time, forecast demand, and communicate seamlessly with suppliers can improve operational efficiency. These tools can help wholesalers respond more quickly to changes in the market, reducing delays and preventing costly mistakes in logistics and
supply chains. By improving communication across the supply chain, wholesalers can better anticipate shifts in demand, adjust orders accordingly, and avoid overstocking or shortages.
Finally, one of the key strategies for 2025 will be focusing on new market opportunities. With tariffs on Canadian softwood still affecting North American supply chains, wholesalers could explore expanding into other regions, including Europe or Asia. These international markets
dence on a single supply source.
The key to success in 2025 will be adaptability. Whether it’s through better inventory management, technological investments, or exploring new markets, those willing to adapt will be best positioned to succeed in 2025 and beyond. BPD
MIKE CHISHOLM
HOW MILLWORK MANUFACTURING (DONE WELL) CAN GENERATE BIG PROFITS FOR DEALERS
------------ BY TONY MISURA
CONVERSATIONS WITH industry leaders across the U.S. have a similar vibe: lumber framing pack sales are down 20% year over year, while millwork sales are up over 20%. That’s a 40% spread. Why?
Scarcity is one factor. Our Misura Group team can identify entire states that don’t have a single solid, reliable millwork business. Millwork done well is broadly undersupplied in single-family and multifamily housing markets. For dealers looking for more renovation and remodel sales, every homeowner is a candidate for new doors, windows, trim, interior wood finishes, mantels and stairs.
Given those factors, getting into millwork manufacturing can generate value-added revenues and profits that will propel growth for years to come. But here’s the challenge for many dealers: You must raise your game first.
We see seven qualities top millwork operations possess that you don’t always see at lumberyards:
Aesthetic Expectations: Great millwork companies understand they’re responsible for a home’s curb appeal, starting with the entrance doors and windows. Everyone will scrutinize the brushed bronze lockset and the main entrance door’s feel and fit as you open the door.
A scratch on one door finish or one nail splitting the doorstop will delay a closing by weeks.
Manufacturing Processes: Millwork shop leaders think long and hard about warehouse layouts, production lines, specialty teams, and quality control. Multiple moving parts and people must all be in sync. It’s a production factory, not a pick-and-load operation. Doing my research, I called on one of the top three LBM dealers ($9-billion company). The regional president told me, “I recently traveled to inspect a new $800,000 Kval door line added to a typical lumberyard location. I asked the general manager why they decided to install the door line in the center of the warehouse. The GM responded, ‘The new door line is so shiny and new; we wanted it to be the centerpiece of the warehouse to show it off to our customers.’”
The president commented, “Continuous Flow Manufacturing (CFM) was not even in this general manager’s vocabulary. We can laugh—but it’s not his fault. When will our company learn? Millwork requires professionals who think differently than lumber guys.”
Capital Investment: Door plants require temperature-controlled industrial space and loading docks, the
KVAL’S 994-X line is a leading solution for machining and framing pre-hung interior and exterior residential doors. Here, it machines the door and jamb hinge pockets, applies the hinge, and machines the cylinder lock on 6’8, 7’0, and 8’0 doors.
larger the better to maximize labor efficiencies. A Kval door line can cost $800,000, while running electrical and HVAC can cost $50,000+. Building the sales team, estimating and high Q/C manufacturing and delivery systems does not happen overnight.
The LBM president commented, “I can lease property and delivery trucks, make a lumber buy, and be in the lumber business in a few weeks. Millwork is a completely different mindset that impacts everyone from the owner to the delivery professional and all points in between.”
Sales Obstinance: Most lumber OSRs refuse to sell millwork. As one leader told me: “With lumber, you can sit in your basement, in your pajamas, sending out estimates and dumping lumber deliveries, and your customers love you. With millwork, you must walk every home.”
Actually, some millwork salespeople walk every home twice, once to make measurements for the order and then a second time looking for installation flaws and mistakes. Many LBM dealers are millwork dabblers and never committed to the journey of being great at millwork. Every lumber OSR has a horror story about losing a key customer over millwork. The root cause is usually somewhere between an owner dabbling in millwork and lumber OSR lacking the attention to detail and proactive nature to be excellent at millwork sales. Regardless, the word “millwork” creates this perpetual PTSD around most lumber OSRs when asked, “Why are you not selling millwork?”
Pricing: Lumber people don’t understand how to price millwork. Given the risks around shrinkage and misordering, manufacturing labor, and high shipping costs, you must charge 40% plus margins to support a consistent service offering. Great millwork companies know their success is tied to retaining high-quality labor. Typical lumberyard turnover crushes any millwork business.
Estimators: Product science combined with detailed estimating skills can take several years to develop. That makes top-tier millwork estimators “the diva wide-receivers of our industry,” as one president put it. The nature of special orders and custom-made inventory makes every bid a boom or bust opportunity. We
are excited about how technology is swiftly alleviating the estimating point of constriction and speeding up the training and development of inexperienced estimators. Paradigm should be on your shortlist to explore.
Logistics: Millwork is fragile, so scratched doors and broken glass are everyday events. Box or curtain-side truck delivery is mandatory; you don’t want rain or rocks on the road to damage all that was done in the factory.
We talk regularly with executives of top LBM dealers, including those who have gotten deep into millwork manufacturing. They get frustrated by these challenges. “There are no sledgehammer solutions with millwork like the lumber space,” one leader told us. “It’s more hand-tohand combat. It’s a place where team-building leaders and strategic thinking owners thrive.”
“Consistency is tough,” another executive told us. “It’s not a national buy-side program solution. You have to have the leaders in the local markets to execute.”
In short, a millwork business requires a culture different from that of a lumber operation to be effective. Some of the best dealers with both millwork and lumber know separate cultures are a must, adding different buildings, even different addresses.
How significant is the millwork opportunity nationally? Specialty Building Products (US Lumber), Boise Cascade, and BMD combined are
generating nearly $2 billion in prehung door and trim millwork sales. Historically they were commodity lumber wholesalers, who leapt into millwork for the first time just in the past three years. Wholesalers are thriving in the space, taking EBITDA market share that easily could be in the LBM dealers’ pocket.
What are the best practices to make that happen?
• Executive leadership provides capital and sets a broader strategy with manufacturing ROI metrics.
• Experienced millwork operating and sales leaders are hired and then given dedicated responsibility and authority to execute the plan.
• The company provides the space and resources for a specialty manufacturing culture to thrive.
• Market opportunities are defined and then defended, promoting the company’s unique value. Single-family, multifamily, and remodeling all have ripe geography and customers for the taking.
“Tony, I’m not sure I am happy about this article,” one millwork manufacturing executive told me. “LBM dealers have been asleep at the wheel. If you wake them, I won’t be shooting fish in a barrel anymore.” That sure sounds like a market opportunity to me. BPD
– Tony Misura is the founder of Misura Group, bringing over 30 years of expertise in the building materials industry (www.misuragroup.com).
PRE-HUNG DOOR machines, such as Norfield’s E Series Magnum, can get dealers into the door business.
OFF-WHITE shades, such as Adobe Cream, are the top choice for homeowners looking for new siding.
OFF-WHITE AND STONE ARE TOP PICKS IN SIDING
AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS reaffirmed off-white/ cream as the most popular siding color (18%) if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025—extending its reign as the top choice for three consecutive years, according to the third annual national survey recently conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Alside.
This classic and versatile hue continues to dominate
the market, and over two in five American homeowners (42%) say they would go for a timeless neutral look if choosing an exterior home color in 2025, reflecting a strong preference for understated elegance and an enduring aesthetic for the home exterior.
“The persistent appeal for neutral and classic aesthetics like off-white and cream lends to the versatility of the palette and ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home,” said Ryan Gibson, business director, vinyl & composite cladding. “These hues are a timeless choice that are less likely to become outdated or decrease your home’s resale value, making them a smart choice for homeowners no matter which part of the United States they live in. They also provide a solid foundation to designing a home that allows for a more personal touch giving accent colors and features space to make a statement.”
As off-white remains the top choice, bold colors are the least likely to be chosen by homeowners. In fact, one-third of American homeowners (33%) say one of the colors they would most likely avoid if updating their home exterior in 2025 is red.
“There is certainly a place for bolder colors in home exteriors. They are often used more prominently in certain architectural styles and can add a vibrant, eye-catching element when used thoughtfully. The key is to balance it with neutral tones and consider the overall style of the home and neighborhood,” added Gibson.
Breakdown of Exterior Color Preference
The survey, which covered a representative sample of over 1,300 American homeowners, revealed that off-white/cream (18%) was the preferred choice among American homeowners if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025, while white (16%), light brown (13%), light gray (11%) and medium blue (8%) rounded out the top five color choices.
Color choice doesn’t stop at siding though. When adding complementary colors to accent the exterior of the home, about three in five American homeowners (62%) typically match the trim with their siding color. Other answers include: shutters (43%), porches and decks (38%), and roofing (32%).
When asked how they would choose the exterior color, homeowners cite several key factors. In addition to going for a timeless neutral look (42%), top answers include:
• Cost (36%)
• Availability (25%)
• Their spouse or significant other will pick (22%)
• Based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (20%)
• Meets HOA/local guidelines (20%)
Among homeowners, women are likelier than men to say they would go for the timeless neutral look (48% vs. 37%) or would choose based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (24% vs. 16%). Meanwhile, men are likelier than women to say their spouse or significant other will pick (28% vs. 16%).
Breakdown of Siding Material Preference
American homeowners are likely incorporating the trend of embracing warm neutrals into their specific siding material choices. Stone (25%) was the leading material preference they would choose when planning to buy new siding. Mixed materials were a close second at 22% of homeowners saying they would choose to mix stone, stucco or siding, perhaps for a balanced home exterior aesthetic. Vinyl (14%), vertical board & batten composite cladding (12%), and engineered wood (12%) rounded out the top five material choices. BPD
SELLING VOLUME
WHEN WE FIRST start selling, we are happy just to get an order. Then we are pleased to have a good day, subsequently a good week, then a good month. Then we have a good month every other month. Eventually we put together a good year. After our first good year, we want to have another great year, and finally a great career.
Account Selection
Most sellers have only a vague idea how much their customers buy. The Master Seller knows exactly how much each customer buys and gives them the appropriate amount of time based on that volume. Let’s categorize our accounts by size:
C Accounts – 0-5 possible orders per month.
B Accounts – 5-10 possible orders per month.
A Accounts – 10 to infinity possible orders per month.
One of the biggest mistakes made in account/time management is to spend too much time with smaller accounts that buy from us and treat us like a partner, and not enough time with bigger accounts that are keeping us at arm’s length. Bigger accounts are more competitive, so it may take longer to break into them, but they also demand more attention because they are buying volume more often.
Of course, we give all our accounts A-level service, but we must give them the appropriate time based on their size.
Offer Volume
One of the best ways to sell more volume is to offer more volume. It
------------ BY JAMES OLSEN
may seem obvious, but I hear a ton of what I call “one and done” calls— sellers calling with one truckload of one item. I sold a well-known large volume account in Kentucky for 15 years. For the first five years I offered them onesey-twoseys and that’s what I sold them. For the second five years I offered twosey-fiveseys and that’s what I sold them. For the last five years I offered them blocks of 20 at a time multiple times a week. I didn’t sell them a block of 20 every time, but once or twice a month they would buy a block of 20. I continued to get the onesey-twosey and twosey-fivesey orders, but booking the big blocks changed my income dramatically.
The point is the account didn’t change; I started offering them more volume and sold them more because of this. In addition, I did the same with the rest of my account base and prospered for it.
Multiples of Multiples
We offer multiples of multiple items on every call, not one of one. We don’t list them all off and ask, “What do you think?” We offer three trucks of 2x4 then ask for the order. Then we offer three trucks of 2x6 and ask for the order. We then offer three trucks of 7/16” OSB and ask for the order. This brings more value to the customer and gives us more opportunities to sell. It also sets us apart from all the sellers who are too lazy to do so.
Post-Order Habit to Sell Volume
The best time to sell someone is right after we have sold them. Just like combinations in boxing, the best time to hit someone is right after we hit them. Our post-order steps are the
following—every time:
Thank the customer: “Susan, thank you so much for the order, I really appreciate your business.”
Go over the details: “Let’s go over the details just for fun. We’ve got three trucks of 2x6 #2 SYP, with tallies of 1-2-3-4-5, paper wrapped, shipping the week of 10-15 delivered at $650/MBF. Is that what you have?”
Thank them again: “Again, Susan, I really appreciate the business.”
Congratulate them: “Susan, this is a great deal. Of course, you are a great buyer, so it’s not a surprise.”
Ask for additional orders: “Susan, we both know this is a great deal. I don’t know if I can get more at this price, but if I could for the week of 115, do you want to put on three more?”
Post-Missed Order Habit
When we miss orders, we quiz customers about what they bought and ask if we can sell them more of the same.
Offer volume. Ask for additional orders. It takes just as much time and effort to sell 10 as it does to sell one. Start offering volume today and you will sell more—guaranteed BPD
JAMES OLSEN
THE GIFT OF FEEDBACK
EMPOWERING YOUR EMPLOYEES THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE
------------ BY LIZ WHISLER
FEEDBACK IS MORE than just a performance review tool; it’s a gateway to foster communication and trust within an organization. Offering insights into both strengths and areas for improvement can empower employees to enhance their performance and reach their full potential. When managers provide thoughtful, supportive feedback aimed at helping team members improve their work performance, they not only elevate morale but also strengthen team relationships.
Feedback as a Gift
Leaders should reframe their approach to feedback and recognize that holding back on feedback deprives team members of valuable growth opportunities. To overcome hesitation in providing feedback, start by acknowledging its importance in professional development. Most employees want feedback to improve their performance. Viewing feedback as a collaborative process rather than a one-way critique can make the experience more positive for both parties.
Constructive feedback aims to improve performance or behaviors. It allows employees to learn, grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Positive feedback identifies an employee’s strengths and accomplishments. It’s crucial for boosting morale and helping team members recognize where they excel. Often, managers provide a mix of positive and constructive feedback to give employees a holistic view of their performance.
One note of caution when considering feedback—those ubiquitous “great job” or “atta girl/boy” comments are often mistaken for positive feedback. While they may feel positive, this form of feedback is largely received longterm as insignificant, meaning it lacks specificity and thereby does little to either reinforce positive behavior or correct ineffective or poor behavior. If you find yourself giving this sort of “great job!” kind of feedback, take it
a step or two further by specifying what behaviors you think are great, and why they matter!
Four Effective Feedback Delivery Techniques
1. Timeliness is crucial when it comes to feedback. Providing input as close to the event as possible ensures that details are fresh and allows for prompt addressing of issues before they escalate.
2. Implementing quick, informal feedback sessions, such as brief daily check-ins, can be an effective way to maintain open lines of communication.
3. Be specific when providing feedback, using concrete examples and observable behaviors rather than generalizations to help employees understand exactly what they’re doing well or areas where they need to improve.
4. Solution-oriented feedback is more likely to lead to positive change. Instead of simply pointing out problems, offer actionable suggestions for improvement and collaborate with the employee to develop an improvement plan. We recommend using a goal-setting framework like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) to structure these improvement plans effectively.
Cultivating a Feedback-Rich Environment
To truly harness the power of feedback, organizations must create a culture where it’s valued and actively sought. This starts with leadership setting the example by actively seeking feedback from their teams. Encouraging peer-to-peer feedback can foster a more collaborative environment where learning and improvement are ongoing processes.
Integrating feedback into regular work processes, rather than reserving it only for annual reviews, helps create a culture of continuous improvement. And, celebrating improvements made from received feedback
Q. We had to let an employee go last week. I just received a message from one of their parents demanding I call them back to explain why they were let go and that I rehire them immediately. The termination was for good cause. Should I respond or leave it alone?
A. Maybe. We all understand family members defending their loved ones even if they do not know all of the circumstances. Usually, we do not need to (and, in most cases, should not) engage with them.
If the employee is a minor (under 18 years of age), then you probably should reach out to the parent and give some information as to the circumstances. Just as they may need to sign some of the new hire documents on behalf of their minor child, they may need to know what their child has done. You can stay firm in not rehiring the employee. Keep the conversation concise, ending it if it becomes too aggressive.
If the employee is an adult (18 years or older), then you should not give any details as all employees deserve some confidentiality, even from family members. While you can ignore the request, you may consider a brief return call saying you cannot provide that information so they do not continue to bother you. Again, end the conversation if it becomes too aggressive.
As a side note: The only time you should communicate with an adult employee’s family member about them is if the employee is unable to talk with you themselves, and then you should communicate with the family member (preferably the employee’s emergency contact) just on the basics. For example, if the employee is in the hospital and unresponsive, you should let a family member notify you, keep you up-todate on the employee’s health and status, and allow them to have any forms completed that you may need to process their leave and/or benefits.
reinforces its value and encourages ongoing engagement with the feedback process.
Implementing a 360˚ feedback system can provide a more comprehensive view of employee performance and encourage multi-directional feedback. This approach helps create a more holistic understanding of each team member’s strengths and areas for growth.
Remember, feedback is indeed a gift—one that keeps on giving in the form of enhanced performance, stronger relationships, and a more dynamic, successful organization. Use these techniques to master effective practices in your organization. BPD
LIZ WHISLER
NORWAY SPRUCE
SPFs, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, & ROCKEFELLER CENTER
------------ BY KIM DREW
BY NOW you’ve probably seen footage of the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arriving at the iconic New York City property, trailered on a flatbed from it’s home in West Stockbridge, Ma., a little over 100 miles away.
By the time you read this, the tree will be decorated and lit for the Christmas 2024 season, with thousands and thousands of locals and tourists visiting the tree for the coveted best Christmas picture ever. Have you ever seen the tree in person? It’s an awe-inspiring sight. More than just lights and sparkle, the tree itself—typically a Norway spruce—is beautiful.
This year’s chosen tree is 74 ft. tall and weighs a whopping 11 tons. Planted 67 years ago by the Albert family to celebrate a marriage, the tree was first eyed by Erik Pauze, the Rockefeller Center head gardener, in 2020. Over the last year, Pauze and his team have coddled the tree, feeding and watering it regularly. In early November, the tree began it’s journey to New York City, where it will be decorated with 50,000+ multi-colored LED lights attached to five miles of wire—no branch is left untouched by lights!— and topped off by a 900-lb. Swarovski star featuring three million crystals and 70 spikes.
What makes the perfect Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? Pauze told The Center Magazine, “What I look for is a tree you would want in your living room, but on a grander scale—it’s got that nice perfect shape all around.” The tree will be lit live on TV in a star-studded musical celebration on Dec. 4 and will stay lit until Jan. 11, 2025.
When the Christmas season ends, this is far from the end for the magnificent tree.
Norway spruce is a non-invasive species from Europe with roots in America dating back to pre-Civil War. In October 2016, it became the first new U.S.-grown, fully tested softwood species to be tested for strength values since lumber testing began in the 1920s; the species was folded into the SPFs grouping and approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee, following testing from University of Maine’s Structures and Composites Center, and approved for construction and industrial applications.
NELMA, the not-for-profit rules writing agency and steward of the lumber industry in the Northeast and Great Lakes, oversaw the entire Norway spruce testing process and now oversees the grading of the lumber by NELMAmember mills. Grown primarily throughout New York state, Norway spruce is found in Maine, down into New England, and as far west as Wisconsin. You know a Norway spruce when you see it: tall, beautiful, with easily identifiable large, drooping branches. The perfect shape for the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
But it’s what happens after the tree comes down that makes the story truly special. With a growing focus on the environment and the circularity of products, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been leading the way for years. Once the tree comes down, it’s donated to a Habitat for Humanity chapter serving its home community. The tree is milled into lumber that is then used to build houses for those in need. The tree gives so much joy and happiness during its Rock Center reign, and this giving back continues throughout the rest of its life.
The story of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the story of the wood industry: green, renewable, recyclable, strong, durable, beautiful. Unlike steel and concrete, real wood is grown naturally, harvested naturally, and naturally renewable. BPD
– For more information on Norway spruce, please visit www. nelma.org/norwayspruce. For more information on the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas trees, please visit www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays.
ONCE AGAIN, a towering Norway spruce has been selected for Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree.
HARTVILLE HARDWARE ACQUIRES OHIO’S COSHOCTON
Hartville Hardware & Lumber, Hartville, Oh., purchased Coshocton Lumber, Coshocton, Oh., but will operate the 126-year old business with its existing name and 20-person staff.
President Scott Sommers noted, “We are excited to welcome Coshocton Lumber to the Hartville Hardware family. This purchase allows us to take our purpose of serving and providing for others and expand it into the Coshocton community. Coshocton Lumber’s long-standing reputation for excellence complements our values and vision for the future and we are grateful to be stewards of this great company.”
Hartville intends on expanding Coshocton Lumber’s product
offerings. Marketing director Kelli Hill said new products and services will not be added immediately, but rather after evaluating the needs of the community.
“We’re excited to join forces with Hartville Hardware,” added Coshocton Lumber owner Joel Jumper. “This transition of ownership will open up new opportunities for growth, while continuing the legacy we’ve built over the years.”
Considered the largest independently owned hardware store in the U.S., Hartville Hardware is a member of HRM Enterprises, which also includes Hartville Kitchen, Hartville Market Place & Flea Market, Hartville Contractors Supply, and Top Advantage Surfaces.
Star Lumber & Supply, Wichita, Ks., has acquired the assets of Apex Lumber Co., which operates contractor yards in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Ok. Randy “Chip” Chippeaux, senior VP of Star’s Building Materials Division, will oversee the transition and management of the new locations.
Westlake Ace Hardware will begin construction early next year on a 15,000-sq. ft. store in northwest Oklahoma City, Ok., just west of Edmond, Ok. Slated for a late 2025 opening, it will be the chain’s 10th in the OKC area.
Croft Lumber, Sayre, Pa., held a grand reopening event to show off its recent remodel that included adding 10,000-sq. ft. to its retail spaces and mill, including an expanded kitchen & bath showroom.
Sunshine Ace Hardware, Ave Maria, Fl., is holding a grand opening celebration Dec. 6-8.
Malley Hardware, Keota, Ia., is closing at the end of the year after 65 years with the retirement of founder Jim Malley.
Graber’s Ace Hardware, El Dorado, Ks., held a grand opening event Nov. 8-10, report owners Scott and Tim Graber.
Olney Hardware, Olney, Tx., will add a local Ace Hardware early next year.
Costello’s Ace Hardware held a grand opening board cutting ceremony Nov. 16 at its new store in Bernardsville, N.J.
Gavins Ace Hardware, Fort Myers, Fl., is adding a branch at the former site of Sun Hardware, Fort Myers Beach, Fl.
White Cap has acquired Valley Supply, a distributor of concrete accessories, fabricated rebar, chemicals and safety products based in Mechanicsburg, Va.
Lowe’s plans a new home center in Manvel (Houston), Tx., to open by fall 2025.
Shepley Wood Products, Hyannis, Ma., was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Cape Cod’s 2024 Best Community’s Choice Awards.
Patrick Lumber Company
Over 100 Years in Business
US LBM Foundation raised more than $2.75 million at the eighth edition of its charity golf tournament held Oct. 22 at the Omni PGA Frisco, Tx.
Like the foods we buy, when it comes to decking, we want natural and real. Redwood is always available in abundance of options. So stock the shelves! Unlike mass-produced and inferior products, Redwood is strong, reliable and possesses many qualities not found in artificial products. They maintain temperatures that are comfortable in all climates.
Redwood Empire stocks several grades and sizing options of Redwood.
CARTER MOVES INTO FLORIDA, ALABAMA BY
BUYING 6-UNIT TOWNSEND
Carter Lumber has acquired Townsend Building Supply, a building materials dealer with six locations in southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
The acquisition strengthens Carter Lumber’s position in key markets while enhancing Townsend Building Supply’s capabilities through greater access to capital, increased purchasing power, and key industry relationships. Townsend Building Supply will become part of the Carter Lumber Family of Companies and will continue to operate under its distinct brand.
“Florida and Alabama have been in our sights for years as part of our strategic southern expansion. With Townsend’s established presence and solid reputation, we’re able to hit the ground running in both states,” said Jeff Donley, president/COO of Carter Lumber. ”
“We’re excited for this next phase of Townsend. Our top priority was finding the right partner for our customers and employees, and Carter Lumber is the perfect fit,” said Turner Townsend, CEO of Townsend Building Supply. “We’ve worked tirelessly to expand our capabilities and provide an unbeatable work environment for our team. This acquisition will accelerate the progress we’ve made and drive further success.”
“From our first conversation, both Turner and Michael Townsend made it clear that taking care of their employees was what mattered most to them, and they would not consider partnering with anyone who did not share those same values,” said Adam Lombard, senior VP for Carter Lumber.
With the acquisition finalized, Carter Lumber and Townsend Building Supply will work together to integrate systems and operations seamlessly, ensuring that customers experience no disruption in service. Over the next 12 months, Carter Lumber plans to invest heavily in Townsend’s current locations to expand capabilities and services for customers across southeastern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Founded in 1944, private and family-owned Townsend Building Supply provides top-quality hardware, lumber and building materials to contractors and homeowners. The company has six locations throughout the Wiregrass region of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Founded in 1932 in Akron, Oh., family-owned Carter Lumber is the United States’ fifth largest pro-focused LBM supplier, with more than 170 locations across 13 states. Carter Lumber operates under four uniquely branded divisions: Carter Lumber, Holmes Lumber Co., Kight Home Center, and Kempsville Building Materials.
KRUSE READY TO EXPAND IN MINNESOTA
Kruse Lumber hopes to begin construction in early 2025 on a 5,300-sq. ft., L-shaped storage structure on a nearly one-third acre lot adjacent to its Rochester, Mn., yard.
The company had intended to start the seven-monthlong project this past fall, but has received some pushback from the local neighborhood association.
Kruse Lumber purchased the neighboring property in 2012, and sold it, along with its existing lumberyard, to Shaw Acquisition Corp. in 2022.
------------| SUPPLIER BRIEFS
Zuern Building Products & Design Center, Slinger, Wi., has acquired Wood Specialties, Menomonee Falls, Wi.
ABC Supply Co. has added locations in Chicago, Il., and Hudson and Sheboygan Falls, Wi.
L&W Supply opened a new branch in Athens, Ga., managed by Esteban Garcia.
Lester Group subsidiary Fortress Door Co., Fredericksburg, Va., is opening a new manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Ga.
Dixieply will now offer UFP’s ProWood FR fire retardant-treated wood across its network of locations in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida.
BlueLinx has begun stocking Oldcastle APG’s RDI Railing at its distribution centers in Richmond, Va.; Frederick, Md.; Indianapolis, In.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Chicago, Il.
Palmer-Donavin is now stocking Cheslsea Building Products’ Everlast composite siding from its 10 distribution centers in the Midwest and Southeast.
Sherwood Lumber, Melville, N.Y., is now distributing Modern Mill’s ACRE trim and siding products.
Boise Cascade Building Material Distribution Division expanded its distribution of Hoover Treated Wood Products’ PyroGuard and ExteriorFireX FRTW to all of its branches in the Southeast.
Boise has also added Trex products at its Delanco, N.J., facility, making Trex the only brand of composite decking and railing sold at all Boise locations.
Rayonier, Yulee, Fl., has sold a combined 200,000 acres of timberland in four separate transactions totalling $495 million, including 91,000 acres in southeast Oklahoma and 109,000 acres in northwest Washington.
M S International moved into a largerMinneapolis area showroom and distribution center in Maple Grove, Mn., featuring 195,000 sq. ft. to stock and sell its flooring, countertops, wall tile, and hardscaping products.
Oldcastle APG has acquired the online landscape design platform Yardzen.
Epicor, Austin, Tx., has acquired Acadia Software, Hunt Valley, Md.
Nichiha USA, Johns Creek, Ga., recently secured environmental product declarations (EPDs) for both of its American manufacturing facilities.
Culpeper Wood Preservers, Culpeper, Va., was rated the top pressure-treated lumber manufacturer and supplier in a recent U.S. Treated Lumber Brand Satisfaction Survey by Webb Analytics.
The AZEK Co. was named a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune for the fourth consecutive year.
Knauf’s residential lines of batts, rolls and premium blowing wool insulation have been certified as asthma & allergy friendly and Verified Healthier Air.
BLD Marketing, a full-service strategic marketing agency exclusively serving the building materials category, won eight accolades from 2024 MarCom Awards, on behalf of campaigns for Culpeper, Nichiha USA, Deceuninck North America, and PPG
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Lainie Sleppin, ex-MoistureShield, is new to contractor sales at Decks & Docks, Dover, N.J.
Nicholas Christ, ex-Home Depot, has been named general mgr. of Hancock Lumber, Brunswick, Me.
Wade Flint, ex-Teal-Jones Group, has been appointed director, lumber manufacturing operations for Hood Industries, Hattiesburg, Ms.
Clayton Mullins has been promoted to general mgr. at Jim Carpenter Co., Fredericksburg, Va.
Ben Murphy, ex-Odell Lumber & Supply, is now in outside sales at Carter Lumber, Plymouth, In., while Darrell Marshall, ex-84 Lumber, and Keith Herman are new to outside sales with Carter in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Mark Hopkins has been promoted to companywide chief operating officer for Hancock Lumber, Casco, Me. Hillary Roy is new as chief people officer, and Rebecca Hatfield as chief strategy & revenue officer.
Patrick Glaze is new to inside sales at Culpeper Wood Preservers’ Culpeper, Va., plant.
Jason Guevin has been promoted to EWP inside sales mgr. at Coastal Forest Products, Bow, N.H.
Kellee Griffith, ex-AHC Hardwood Group, is new to lumber sales at Goodwood Lumber, Nashville, Tn.
Riley Dixon, ex-Gilcrest Jewett, has joined the outside sales team at Spahn & Rose Lumber, Marion, Ia.
Eric Suszynski was named purchasing mgr. for Calumet Lumber, Cedar Lake, In.
Rich Gatterdam is now in sales at Jones Lumber & Millwork Co., Columbus, Oh.
Stephen Jones, ex-Bone Dry Roofing, has been named outside sales mgr. for Big C Lumber, Fort Wayne, In.
Tracy Ruch, ex-Guyot Lumber, has been appointed retail store mgr. at RP Lumber, Perryville, Mo.
Steven Holmes is a new inside sales rep with Tri-State Forest Products, Milan, Tn.
Kaleb Wright has been promoted to general mgr. of 84 Lumber, St. Rose, La. Bill Stone, ex-Carter Lumber, has returned to 84 Lumber in sales from Fairless Hills, Pa.
Jerry Pennington, ex-American Direct, has been appointed VP of Fortress Door Co., Fredericksburg, Va., a subsidiary of The Lester Group.
Emily Walker is a new account mgr. with Weekes Forest Products, Grand Rapids, Mi.
Jack O’Connell, ex-LL Flooring, has moved to Archadeck Outdoor Living, Richmond, Va., as VP-operations.
Luke Becher is new to inside sales at K-I Lumber Co., Louisville, Ky.
David Cobb is now an outside sales account mgr. with Ware-Butler Building Supply, Waterville, Me.
Blake Hoover has joined the sales force at Liese Lumber, Belleville, Il.
Eric Sineath, ex-LL Flooring, has been named warehouse mgr. of Builders Building Supply, Newton, Al.
Duan Mercer is a new outside sales rep at Shell Lumber & Hardware, Miami, Fl.
Eric Hagberg, ex-Marvin, is now windows division mgr. for Dykes Lumber Co., Weehawken, N.J.
Tom Micka, ex-Liberty Building Products, has been named sales mgr. of Boise Cascade, Delanco, N.J.
James Sorensen, ex-Pella Windows & Doors, is now in design & sales with Woodhaven Lumber & Millwork, New York, N.Y.
Rakesh Mohan was appointed chief digital & technology officer for AZEK Co., Chicago, Il.
Martin Gorman, New England territory sales rep for Beacon, has retired after 38 years with the company.
Craig Stanton, ex-UFP, has moved to Hinton Lumber Products, La Porte, Tx., as VP of sales.
Richard Villatoro, ex-Emser Tile, is now with LP Building Solutions, as territory sales rep for Houston, Tx.
Jered Freed, Hoover Treated Wood Products, Thomson, Ga., has been promoted to senior director of integrated supply chain.
Dr. Anand Kangala has joined Trex Co., Winchester, Va., as VP and chief information officer.
Joshua Lambert is new to sales at Cameron Ashley Building Products, Dallas, Tx.
Kalub Wilkerson has been promoted to production mgr. at Great Southern Wood Preserving, Hagerstown, Md.
Luke Armbrust, ex-Wausau Supply, has hired on as sales operations coordinator with Hidden Step Marketing, Minneapolis, Mn., specializing in promoting IG Railing.
Jeff Koeppel, senior vice president of operations, GeorgiaPacific, Atlanta, Ga., will retire in the first quarter of 2025. He will be succeeded by Hudson Pope, currently senior VP for manufacturing.
Matthew Pasquarello, ex-Andersen, moved to Westlake Royal Building Products, Ardmore, Pa., as territory mgr. for southeast Pennsylvania and south Jersey.
Corey Lovett has joined SPAX Engineered Fasteners as Grand Prairie, Tx.-based territory rep for the Southwest and Southeast, covering Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Tennessee.
Zachary Alderink, ex-Visser Ace Hardware, is now in inside sales with Zeeland Lumber & Supply, Zeeland, Mi.
Gregory Bogusz has joined the Architectural Division of 3A Composites USA, Davidson, N.C., as sales mgr. for the Mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Brett Hanson, owner, Tri-State Building Center, Sisseton, S.D., and Roger Dankel, executive VP of North American sales, Simpson Strong-Tie, were presented the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association’s Chairman’s Award during the group’s annual Industry Summit in Savannah, Ga. Lynn Schwarz, president, Building Material Suppliers Association, received the Distinguished Service Award.
Chris Hegeman, mgr., Bliffert Lumber, Milwaukee, Wi., was elected to the board of BLD Connection, to serve as National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association rep until 2027 and a director of NLBMDA.
Curtis Smith has been appointed executive director of the Do it Best Foundation.
Tish Hughes is out with the sniffles at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.
ROYOMARTIN UNVEILS TEXAS EXPANSION
Martco LLC (RoyOMartin) celebrated the grand opening of the expansion of its Texas subsidiary, Corrigan OSB. The enlargement makes the oriented strand board manufacturing facility the largest of its kind in North America.
The Oct. 30 event emphasized the facility’s impact on increasing OSB production and creating local jobs, as well as the regional and national housing market.
The ceremony drew more than 200 attendees, including company partners, community leaders, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. A tour of the new production line was available for interested guests.
Constructed next to the company’s original stateof-the-art OSB plant, the new expansion is located in Corrigan between Lufkin and Livingston. The second facility significantly increases the mill’s size and production capacity by roughly 75% to 1.4 billion sq. ft. annually and provides a total of 300 jobs at the mill. Since the first facility’s start-up in 2018, Corrigan OSB, LLC has been a successful investment in the people, natural resources, and markets in Corrigan and the entire East Texas region. The facility expansion is set to address Texas’ population surge, which has seen more than four million new residents in the last decade.
In talking about RoyOMartin’s decision to build a second mill in Corrigan, executive vice president of manufacturing & product sales Terry Secrest stated, “Building a plant during a pandemic with supply chain issues is no easy task, yet on June 8, we successfully started this new facility. Since then, our team has continuously improved, setting new goals every day.” He then introduced a virtual tour video that was produced by the communications team.
Martco LLC is a subsidiary of Martin Sustainable Resources LLC, the Martin family-owned parent to several companies that focus on land, timber, and mineral resources, emphasizing sustainable forestry and the manufacture of forest products. It is best known by its trade name RoyOMartin, which honors the entrepreneurial spirit of Roy O. Martin, Sr., who began the
family’s first business (a sawmill operation) in 1923. RoyOMartin currently operates two manufacturing facilities in Louisiana. A third facility is operated in Texas by its wholly-owned Texas subsidiary. With more than 1,300 employees, it is a leading employer in every region in which it operates.
CEDAR WHOLESALER EXPANDING TO NC
Cedar Direct LLC will invest $925,000 to open a distribution and warehousing facility in Spindale, N.C., joining existing locations in Dodgeville, Wi., and Chapel Hill, Tn.
Cedar Direct distributes cedar and specialty lumber to wholesalers and suppliers. The company supplies lumberyards, mills, supply houses, and contractors with high quality western red cedar and other specialty building products. This site will be a third location for the company offering boards, lumber and timber in different sizes and edges and for various applications.
“We are happy to announce our third location in Spindale, N.C. A big reason we chose this location is the collaborative efforts between Cedar Direct and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina,” said Dale Hatfield, manager of Cedar Direct. “The progressive business stance the state has taken, along with the growing market of cedar, is really what led us to choose North Carolina.”
A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Cedar Direct’s expansion to North Carolina. The One N.C. Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One N.C. grants require matching participation from local governments.
AUBUCHON ENTERS NEW JERSEY
Liz and Jan Rupinski have agreed to sell Anco Ace Hardware in Villas, N.J., to the Aubuchon Co., the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. The store will continue to operate as Anco Ace Hardware.
Once the deal closes later this month, Aubuchon will operate 124 stores in 10 states.
“For more than 41 years, Liz and Jan have built a great business and an even better team,” said William E. Aubuchon IV, president and CEO. “For decades, Anco Ace Hardware has been the go-to resource for the community in Villas, and we look forward to continuing their legacy and building on their success.”
“Running Anco Ace has been more than a business for us; it has been our way of making a difference in our community,” said Liz. “This store never ceases to amaze us, but one thing is for sure—the community and our store associates were the number one reason for our success.”
Jan added, “In a few short months, we felt a great business bond formed between us and the Aubuchon team. Always positive and extremely fair and never waiting to have a question or concern addressed. Answers are always clear and concise.”
ROYOMARTIN chairman and CEO Roy O. Martin III (left) leads Texas Governor Greg Abbott on a tour of Corrigan OSB’s new expansion.
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HOME DEPOT OPENS FOUR-STORY-HIGH HOME CENTER IN MANHATTAN
Home Depot opened a four-story-high location in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, N.Y.
The 116,000-sq. ft. home center, built at the former site of a Bed Bath & Beyond on 61st, replaces an older store just a few blocks away on 3rd Avenue. Home Depot signed a 20-year lease for the space in 2020.
The new store opened on Oct. 24 with food trucks, prizes and other giveaways. It offers a traditional selection of home improvement merchandise, as well as specialized services such as tropical plant displays and lockers for online order pickups.
Another Home Depot in Manhattan—on 23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues—remains open.
DECKS & DOCKS ACQUIRES HOUSTON DEALER BAYOU CITY LUMBER
Decks & Docks, Clearwater, Fl., has acquired Bayou City Lumber, a leading outdoor building material supplier in the Houston, Tx., market.
Bayou City, founded by Warren Spencer in 1994, is a distributor of outdoor building products including treated lumber products, pilings, composite decking and seawall serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Bayou City will operate under the Decks & Docks banner and continue to serve their local customers with their existing employees.
“I am very pleased to announce that Bayou City has joined Decks & Docks. I have known them for a long time and am certain that with their scale and expertise in outdoor building materials we’ll be able to add even more value for customers together,” said Spencer.
In October 2023, Decks & Docks partnered with CCMP Growth Advisors to recapitalize the business and support its management team in driving future growth. This is the eighth location added since the transaction and brings Decks & Docks’ total location count to 43.
Founded in 1991, Decks & Docks is the largest pureplay specialty distributor of marine construction and outdoor living supplies. Known as a one-stop shop for contractor customers, offering a comprehensive suite of composite decking, railings, pilings and vinyl seawall,
Decks & Docks serves the Eastern U.S., operating a network of 43 facilities across 13 states, shipping domestically and internationally.
LUMBERMEN’S OPENS DOORS IN MINNESOTA
Lumbermen’s Inc. is adding door manufacturing and distribution to its building materials distribution center in Cottage Grove, Mn.
The chain has been partnering with Therma-Tru to prefinish system built doors at its Byron Center, Mi., location for the past 20 years. Expanding into Minnesota with exterior doors is a natural step, building on the successful combination of Therma-Tru’s unmatched quality and design, along with Lumbermen’s dedication to craftsmanship, service, and customer success. In addition to Therma-Tru, the company will also offer doors from Neuma, Gerkin, Larson, and FrontLine Building Products Inc.
This Cottage Grove location opened this past March, and will launch the new door operations in the first half of 2025. President and CEO Steve Petersen explained the decision to add a Door Division in Minnesota: “The enthusiastic reception from our customers, along with results that surpassed our expectations, made the decision to expand our product offerings in this market an easy one. Our ability to grow is due to strong partnerships with our customers, and we remain committed to delivering the same level of service and experience that you’ve come to expect from Lumbermen’s.”
The expansion will be led by Tank Johnson, VP, Door Division.
Based in Grand Rapids, Mi., Lumbermen’s operates in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Minnesota.
LANDMARK LUMBER GROUP ADDS DRIED AFTER TREATMENT LUMBER
Mid-Atlantic wholesaler Landmark Lumber Group, New Freedom, Pa., has added DAT dimensional lumber to its product offering.
DAT means Dried After Treatment. The manufacturing process includes pressure treating with a XXX solution meeting the UC4A/B ground contact standard, then drying in a lower heat longer timeframe environment to an average 19% moisture content. This process reduces checking, cracking, and warping of boards. In addition, Landmark’s DAT product will be offered in #1 Premium and Clear (C&Better) grades ensuring high workability so it can be easily milled, sanded, and stained immediately—no drying time needed.
“We added this product line to serve the needs of our retailers, and outdoor structure and decking manufacturers,” stated Craig Constable, Landmark VP of sales. “Its high grade quality and low and slow drying technique delivers better workability and higher stability than standard pressure treated lumber and at a great price too!”
Landmark’s DAT Dimensional Lumber offering will consist of 2”x4”-10” lumber, 5/4x6” E4E deck boards, and 4x4 timbers. The New Freedom facility began stocking the products Nov. 15, offering them in convenient half-size packs.
HOME DEPOT had added a second store in Manhattan, N.Y.
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R.P. ACQUIRES MISSOURI’S GUYOT LUMBER
R.P. Lumber Co. has acquired Guyot Lumber, an independently owned retailer of hardware, lumber, and building materials in Perryville, Mo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The transaction, which closed on Nov. 1, marks R.P. Lumber’s eighth acquisition this year and its first location in Perry County, Mo. Guyot becomes R.P. Lumber’s 88th location and its 21st in the Show Me State.
Rick Guyot, co-owner of Guyot Lumber along with his brother Jim Guyot, expressed his sentiments, stating, “Our family takes a lot of pride in this business, in our people, and in Perryville. When we decided we wanted to transition out of ownership, we knew we wanted our legacy to be inherited by an honest, well-respected peer familiar with the southeast region of Missouri, and I think we’ve found the perfect fit with R.P. Lumber.”
Serving roughly 70% pro contractors and 30% DIY homeowners, Guyot Lumber has been serving Perryville for many decades. Started by Merlin “Mertz” Guyot as an offshoot of the family construction business several years after returning to Perryville from World War II, the company has continued to grow under the dedicated leadership of Rick and Jim, Merlin’s sons, both of whom joined the business in the 1970s.
R.P. plans to work with the existing team in Perryville, eventually expanding the location’s job-site delivery radius and inventory selection in certain categories.
LUMBER PLUS EXPANDS IN FLORIDA
Lumber Plus recently added a Palm Beach (Riviera Beach), Fl., location to its expanding list of retail franchises. It joins the Lumber Plus Miami showroom and Tampa location to support the company’s expansion in Florida.
“Lumber Plus franchises are providing quality lumber and building solutions to our customers, and this new location allows us to expand our offerings in the Southern Florida region,” said Guto Fugiwara, president, Lumber Plus.
“Joining Lumber Plus as a franchisee puts us on the same playing field as lumber industry supply leaders,” said Roy Diaz, Palm Beach franchise owner. “With access to their extensive network and resources, we’re poised for success in Palm Beach County and beyond, and excited for what lies ahead.”
WOLF EXPANDS INTO SOUTHEAST
PrimeSource Building Products is expanding its Wolf Home Products line into the southeastern U.S.
The expansion, spanning Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, aims to connect builders and homeowners with decking, railing, trim and mouldings tailored for the Southeast’s unique lifestyle and climate.
The expansion includes the following product offerings:
• In Florida: Wolf Serenity Decking, Wolf Trim, and Wolf Mouldings
• In Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee: Wolf Serenity Decking, Wolf Trim, Wolf Mouldings, Wolf Perspective Decking, Wolf Serenity Porch, Wolf Railing, Wolf Outdoor Lighting, and Wolf PVC Column Wraps.
By leveraging PrimeSource’s established relationships with Southeastern retailers, Wolf Home Products will enhance its visibility and accessibility in the region.
Wolf will provide market development reps across the Southeast to support local retailers, ensuring exceptional service and product knowledge. This local support will be further enhanced through strategic marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, regional home shows, and collaborating with local territory managers.
The regional rollout marks the initial phase of a broader initiative to expand Wolf’s presence nationwide, aligning with PrimeSource’s mission to grow Wolf’s brand recognition across its network of global production, distribution and sales locations. The product line will be available to dealers beginning Jan. 2, 2025.
WARREN BROS. RELOCATES TO LARGER QUARTERS IN TENNESSEE
Warren Brothers Sash & Door has moved into a significantly expanded manufacturing and distribution center in Lebanon, Tn., to serve the growing needs of the region.
The new 142,000-sq. ft. facility boasts 40% more space compared to the previous Nashville location. This expansion, coupled with significant investments in equipment upgrades, positions Warren Brothers for continued success. Key improvements include:
• Increased Production Capacity: New equipment enhances the production and assembly of custom residential and commercial doors, allowing Warren Brothers to meet customer demand more efficiently.
• Energy Efficiency: Upgrades to energy-efficient lighting reduce the facility’s carbon footprint, while improving employee safety and productivity.
• Optimized Inventory Management: Installation of specialized warehouse racking streamlines inventory management and operational efficiency.
“This new Lebanon facility signifies much more than just a relocation,” said Greg Gatlin, general manager. “It underscores our commitment to an enhanced customer experience. By streamlining operations and increasing our local presence, we can deliver faster turnaround times and offer a wider range of services to meet evolving needs. This strategic move also allows us to capitalize on the anticipated growth in the coming years.”
MISSOURI’S 75-year-old Guyot Lumber has been acquired by R.P. Lumber.
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REMODELING COMEBACK ANTICIPATED
After a mild pullback over the previous year, spending for improvements and repairs on owner-occupied homes is set to expand once again by the middle of next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
The LIRA projects that annual expenditures for home renovation and maintenance will grow by 1.2% through the third quarter of 2025.
“A continued thaw in new home construction and sales of existing homes bodes well for an uptick in residential improvement and repairs next year,” says Carlos Martín, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Center. “Additionally, stronger gains in home values and thus home equity levels should boost both discretionary and ‘needto-do’ replacement projects for owners staying in place.”
“Annual spending for home improvements and maintenance is projected to grow from $472 billion today to $477 billion through the third quarter of 2025,” says Abbe Will, associate director of the Remodeling Futures Program. “A quick return to growth after a fairly modest downturn ultimately means that residential remodeling and repair expenditures are expected to approach past peak levels moving forward.”
Column and line chart providing quarterly historical estimates and projections of homeowner improve-
ment and repair spending from 2021-Q4 to 2025-Q3 as four-quarter moving sums and rates of change. Year-over-year spending growth accelerated from 12.0% in 2021-Q4 to a peak of 17.2% in 2022-Q3 before softening steadily down to 2.1% by 2023-Q4. Year-over-year spending declines in 2024 are estimated to have reached a bottom at a rate of -3.2% in 2024-Q3. Annual spending levels are expected to increase by 1.2% from $472 billion in 2024-Q3 to $477 billion in 2025-Q3.
NEW HQ. FOR BROOKLYN DEALER
Certified Lumber & Building Supply has opened a 12-acre complex in Bloomingburg, N.Y., that will serve as its new headquarters.
Replacing its former headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y., the new location features a 20,000-sq. ft. warehouse, 10,000-sq. ft. exterior lumberyard, and 3,500-sq. ft. product showroom.
Certified Lumber has been serving the construction industry in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 50 years.
PPG TO SELL ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS BUSINESS
PPG, a global leader in paints, coatings and specialty materials, has reached a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada at a transaction value of $550 million to American Industrial Partners (AIP), an industrials investor.
PPG’s architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada, which
operates within the company’s Performance Coatings segment, is an industry leader in residential and commercial architectural coatings through its well-known portfolio of brands, including Glidden, Olympic, Liquid Nails, Homax, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains, Manor Hall, Flood, Dulux (in Canada), and Sico, among others. The business manufactures and sells interior and exterior paints, stains, caulks, repair products, adhesives, and sealants for homeowners and professionals. It also includes certain light-duty protective coatings products that are primarily sold through company-owned stores and manufactured through a common factory footprint.
The deal, which is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025, is the result of PPG’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for the business, which was first announced in February.
The architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada represented approximately $2 billion of PPG’s 2023 total net sales. The transaction includes the following Architectural Coatings facilities:
• Manufacturing: East Point and Oakwood, Ga.; Louisville, Ky.; Huron, Oh.; Reno, Nv.; Carrollton and Temple, Tx.; Delta, B.C.; and Vaughan, Ontario.
• Distribution centers: Huron, Oh.; Oakwood, Ga.; Reno, Nv.; Aurora, Il.; Flower Mound, Tx.; Riverside, Ca.; Reading, Pa.; Carolina, Puerto Rico; Calgary, Alberta; Delta, B.C.; Toronto, Ontario; and Moncton, New Brunswick.
• More than 15,000 points of sale, including 750 company-owned stores, 6,600 independent dealer locations, and 8,100 major home improvement centers and retailer locations across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Leased headquarter offices for leadership and administrative teams located in Cranberry, Pa.; Vaughan, Ontario; and Boucherville, Quebec.
AIP is an industrials investor, with approximately $16 billion in assets under management. AIP is distinctively focused on industrial businesses across a broad range of end markets. Current portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of about $25 billion with approximately 70,000 employees.
Introducing NAWLA Academy
This brand-new offering from NAWLA provides a database of webinars and educational content focused on the following tracks:
NAWLA members receive complimentary access to all on-demand NAWLA webinars. Access them at your leisure and gain the skills you need to grow your career as a lumber professional!
MOST INNOVATIVE TOOLS & FASTENERS OF THE YEAR
FOR 12 YEARS, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards have highlighted the most innovative top products from the construction, automotive and landscaping industries. This year, the awards had a record number of submissions from manufacturers. Among the winners:
Accessories & Fasteners
Circular Saw Blades: CMT USA Xtreme Framing 7-1/4” 24T Zero Gravity Saw Blade
Multi-Tool Blades: DeWalt DWA4283 3-Sided General Purpose Oscillating Blade
Metal Drill Bits: Drill America GSC Series Gold Stepped Point Cobalt Drill Bits
Drill Guides: Visa Tools Hole Troll
Drills/Drivers Attachments: DeWalt DWalraft FlexTorq Lighted Modular Right Angle Attachment
Drills/Drivers, Kits: GripEdge Tools 132-PC RPT Multi-Bit set (MBS132)
Specialty Driver Bits: Malco Tools 7-in-1 C-Rhex Flip Bit
Hole Saws: Lenox Snap-Back Arbor With Step Bit Pilot Drill
Router Bits: CMT Super-Duty Flush Trim Bit
Construction Adhesives: DAP HD Max Construction Adhesive
Deck Rail: RailFX FlexFX Fittings
Hidden Fastening System: FastenMaster Collated Cortex Hidden Fastening System
Nails: Beck America Lignoloc 3” Wooden Nails with Head
Metal Screws: Beck Scrail Steelthread Structural
Structural Screws: SPAX PowerLags
Wood Screws: Grip-Rite DeckForce Exterior Screws
Specialty: FastenMaster ICON ScrewJoist
Waterproofing: FastenMaster Deck Frame Coating
Hand Tools
Angle Finders: Milwaukee 48-22-5602 Digital Angle Gauge
Levels: Johnson Level & Tool 5800-0712P 7-12FT Plate Level
Tape Measures/Rulers: Milwaukee Tool 48-22-1425
Stud Tape Measure
Nut Drivers: Stanley Pass-Through Hollow Core Nut Driver
Multi-Bit Screwdrivers: Klein Tools 32517HD 17-in-1
Impact Hybrid Driver
T-Handle Screwdrivers: GripEdge RPT T-Handles
Squares: Kapro Tools 449-7 Protractor Square
Stud Finders: Klein Tools ESF150LL Electronic Stud Finder with Lasers
Vises: Work IQ Tools IQ Vise System
(Continued on page 49)
HONORED AS
year’s best new structural screw, SPAX PowerLags speed up the construction process, allowing builders to complete projects faster and with less effort.
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.
Take a Tour. Visit digital 3D tours of real projects made with real wood. Scan here to see. Simply open the camera on your smartphone or tablet, and hold it over this image.
@NortheasternLumberMfg
@WoodInspiration
@wood_inspiration1933
WIDE WORLD OF RAILINGS
Trex Co. is vastly expanding its railing portfolio, intent on providing “the right railings for every preference and project.”
New are Trex Enhance Steel Railing, Trex Select Aluminum Railing, Trex Select Steel Mesh Panels & Railing Kits, Trex Signature X-Series Cable and Frameless Glass Railing Systems, Trex Select and Trex Enhance All-in-one Railing Post Kits, and a new Charcoal Black color for Trex Select Classic Railing.
TREX.COM
(800) 289-8739
DRIVING AID
Affordable and easy to install on nearly any cordless drill or driver, Simpson Strong-Tie’s new Quik Drive Project Pro is an ideal screw driving tool that enables advanced DIYers to build or repair decks, fences, porches and flooring up to four times faster.
Though a lower-cost option, it uses some of the same designs, patents and manufacturing channels as Quik Drive pro-grade solutions. The auto-feed technology drives screws repeatedly—just squeeze the trigger and apply pressure to drive—with no worry about fumbling or dropping screws.
Lightweight, it installs on almost any driver motor the user may own without an adapter: simply insert it into the drill/driver chuck, adjust and tighten the support arm, and tighten the battery strap. Once the unit is attached, the user can insert the collated fastener strip.
The Quik Drive Project Pro fastening tool is designed for use with 1-5/8” – 2-1/2” Strong-Drive WSV and DeckDrive DSV Wood screws collated for Quik Drive systems.
STRONGTIE.COM/PROJECTPRO (800) 999-5099
WATERPROOF IN A FLASH
FrogTape Pro Grade Flashing and Waterproofing Tape from Shurtape creates an airtight seal around windows, doors and building openings.
The tape utilizes a high-performance acrylic adhesive specifically formulated for building envelope applications to help it adhere to a variety of surfaces in wide ranging weather conditions.
It’s ideal for residential and construction applications, including the flashing of windows, doors, deck ledgers, and weatherproofing for skylights, dryer vents, roofs and other building openings.
SHURTAPETECH.COM (800) 321-0253
SAND AND DELIVER
Milwaukee Tool’s new M18 FUEL 5” Random Orbital Sander offers less vibration and the power to sand the toughest materials.
Providing an orbital sanding motion with a 3/32” diameter, the tool features a five-mode speed control ranging from 12,000 OPMs to 6,000 OPMs, VacLink Bluetooth Technology, and PowerState Brushless Motor.
MILWAUKEETOOL.COM (800) 729-3878
WOOD ROT REPAIR KIT
DAP’s new Plastic Wood Wood Rot Repair Kit combines two advanced products: a fast-drying wood hardener that strengthens soft, damaged wood and a heavy-duty epoxy filler with a self-mixing nozzle that resists shrinking and cracking.
With the comprehensive kit, repairing wood damage is quick and simple in just five steps: remove the rotted wood, apply the wood hardener, fill with epoxy, then sand and paint for a flawless finish.
DAP.COM (888) 327-8477
MOVABLE GLASS WALL
Milgard Windows and Doors’ new VX350 Vinyl Moving Glass Wall makes incredible views and aweinspiring doors available to an even wider audience.
The product is offered in up to four-panel configurations that stack or slide into pockets, with max panel sizes of 5’x8’ and openings that span widths up to 20’.
The door boasts narrow sightlines that provide sweeping views of the outside while bringing in copious amounts of natural light. It comes with white, almond or black capstock finish and warm-edge spacer system.
MILGARD.COM (800) 645-4273
POCKET FRAME PLYWOOD CLIP SET
Johnson Hardware’s 1515-PLY Pocket Door Frame Plywood Clip Set delivers a solid inner structure, providing triple the strength to hang cabinets, towel racks, tiles and other heavy materials to pocket door walls.
Quick and easy to install, the clip set anchors plywood panels to the pocket door frame split studs and the wall studs. It’s compatible with all Johnson pocket door frames and comes with all mounting screws and clips. Installers just provide the 5/8” thick plywood. It can be used in 2”x4” or 2”x6” stud walls and with doors weighing up to 400 lbs.
JOHNSONHARDWARE.COM (574) 293-5664
VIBRANT SHINGLES
IKO has expanded its Dynasty Cool Colors Plus shingle line with the introduction of five new striking colors: Dual Brown, Graphite Black, Pebble Grey, Bayshore and Coastal Sands.
The shingles are designed to exceed the minimum reflectivity standards by 25%. Their vibrant color blends and specially designed granules minimize heat transmission into attics, achieving high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) ratings.
IKO.COM (888) 456-7663
FRESHEN UP FENCES
Seal-Once is introducing Fence Guard Stain Concentrate, an eco-friendly, water-based wood stain that offers the same superior performance as traditional oil-based stains.
Specifically formulated to protect wood fences from water damage, this innovative product provides ultra-low VOC, excellent penetration, and uniform coverage—all while being safe to use around pets, plants and people. It resists cracking, peeling and mildew for long-lasting performance.
Colors include Coastal Gray, Espresso, Sierra Cedar, and Western Redwood.
UCCOATINGS.COM (888) 363-2628
MORE COLOR ON DECK
Two new colors with heat-mitigating technology have been added to Trex Enhance composite decking: Honey Grove, a mix of browns, grays and onyx black streaks that evoke the bounty of the natural world, and Tide Pool, a misty gray that draws inspiration from the tides.
Trex also added new hues to Lineage: Hatteras, a neutral brown inspired by windswept dunes, and Salt Flat, a symphony of silvers, whites and grays.
TREX.COM (800) 289-8739
METAL MESH INFILL
Digger Specialties Inc. is adding a 3-5/8” mesh infill option to its Westbury Sorrento Mesh Railing. Designed to provide a sophisticated, contemporary style that enhances the visual appeal of decks, balconies and porches, the railing features unmatched longterm durability and resistance to the elements.
The new 3-5/8” stainless steel mesh railing is now available as a second option along with earlier introduced, smaller 2-3/8” stainless steel mesh infill railing.
DIGGERSPECIALTIES.COM (800) 446-7659
ACOUSTIC PLASTER
CertainTeed’s new Ecophon FADE Duo acoustic plastering system absorbs unwanted noise to achieve a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.75 to 0.85. A two-stage acoustical plaster (primer + top) is spray-applied to a fiberglass coreboard, which can be mounted to ceilings and walls. It comes with a smooth or fine textured surface, in white and six other standard colors that can be easily mixed into the plaster.
CERTAINTEED.COM (800) 233-8990
MODERN MATTE COAT
Sto Corp. is adding a flat sheen to its high-performance StoColor Acryl Plus coating line. It joins an existing eggshell sheen.
Flat coatings provide virtually no sheen and reflect less light— ideal for hiding imperfections, easy touch up, and recoating EIFS and stucco. The acrylic-based coatings deliver excellent adhesion, weather resistance, and color stability in new construction and restoration.
STOCORP.COM (800) 221-2397
LIGHT SHOW
TimberTech is introducing several new lighting innovations.
The new LED Lantern Post Cap Light is meticulously designed and color-matched to complement TimberTech’s Classic Composite Series and Impression Rail Express, casting a soft halo of light that defines any space. The Reversible LED Accent Light adds subtle illumination to posts, transition points, and stairs, enhancing safety and visibility. Recessed LED Riser Lights provide gentle, discreet lighting for stairs.
TIMBERTECH.COM (877) 275-2935
DECK EXPO DOES DALLAS
DECK EXPO stormed Dallas Nov. 12-14. [1] Elizabeth Rajs, Sam Sao, Mo Shearer, Angie Mathews. [2] Nick Brennan, Ronald Blok, Ashley Bennett, Alex Paleewong, Ryan Guidry. [3] Joseph Pass, Jeff Wilkins, Scott Menefee. [4] Tony Braida, Levi Tippetts, Tom McMahon. [5] Chadd Furley, Steve Thurber. [6] Joel Delacruz. [7] Dave Ellerbee, Greg Groenhout, Madelyn Velting, Chris Case, Arun Venkatesan. [8] Ana Kuzmina, Jono Gross. [9] Team Digger (front) Tom Harley, Loren
“Digger” Graber, Mary Gearheart, Charlie Klimkowski, Josh Peizer; (back) Gerry Lieder, Jason Lewis, Steve Lonsway, Matt Koble, Mike Lambert, Steve Gress. [10] Chris Johnson, Bill Laughlin [11] Marta & Andrew Schmitt, Bobby Parks, Mike Kunard, Pat & Julie Noonan, Mark Behnecke [12] Brad Mrozinski, Mark Stover [13] Mike Hopson, Joe Jacklin, Jason Russell, Wes Kain, Quinton Weber [14] Kiyokazu Yoshioka, Chris Flynn, Takanobu Imaya. (More photos on next page)
DECK EXPO (continued from previous page): [15] Scott Sproat, Ryan Adamson, Brett Kelly, Gwladys Petit. [16] Ryan Collison, Haylie Babl, Al Collison, Todd Hendrix. [17] John Ross, Jonathan Freeman, Scott Fischer. [18] Kalvin Eden, Jeff Patrick, Jaime Valencia. [19] Todd Sargent, Carey Hicks. [20] Gabriel Kinslow, Andres Turriago, Ron Beacham, Daniel Polanco. [21] Rich Kost, Richard Bergman. [22] Tanner Cannon, Anna Shineflew, Trevor Johnson. [23] Ethan
Margolis, Tim Simkins, Joe Thielen, Bryan Hoexum, John Brantley, Chris Berg, Mara Allen, Michelle Hendricks, Jeff Falke, Chad Zschiesche, Taylor Robida. [24] Lainie Sleppin, Stephen Lerman, Melissa DeSola. [25] Shaun Jennings, Gavin Pedrotti, Rob Thornbladh. [26] Nick Shell, Stephanie Van Tiegham, Dave Berninger. [27] Warren Orsted, Ken Scott, Brent & Anne Gwatney, Michael Beaudry. [28] Sara Graves, April Edwards. [29] Chuck Casey, Andrew Pantelides.
Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.
Construction Suppliers Association – Dec. 4, OSHA-10 workshop, Tyrone, Ga.; www.gocsa.com.
National Hardwood Lumber Association – Dec. 4-6, intro to hardwood grading course; Dec. 9-12, control the process to improve lumber value class, Memphis, Tn.; www.nhla.com.
BLD Connection – Dec. 5, sales development class, Staybridge Suites, Rochester, Mn.; Dec. 10-12, Estimating 1-2-3, Holiday Inn at the America Center, Madison, Wi.; Dec. 11, Nebraska Connection Conference, Embassy Suites, La Vista, Ne.; members.bldconnection.org.
Northeastern Retail Lumber Assn. – Dec. 11-12, LBM Expo, Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun, Uncaville, Ct.; www.nrla.org.
Northern New York Lumber Dealers Assn. – Dec. 18, holiday board meeting, Expo, Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun, Uncaville, Ct.; www.nrla.org.
North American Deck & Railing Association – Jan. 2-4, summit, Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Beach, Fl.; www.nadra.org.
Charlotte Build, Remodel & Landscape Expo – Jan. 3-5, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C.; www.homeshowcenter.com
Columbus Home Improvement Show – Jan. 3-5, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Oh.; www.homeshowcenter.com.
National Hardwood Lumber Association – Jan. 6-Feb. 28, inspector training school, Memphis, Tn.; www.nhla.com.
Louisville Build, Renovate & Landscape Expo – Jan. 10-12, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky.; www. homeshowcenter.com.
BLD Connection – Jan. 13, Wisconsin Next Gen roundtable; Jan. 14, WWisconsin Connection Conference, Glacier Canyon Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, Wi.; Jan. 15, sales development course, North Little Rock, Ar.; members.bldconnection.org.
Missouri Forest Products Association – Jan. 14-15, winter meeting & legislative breakfast, Courtyard by Marriott, Jefferson City, Mo.; www. moforest.org.
Midwest Association of Rail Shippers – Jan. 14-16, winter meeting, Schaumburg, Il.; www.mwrailshippers.com.
Columbia Home Building & Remodeling Expo – Jan. 17-19, Columbia, S.C.; www.homeshowcenter.com.
Minneapolis Home Building & Remodeling Expo – Jan. 17-19, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Mn.; www.homeshowcenter.com.
World of Concrete – Jan. 20-23, Las Vegas, Nv.; worldofconcrete.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 Association of Texas – Feb. 6, Action Day, Austin, Tx.; www.lat.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, sponsored by National Association of Home Builders, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.buildersshow.com.
Rates: $1.20 per word (25 word minimum). Phone number counts as 1 word, address as 6. Centered copy/headline, $9 per line. Border, $9. Column inch rate: $65 per inch Deadline: 10th of the previous month. Questions? Call (714) 486-2735.
WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY
IN MEMORIAM
Bernard “Bernie” Marcus cofounder of The Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., died Nov. 4 at the age of 95.
A 1954 graduate of Rutgers University, he began climbing the corporate ladder at Two Guys, Daylin and Handy Dan, which fired him in 1978. He promptly teamed with Arthur Blank and Ken Langone to launch Home Depot, starting with two stores in Atlanta and kicking off the big-box home center craze. He served as the chain’s first CEO, and was chairman until retiring in 2002. It is currently the world’s largest home improvement retailer, with a half-million employees, more than 2,300 stores in North America, and annual sales exceeding $150 billion.
In 1989, Bernie and his wife, Billi, established The Marcus Foundation, which has since handed out more than 3,500 grants totalling over $2.7 billion. They were recently named the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year by Forbes and received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.
He authored two books—Built from Scratch: How a Couple of Regular Guys
Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion (with Blank) and Kick Up Some Dust: Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back, and Doing It Yourself.
Floyd Melvin Sulser Jr., 78, former chairman of Southern Lumber Co., Jackson, Ms., died on Nov. 15.
Floyd received his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1971. He then served as a captain in the Army’s JAGC until 1974. He co-founded Bennett, Lotterhos, Sulser & Wilson in 1980 and joined Southern Lumber as general counsel in 1996, retiring in 2015. He also headed the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers’ Association board.
Eldon Elmer Pinke, 81, co-owner of Pinke Lumber Co., Wishek, N.D., died on Oct. 30.
After working as a carpenter, he joined Farmers Co-op Lumber, Kulm, N.D., as manager. In 1977, Eldon and his wife Carol purchased a lumberyard in Wishek and started Pinke Lumber. His son Nathan joined the company in 2007 and together they launched Pinke Homes in 2013.
Eldon was named Retail Dealer of the Year by the North Dakota Retail Lumbermen’s Association in 2001.
PRODUCTS FOR SALE
NORTH CAROLINA RELOAD Shaver Reload, Statesville, NC
Barry H. Newsome Jr., 92, longtime salesman with Georgia-Pacific, Chattanooga, Tn., died on Aug. 25.
After receiving a degree in business administration from High Point University, High Point, N.C., in 1954, Barry served for two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He then spent 33 years as a lumber sales rep with G-P, serving east Tennessee, the Southwest and Midwest. In 1994, he relocated to Atlanta, Ga., to serve as district sales manager of the Midwest region for southern yellow pine lumber. He retired in 1997.
Arthur Castro, longtime manager with Wickes and Wolohan Lumber, passed away on Nov. 1 at age 92. After serving during the Korean War, Art pursued a business degree in lumber & building materials merchandising from Michigan State University. He then managed Wickes yards in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Texas. He moved to Wolohan, Grand Rapids, Mi., and helped open yards in Illinois and Indiana. In 1971, he became manager of Wolohan’s yard in Janesville, Wi.
John H. Hoge, 92, president and owner of Hoge Lumber, New Knoxville, Oh., died on Nov. 5—two weeks after the passing of his wife of 70+ years. He was a 1955 graduate of Ohio State.
BPD introduces readers to three new advertisers: Gentek, manufacturer of vinyl, aluminum and steel exterior cladding, window products, and sliding patio doors.
Kval, supplier of the world’s most advanced pre-hung door machinery.
Sellick Equipment, manufacturer of rough terrain forklifts for more than 50 years.
Keep them in mind when you’re looking for such products!
FLASHBACK: DOING THEIR PART
EIGHTY-ONE YEARS AGO, in December of 1943, the raging World War was on everyone’s mind—including the advertisers in BPD’s sister publication, The California Lumber Merchant.
Among those that mixed Christmas greetings with ties to the war effort:
California Panel & Veneer Co. saluted the ladies who took over “men’s jobs” when the boys went off to war.
J.E. Higgins Lumber doffed its cap to the nation’s paratroopers.
The Red River Lumber Co. celebrated the importance of domestic workers in the lumber industry.
Schumacher Wall Board noted how much product was going into the war effort—and how equally important it would prove back home.
Southern California distributor George E. Ream Co. encouraged the industry to give war bonds for Christmas in its ad on the cover of the December 1943 edition.
Wendling-Nathan Co. noted the vital role of wood in the fight.
And, E.J. Stanton & Son closed the issue wishing “Season’s Greetings to all old friends… Victory and Peace to all mankind.” BPD
