Building Products Digest - April 2024

DOMAN BUILDING MATERIALS GROUP UNIFIES OPERATING DIVISIONS UNDER A MASTER BRAND TO REFLECT ITS VISION AND EVOLUTION

In a strategic move set to redefine the future landscape of our organization, we are pleased to announce a significant transformation within our various operating divisions. Moving forward, we will unite under the cohesive and powerful umbrella of the DOMAN brand — a name that has been involved in the industry for over 100 years — marking a pivotal moment in our journey.

CanWel Fiber will be rebranded as DOMAN Timber, and our Canadian and US West Coast wood treatment facilities will become DOMAN Treated Wood. CanWel Building Materials and California Cascade will unify under DOMAN Building Materials, and Hixson Lumber will become DOMAN Lumber.

This strategic decision is driven by our commitment to enhancing the synergy of our activities, fostering unity, and strengthening our market presence.

With a global footprint of 29 distribution centers, 32 treating facilities, 5 specialty sawmills, 3 truss plants, 4 specialty planing mills, 2 post and pole peeling facilities, and 109,000 acres of managed forest, we are now in the position to emerge as one of the leading providers of building materials in North America.

“It’s the way in which we support and serve our customers that makes us who we are. It’s our commitment to their success that makes us valuable. And it’s our supply chain capabilities that makes us DOMAN.” — Amar Doman, CEO

Starting now, we will gradually implement the new brand across all touchpoints. Customers, partners, and stakeholders can expect a seamless transition with no disruption to our operations.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com

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Alan Oakes

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David Koenig • dkoenig@526mediagroup.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Sara Graves • sgraves@526mediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS

James Olsen, Kim Drew, Claudia St. John, Dave Kahle

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Easterling, Timm Locke, Gerald Presley, Belinda Remley, Lisa Ritchie

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Join our partnership today at PWTEWP.com

“THOSE PARENTS”

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

AS EVERYONE KNOWS, because of a variety of factors including my “past life” career travels, my wife and I had children later in life. I could not begin to count the many lessons, stories and realizations that this has provided us as we’ve entered the second half of our century.

One benefit is that while we were “waiting,” others were moving along with their family plans while we watched. We watched the pregnancies, the baby showers, the births, and the first few months adapting to parenthood. We went to countless baby birthday parties and celebrated first days at school. Through all of that, the thing we marveled at the most was the introduction to sports around the same time they were starting school, learning to ride a bike, and losing their first tooth.

This wasn’t the introduction to sports that I had as a kid. For me, it seemed normal to see some older kids throwing something called a football in the street in shorts in the summer, asking to play, and then getting my introduction to being blindside tackled on asphalt. After that, I understood the sport of football. Never once was there a discussion by my parents saying, “Wow, Patrick is really good at football! Even though he’s five, I think he has a shot of going pro someday! We should spend thousands of dollars and every free second to make sure he has his shot!”

And yet, all around us were people that we respected, who are friends, having this very conversation about their young children. Private lessons, coaches, trainers, camps and eventually club/travel teams were tried out for. Soon, unless we attended a game, we never saw our friends again! Six days a week, 12 months a year, they became “those parents.” They knew every venue and the perfect place to park. They had specific gear and support materials (food, coolers, first aid, back-up gear) for each event. Slowly, their personal wardrobes transformed into team parent apparel. And don’t even get me started on the antics that ensued if the ref made a bad call on their kid or the coach didn’t see their prodigy as they did!

My wife and I just sat back perplexed and in marvel at this

absolute lunacy! “Do you know the odds of making it to the big leagues, even for Division 1 college players?” I asked her. We would laugh, make fun of all of the money, time and parents literally passing each other on a highway once multiple kids started their pursuit of fame and glory.

So, as I prepare to go to Vegas next weekend, not for IBS, not for ANME, not for SHOT Show, not for PCA, not for the World of Concrete. No, I’ve already been this year for all of those. This time, it’s for the SCVA Girls Volleyball National Qualifier. My family, along with around 5,000 of our “closest friends” will pack into the Mandalay Bay events center for three days of volleyball with my now 13-year-old daughter and her team. But, she is prepared!

This is her third year of competitive volleyball. She has escalated through some of the best club teams in Southern California. She also has a private playing coach and a private agility coach, and practices with her team three nights a week. As a supportive dad, I also practice with her during any free time we have when not at practices, training, lessons or tournaments (two weekends each month). On a recent business trip to Columbus, Oh., I took the family along and we saw the OSU women’s team play, which is now my daughter’s goal for her college experience. The season wraps up in mid-June, so my wife and I are excited for the break for a couple of months where the schedule will transition to summer camps, clinics, private instruction, and laying a strategy to try out for next year’s target club teams!

Yes, we have become “those parents.” I look in the mirror and often ask, “What have you become?” as I straighten my team hat, put on my team sweatshirt, and head out on another volleyball adventure in support of my “little” 13-yearold, 5’7” outside hitter.

Now, feel free to let me have it… I deserve it! As always, it is a great honor this great industry and each of you. I hope spring has adventure and happiness in store for you!

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

WOOD TREATERS’ GROWTH NORMALIZES

OVER THE LAST year, the pace of growth—and, until recent weeks, of consolidation—has slowed within the pressure treating industry compared to the frenzy that followed the onset of the pandemic. Most observers anticipated the record levels of demand were unsustainable.

Yet demand remains robust, and treaters remain optimistic for the

future. Several recently expanded their capacities, others have projects in the works, and most continue to have their eyes open for possible future acquisitions.

In fact, after a relatively quiet 2023, two big deals—by Doman and by Koppers—were announced in the last several weeks. BPD

2024 Top Treaters

The following 13 companies are those that operate at least three treating plants in the U.S. They are ordered by number of facilities, not by production volumes.

Stella-Jones added to its industry-leading plant count last year with its acquisition of Baldwin Pole & Piling’s utility pole manufacturing operations in Minette, Al., and Wiggins, Ms. Stella-Jones now operates 45 treating facilities (29 of them in the U.S.) and 12 pole-peeling plants. Excluding the contribution from Baldwin, Stella-Jones increased sales last year by 8% to $3.3 billion (including 47% utility poles, 24% railway ties, 19% residential lumber, 5% industrials, and 4% logs). Treatments are CCA, creosote, CuNap, borates, MCA, CA and ACQ.

UFP Industries has 219 affiliated operations in nine countries, including 22 treating plants from Colorado eastward, primarily along the East Coast, Midwest and Texas. Treatments include ProWood brand MCA, CA-C, borates and FRTW. UFP also owns Sunbelt Forest Products, Bartow, Fl., which operates 11 plants in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, utilizing

Ecolife, TimberSaver borates, Preserve CA, Preserve Plus CA with water repellent, Wolman E MCA with BARamine technology. Last year, sales of treated wood and other Retail Solutions products fell 21% due to a 15% decline in selling prices and a 6% decrease in sales.

Doman Building Materials, Vancouver, B.C., recently rebranded most of its operations— including its 34 treating plants and a vast distribution network throughout North America—to the Doman name. That includes its former Hixson Lumber Sales, California Cascade, and CanWel plants (but, at this time, not Honsador). Doman just acquired Southeast Forest Products treating facilities in Nauvoo, Al., and Richmond, In., adding 300 million bd. ft. of production.

Culpeper Wood Preservers, Culpeper, Va., in recent years rapidly grew to 17 facilities that

extend from the Southeast to the Northeast through the Midwest. Treatments include MicroPro MCA, Advance Guard borates, CCA, FlamePro interior FRTW, and CA-C.

Great Southern Wood Preserving, Abbeville, Al., is among the nation’s highest volume treaters from its 15 facilities throughout the South, Midwest and Eastern Seaboard. Plant #16 is currently under construction in Tyler, Tx. Its YellaWood brand family of products includes YellaWood Select and SuperSelect KDAT products, YellaWood Columns, MasterDeck decking, and Rainwood with water repellent, plus fencing, railing, specialty products, fasteners, joist tape, stains and sealants. Treatments are MCA, borates, FRTW, CCA and CA-C.

Koppers Utility & Industrial Products, a division of Koppers Holdings, operates 15 industrial plants, mostly in the Southeast— nine specializing in crossties, six in utility poles. Koppers is in the midst of purchasing another pole facility—Brown Wood Preserving, Louisville, Ky. Treatments include CCA, penta, CuNap and creosote.

Hoover Treated Wood Products, Thomson, Ga., in January produced the first load of fire-retardant-treated wood at its new stateof-the-art plant in Fairfield, Tx. The Hoover name is synonymous with FRTW, in addition to operating 10 of its own treating plants, from coast to coast, offering Pyro-Guard interior FRTW, Exterior Fire-X exterior FRTW, CCA, permethrin/IPBC-based Clear-Guard, Cop-Guard CuNap, Micro-Guard MCA, and Dura-Guard ACQ.

Allweather Wood is the largest waterborne preservative-treated lumber manufacturer and distributor in the western U.S., with six treating plants in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah, having just acquired Utah Wood Treating, Woods Cross, Ut. Treatments include borates, CA-C, CCA, MCA and interior FRTW.

Bestway, Cortland, N.Y., has four treating plants (in New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina) that offer Wolmanized Outdoor Wood, Wolmanized Heavy Duty CCA, and D-Blaze interior FRTW.

Fortress Wood Products’ three plants in North Carolina produce MicroPro MCA and CCA, including KDAT.

Biewer Lumber’s three treating plants (in Lansing, Mi.; Seneca, Il.; and Prentice, Wi.) have a combined annual capacity of 350 million bd. ft. of CA-C, MCA and FlamePro FRTW.

C.M. Tucker Lumber, Pageland, S.C., runs three plants in the Carolinas, treating fencing, decking, lumber and plywood with Ecolife, Preserve CA, Wolmanized MCA, and FlamePro interior fire retardant.

Conrad Forest Products treats in North Bend and Rainier, Or., and Arbuckle, Ca., using Wolmanized Heavy Duty CCA, Chemonite ACZA, Wolmanized Outdoor Wood CA-C, Sillbor/ FrameGuard borates, interior and exterior FRTW, and QNap.

TIPS TO SELL TREATED WOOD

------------ BY BELINDA REMLEY

A DIYER and a contractor walk down the lumber aisle… sounds like the start of a really bad joke. But in reality, the lumber aisle is visited daily by DIYers and contractors, who are choosing wood for their project. It is important to know your wood so you can answer questions that may arise. Below is some knowledge that every dealer should know about treated wood.

Where does wood that is treated come from? Wood, nature’s sustainable building block, is a renewable resource that has excellent workability in all aspects of construction. Wood functions in harmony with its surroundings, blending seamlessly, yet making a bold statement. Most of the wood used in the treating process is harvested from managed forestlands that are planted at the rate of about 400 seedlings per acre.

Whether it be pines or firs, the forests are thinned after about 18-20 years, removing underbrush, hardwoods, and smaller trees and giving the remaining forest room to grow. The trees taken during thinning are manufactured into building products such as fence posts. At maturity (30+ years for southern pine and 3550 years for Douglas fir), the trees are harvested and the land is readied for replanting. Along with the spare parts of the tree not milled into poles, piling, or lumber, everything in the forest that was gathered along with the trees is designated for various uses such as compost, mulch for paper mills, furniture, or another wood use. Nothing is wasted.

Why does the look of wood vary? People love wood for a reason. It is beautiful and interesting and enhances the look of any project. And because it is grown using the main ingredients of soil, water, and sunshine, wood is naturally beautiful with no two pieces of lumber looking exactly the same. The grain pattern and number of knots, for example, vary widely based upon different species and even pieces within the same species. The treatment process does not change that and sometimes even highlights the variations.

What preservative is used to treat wood? Most wood treated for residential use is treated with copper azole preservative (either dissolved—CA-B and CA-C—or micronized—MCA and MCA-C). This preservative has been on the market for over two decades and offers long-term protection against termites and fungal decay.

The components of copper azole are copper compounds, which are effective against decay fungi and insects, along with, tebuconazole alone or combined with propiconazole. Some treated wood is supplemented with additional active ingredients such as BARamine or penflufen that fight copper-tolerant fungi and provide other attrubutes. Treated wood can also be enhanced with factory-applied colorants and water repellents.

Why is some wood incised? Western species of wood are slower growing, thus harder to treat upon harvesting. To help the preservative penetrate deeper, the wood is incised with small cuts on the surface of the lumber. Incising provides more opportunity for the preservative to seep farther into the wood.

Why is it important to rotate stock? Consumers want to have easy access to the best-looking treated wood. And, lumber dealers do not want stock that sits on the shelf for months, as eventually it begins to weather. Stock rotation is the best way to ensure that buyers are getting what they want, and lumber dealers are selling all of the treated wood in their inventory. As newly treated wood is added to inventory, move lumber packs already in stock to the front. It is a simple solution that could prevent waste and returns.

Why is there a difference between Above Ground and Ground Contact treated wood? In 2016, the AWPA passed changes to its standards, requiring pressure treated wood used in many physically above-ground applications be treated to Ground Contact requirements. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires treated wood to comply with AWPA standards. Eval-

Photo of Wolmanized Outdoor Wood by Culpeper Wood Preservers

uation Reports from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) reports were updated with the same requirements.

The rationale behind this change recognizes that some seemingly Above Ground applications should be treated at a higher retention level to better protect wood used in harsher conditions. Dealers should know what wood to recommend based on different uses.

The standards require the user (builder, consumer, or inspector) to select Ground Contact treatment for physically above-ground material when:

• soil or other debris may build up and stay in contact with the wood

• there is insufficient ventilation to allow air circulation around the wood

• material is installed less than 6” above the ground on permeable building materials

• it is installed in contact with non-durable untreated or older construction with any evidence of decay

• wood is subject to frequent or recurring wetting

• used in tropical climates

• the wood is both difficult to maintain, repair or replace, and it is critical to the performance and safety of the entire system

What is structural material? Structural material is wood treated to a higher used category designated

as Heavy Duty Ground Contact, which has a higher retention of preservative. This treatment is reserved for applications that are especially difficult such as posts supporting houses, garages, sunrooms, barns or other permanent structures (in ground, concrete, or fresh water) and saltwater splash.

Besides treated wood, what does a consumer need before leaving a retailer? Most builders, whether they are DIYers or contractors, already own the common tools (drill, level and a circular saw) used to build backyard projects; however, there are some more obscure items that may not be on a buyer’s project list.

To avoid the need to stop work in progress to replace a broken or missing item, suggest buyers include power tool accessories such as fresh saw blades and drill bits, measuring tools such as a chalk line and builder’s line, and personal protection equipment such as gloves and safety glasses. More necessary items are quick-drying cement for setting posts, hot-dipped galvanized deck screws and joist hangers, and end-cut solution to brush on the ends of treated wood as it is cut to size on location.

These are just a few pieces of knowledge to improve your sales of treated wood. BPD

– Belinda Remley is a marketing professional with Arxada in the Wood Protection business unit. She has been promoting wood and the protection of wood for more than 30 years.

YOUR CUSTOMERS HAVE QUESTIONS. GOOD ANSWERS LEAD TO INCREASED SALES.

------------ BY TIMM LOCKE

DO-IT-YOURSELFERS and even pros to some degree, invariably have questions about the projects that brought them in to see you. Being ready with good answers is a great way to make those customers happy and it might even lead to them leaving with more than they intended to buy when they walked in.

Knowing some of the basics about purchasing and using preserved wood for residential outdoor projects will help you find those good answers.

Find the best product for the intended use

The American Wood Protection Association’s Use Category System ranks preserved wood products according to the level of protection needed to ensure the products will perform as expected under the conditions where they are used. The system ranks all preserved wood products into one of five Use Categories, UC1 through UC5. The higher the number, the higher the protection level.

For residential outdoor projects, products rated UC3 and UC4 will suffice. These categories are often referred to as “above ground” (UC3) or “ground contact” (UC4). A handy infographic available for download at preservedwood.org/uses/residential will help you recommend the right protection level for most residential uses.

Preserved wood products typically carry an end label which includes the product’s Use Category along with other useful information, including a preservative brand name or logo, the name and location of the treatment facility, the preservative used, and its retention level and the trademark of an accredited inspection agency. Look for the Check Mark logo; it assures the preserved wood product has been third-party verified that it was properly produced according to AWPA standards. Often the back of the end label will include warranty information.

Product use

Customers shopping for preserved wood commonly are planning to build a deck or a fence, do some landscaping or perhaps build raised beds or planter boxes. Whatever the project is, your customers’ most com-

mon questions will likely fall into one of the following categories:

Is preserved wood safe?

In a word, yes. The most common preservative used to treat wood for residential use is copper azole (CA-C). CA-C was developed as a replacement for chromated copper arsenate (CCA) which was voluntarily phased out of use for residential products more than 20 years ago.

A waterborne preservative, CA-C’s main preservative is copper, accounting for 96% of the active ingredients. Azoles serve as a co-biocide for added protection. A 12-ft.-long 2x6 treated to ground contact with CA-C contains the amount of copper found in 13 copper pennies.

Studies involving planter boxes built with preserved wood have proven that the preservative will not leech into soil and become absorbed by vegetables grown in the planter boxes or raised beds (see article on page 28). While it does a great job protecting wood from insects like termites and carpenter ants, preserved wood poses no risk to bees or other pollinators.

Preserved wood products are safe to handle. Users should take the same precautions they would when working with untreated wood products—wear gloves to avoid getting splinters and use a mask and eye guards to protect against sawdust.

Do I need special fasteners?

Because copper (the primary active ingredient in today’s preservatives) is corrosive to steel, fasteners and other hardware (such as joist hangers for decks) should be hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel,

silicon bronze or copper. The most common of these is hot-dipped galvanized fasteners.

Treating cut ends and holes

During pressure treatment, preservatives are integrated into wood cells to create a protective shell, leaving the core of the wood product unprotected by the preservative. Cutting or drilling holes will expose those untreated parts of the wood, giving decay fungi and insects an opportunity to attack it.

As such, it is important to field treat cuts and holes with a brush-on preservative such as copper napthenate. A formula containing 2% copper napthenate is recommended, though in regions of the country with drier climates a 1% solution will suffice. Copper oxine preservatives, commonly used for treating log homes, are also suitable for field treating.

Regardless of the field treatment chosen, follow the instructions on the label for application. Use a paint brush and apply the preservative liberally so it can reach deep into the wood fiber. Be sure to coat all cuts and apply preservative deep into any holes.

Disposing of scraps

Preserved wood can be disposed of just like any other wood scraps, with one key exception—never burn preserved wood in open fires, stoves or fireplaces. The simplest way to dispose of unwanted preserved wood is to send it to a landfill.

California has its own rules regarding preserved wood

disposal. Details can be found at TWWDisposal.org.

Don’t forget the extras

Residential outdoor projects utilizing preserved wood offer ample opportunities for add-on sales.

The primary tools needed to work with preserved wood are probably already in your customer’s garage or basement. But it’s quite possible they’ll need new saw blades or drill bits, perhaps a chalk line or builder’s line, a level, a carpenter’s square and a paint brush for field treatment.

If your customer is building a deck or a fence, they’ll need concrete in which to set the posts (if they are cutting the posts to length, remind them to set posts with the treated end down and to field treat the cut end). They might want decorative post caps, too. Almost certainly they’ll need materials for a railing (code requires that any deck area three feet or more above grade have a railing).

What about preserved wood risers for stairs to provide access to the rest of the yard? An umbrella table, adirondack chairs, or other outdoor furniture will enhance that new outdoor living space. And what’s a new deck without a barbecue grill or smoker?

Building a planter box? Don’t forget the soil, mulch and starter plants or seeds. And maybe some gravel to enhance drainage. BPD

– Timm Locke is director of marketing for the Western Wood Preservers Institute (www.wwpi.org).

PRESSURE TREATING OPENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EWP

------------ BY DAVID KOENIG

ENGINEERED WOOD first broke onto the scene because it could turn small-diameter trees into highstrength beams offering extra-long spans for interior applications, such as floors, walls and roofs.

But manufacturers have since discovered that by pressure treating the LVL, I-joists, rim board, and glulams they could extend those performance benefits outdoors—and beyond.

According to Rosboro director of engineering Jared Hensley, building codes require engineered wood to be treated in two instances: when the building envelope or assembly is required to be fire retardant treat-

ed (FRT) and if it is intended to be installed in any exterior application, such as a deck, pergola or gazebos.

As for FRT, Rosboro offers a fire retardant-treated rim board and header, Rosboro X-Rim FRT. The product was developed to be utilized within the two-hour fire rated exterior wall assemblies required in the International Building Code (IBC) for Type III construction.

For exterior applications, any of Rosboro’s glulam products can be pressure treated utilizing oil-borne pressure treatments, preferably those containing copper naphthenate.

“Glulam is one of the best suited engineered wood products for pressure treatment application because it is manufactured to mimic solid timber,” says Hensley. “After manufacture, the glulam products can be incised to accept deeper treatments or be envelope treated without the incising to maintain the clear wood appearance. When treated properly, little to no structural capacity reductions need to be taken with glulam products.”

PWT (formerly Pacific Woodtech) targets outdoor applications with a pressure-treated laminated veneer lumber. “There’s always been a need for LVL that could be used in outdoor applications, but the challenge has always been developing a product that would withstand the elements while maintaining its integrity and not voiding its warranty,” says Duane Smith, VP of marketing & business development. “PWT Treated LVL is made with layers of veneer bonded together under heat and pressure. This unique treatment process ensures the product maintains its premium quality for longer spans, resisting mildew, moisture, insects, warping, movement and shrinking.”

In addition to residential exterior uses, Canfor’s general manager of EWP sales, Chris Webb, also sees increasing demand for treated EWP in commercial applications. He says, “As more communities are investing in parks and recreation, we have seen an increase in pressure-treated EWP use for covered park shelters and pedestrian bridges. Use as an alternative to sawn timbers is also increasing for coastal construction, boardwalks, piers and beam applications.”

ROSBORO partners with Hoover Treated Wood Products’ Pyro-Guard to provide a dually warranted fire-retardant-treated product, X-Rim FRT. Hoover provides the treatment warranty, Rosboro maintains the manufacturing warranty.

Canfor’s Anthony Forest Products offers Power Preserved glulam beams and columns.

Adding pressure treatment does place additional requirements on handling the EWP, Webb notes. “For example, sawn ends, field trimming, fabrication holes, and notching should be resealed with a 25% copper naphthenate solution. Most of the requirements are common sense, but we publish a Consumer Information Sheet (CIS)/Technical Note that covers general information on the preservative, use categories, fasteners requirements, finishing the product, and material handling. The CIS is on our website, referenced on our paper wrap, and most of our distributors attach a copy in a plastic bag we provide on job packs.”

Webb says the outlook for treated EWP is “positive. We continue to see year-over-year growth in the Power Preserved glulam product category. Treated EWP offers a more stable alternative than sawn timbers, di mension lumber, etc. Especially those treated with waterborne preservatives that are not as dimensionally stable

SUBSTRUCTURES

built of PWT Treated LVL boast a 25-year warranty, matching the warranties typically offered on the other components of a deck.

Unrivaled dealer support comes from understanding a high-quality product means nothing if it means headaches to get it on your shelves. For over five decades now, we’ve built a trusted reputation for going above and beyond to deliver on the extras that make a difference. Like near-by facilities for timely product deliveries. A seasoned sales support team. Or stand-out advertising that drives higher demand for products. That’s just the beginning of a very long list that only we do. See all the other ways the YellaWood® brand has your back. Visit yellawood.com/for-dealers

PROGRESSION OF PRESERVATIVES FOR TREATED WOOD

------------ BY BELINDA REMLEY

THE OUTDOOR LIVING revolution—which began in the 1970s with the advent of Wolmanized Outdoor Wood for residential use—is still as strong as it ever was. Once the idea that people could build easily with wood to create decks, backyard play structures, furniture, retaining walls, raised bed gardens, and more was introduced, treated wood has been a staple in lumberyards and retailers not only across North America but also the world.

Consumers, whether they be DIYers/homeowners or professional contractors, expect to be able to walk into their preferred retailer to purchase the treated wood they

need to create outdoor spaces that are both functional and fitting for the surrounding environments.

“Since treated wood decks were first constructed,” explains Jay Hilsenbeck, North American marketing director for Arxada, “people have expected their structure to be reliable and beautiful and last a long time with their only effort after build completion being routine

maintenance. Contractors choose to use products that offer their clients satisfaction and the confidence that the project will last.”

Regardless of who the buyer is, the treating industry keeps them in mind as they work to improve processes and products to protect wood while maintaining its natural beauty. So, over the years, the preservatives have changed to keep up with the demands of the market.

“We are working on perfecting the treating process through technology and our preservatives through research and development by carefully studying what provides the most comprehensive protection,” says Jay.

The treating process

Waterborne preservatives, innovated to protect wood from termites, fungi, smoke development and flame spread, mold, and moisture, are treated in a pressure process by which the chemical is forced into the wood. The lumber, timbers, and

ONE OF THE FIRST uses for preservatives was utility poles such as this telegraph pole from nearly 100 years ago.

THIS DECADES-OLD advertisement promotes the use of treated wood for commercial and residential uses.

COPPER is a main component in today’s preservatives. It protects wood from its natural enemies—termites and decay.

plywood to be treated are loaded onto trams. Using a vehicle such as a forklift, the trams are pushed into a large horizontal treating cylinder. The cylinder door is sealed, and a vacuum is applied to remove most of the air from the cylinder and the wood cells. Preservative solution is then pumped into the cylinder and the pressure is raised to about 150 lbs. per sq. inch, forcing the treatment into the wood. The total treating time varies, depending on the species of wood, the commodity being treated, and the amount of preservative to be impregnated.

The treating process is a closed system; at the end of the process, excess treating solution is pumped out of the cylinder and back into a storage tank for later reuse. The cylinder door is opened and the trams are pulled out.

The wood is wet at that time, so it is kept on a concrete pad. Any drips trickle into a containment area from which they are collected and reused. Once the wood is dried to industry standards, it is shipped to lumberyards for purchase by consumers.

Over the years, technology has improved to include advanced computer systems that track the treatment process as well as ensure maximum efficiency and an excellent finished product. And, just as the technology to treat wood has improved in many years since its inception, the preservatives have also evolved.

In the beginning

The industry began treating wood with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) nearly a hundred years ago in the production of utility poles. Today CCA is still used to

protect the infrastructure around the globe.

CCA is a waterborne preservative that is fixed in the wood during pressure treatment to provide protection against wood’s natural enemies: termites, rot and fungal decay. While it is still used commercially for infrastructure and in the marine and agricultural industries, it is no longer used in backyard projects. Together the industry voluntarily ceased the use of CCA in residential applications in the early 2000s, having developed new preservatives that provide long-lasting protection.

(Continued on next page)

PRESSURE-TREATED wood has been used in deck construction since the 1970s. Today, most wooden decks and other residential applications are built with copper azole treated lumber.

Next generation waterborne preservatives

Alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) was developed early in the 2000s as an alternative product during the shift from CCA. It is a soluble copper-based preservative that provides protection against fungal decay and termite attack and was used in residential applications, such as decking, for several years.

ACQ’s main preservative ingredient is copper but also contains a quaternary ammonium compound (quat) in its formulation. The type of quat and the ratio of copper to quat can be adjusted to produce several different varieties of ACQ. This preservative is no longer widely used.

Copper azole (CA-B and CA-C) was developed more than two decades ago, followed shortly by micronized copper azole (MCA and MCA-C), both to fill the gap in the residential market left by the withdrawal of CCA. With copper and azoles as the active ingredients, copper azole is either made with dissolved copper (CA-B and CAC) or with micronized copper (MCA and MCA-C). Both are effective preservatives and wood treated with copper azole can be found on the shelves of most lumberyards as well as retailers and dealers.

Wood treated with copper azole is ideal for residential projects such as decks, fences and raised bed gardens,

is easy to work with, and even when treated, still maintains the natural beauty of wood. It can be used in Above Ground and Ground Contact applications and, if used for its intended application, is a long-lasting product.

New innovations in preservatives

In more recent years as in the past century, the industry is continually researching innovative technologies meant to enhance the performance of treated wood.

“Copper azole is and will always be an effective preservative in the protection of wood,” explains Jay. “Because certain fungi have been identified to be copper-tolerant fungi, our research and development team worked to create an enhancement to further protect wood. We developed BARamine technology more than decade ago to protect against aggressive fungal genera including Wolfiporia and Fibroporia.”

BARamine provides added fungicidal efficacy when used during the treating process. As an additional benefit, it also aids in penetration, offers a more consistent distribution of preservative throughout the wood, and provides additional moldicide protection.

New active ingredients and enhanced technologies continue to enter the commercial wood preservative market. Penflufen has been used in some preservative systems in Europe for several years and is being introduced in the U.S. It offers added protection against certain copper-tolerant fungi, improves efficacy against traditionally tested fungi, and works well with colorants and water repellents.

Metal-free preservatives

Along the preservative development journey, industry leaders have created some metal-free options—EcoLife and Wolmanized EraWood. These preservatives were designed specially for Above Ground use, making them ideal for deck boards.

Further enhancing treated wood

In addition to preservatives, which help the wood last longer, the industry has also developed products such as colorants that enhance the look of wood and water repellents that offer additional protection against moisture. Products like MicroShades and Tanatone are factory-applied colorants that give a finished look without taking from the natural beauty that is wood. Water repellents, also applied by the manufacturer, give the new project owner some peace of mind that their deck, fence or other build will not need maintenance for a year or two at least.

“Within the treating industry, we are dedicated to the constant improvement of preservatives as well as the treating process and the finished product,” concludes Jay. “We believe in our products and will continue to make strides in enhancing wood so that it continues to be the choice of DIYers and contractors for backyard projects.” BPD

– Belinda Remley is a marketing professional with Arxada in the Wood Protection business unit. She has been promoting wood and the protection of wood for more than 30 years.

RAISED BED gardens are a popular use for treated wood and can usually be assembled by a DIYer in a weekend.

For the Best Treated Lumber & Plywood Start with the Best Southern Yellow Pine

Hood Plywood is an industry-leading supplier, providing customers with a mix of quality and reliable products made from sturdy Southern Yellow Pine. Product applications range from structural sheathing, preservative and fire-retardant treatment, underlayment and subfloor, siding, concrete forming, and industrial applications. Hood Plywood is a member of the APA –Engineered Wood Association with all certified products in accordance with APA guidelines.

For more information about how to purchase our products, contact Hood Plywood Sales at (601) 296-4869.

Hood Lumber is an industry-leading supplier known for strength, durability, treatability and fastener holding capabilities.

Made from sturdy Southern Yellow Pine, Hood Lumber is a preferred choice among architects, builders, and homeowners.

For more information about how to purchase our products, please contact Hood Lumber Sales at (601) 296-4860.

Hood Industries supports responsible forest management and

1978

50 YEARS OF OUTDOOR WOOD

------------ BY TIMM LOCKE

BEFORE WORLD WAR II, the term “outdoor living” for the most part referred to the lifestyles of train-hopping hobos and the like. For many Americans the yards surrounding their homes had to serve practical purposes such as a place to grow food needed to feed their families. Those who were well off and didn’t need to grow their own food often didn’t have the time to enjoy their outdoor space.

It wasn’t until 1922, when Henry Ford experimented with a five-day work week (giving employees Saturdays and Sundays off) that the six-day work week began to lose favor. But the transition was slow; in 1952 New York City sanitation workers felt compelled to stage a demonstration parade through the streets in an effort to replace their six-day, 48-hour work week with the five-day, 40-hour week most other workers enjoyed at the time. By then it was clear that Ford’s idea was a good one; most employers had adopted a five-day week, providing most Americans with a new concept—the weekend.

The end of the war brought with it a dramatic shift in American culture. The post-war economy was booming—

IN 1838, U.S. inventor John Bethell was the first to patent a pressure impregnation process for treating wood. The method involves sealing wood in a chamber and applying a vacuum to remove air and moisture from the wood cells before adding preservatives to the chamber and applying pressure, causing the preservatives to impregnate the wood cell. A very similar process serves as the foundation for today’s treated wood industry.

Gross National Product increased by 50% in the 1940s; by 1960 GNP was 250% higher than it was during the war. Prosperity reigned.

Thanks in part to the GI Bill, millions of new homes were built and suburban living became the norm. With more time on their hands and a lot more money in their wallets, Americans started to see their backyards as places they could enjoy. And consumer brands took notice. Pepsi introduced “Patio Cola,” a precursor to Diet Pepsi. Reynolds Aluminum touted the advantages of “light-weight, rust free Reynolds Aluminum” in its “Outdoor Living is easy living” campaign. Inspired by the shape of maritime buoys, in the mid-1950s Weber Brothers Metal Works introduced “George’s Barbecue Kettle,” that ubiquitous charcoal grill we now know simply as a “weber.”

The backyard was quickly becoming a status symbol— a pristine lawn and a patio meant you had both free time and plenty of disposable income.

Preserving wood

The idea of extending wood’s life under harsh conditions literally goes back to the Beginning—in the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis it is reported that God himself directed Noah to “make thee an ark... and pitch it within and without with pitch.” Ancient Greeks soaked the wood they used for bridges in olive oil to enhance its ability to repel water. Romans protected ship hulls by brushing them with tar.

By the 19th century, much improved preservatives and methods of applying them were being developed. In 1838 inventor John Bethell became the first to patent a process utilizing pressure to impregnate wood with creosote. By the 20th century, preserved wood was being used in a wide variety of applications, virtually all of them industrial or infrastructure-related—rail ties, mining timbers, utility poles, pilings, agricultural poles and fencing, posts for highway signs and guardrails, etc. The trademark application filed in 1954 for the term “Wolmanized” mentions residential uses but only those applying to framing houses, such as studs and laths.

While Americans were becoming obsessed with

outdoor living, the preserved wood industry was napping in the proverbial aluminum lounge chair on its stone patio.

That is, until 1974, some 50 years ago. That’s when, as chronicled in the July 2014 issue of The Merchant Magazine, some enterprising minds at Koppers Co. got the idea that they might capture a chunk of that outdoor living market by promoting preserved wood to homeowners for DIY projects. Considering the risks and the enormous investment they made to get the idea to fly, it was truly remarkable. Why they chose to

TRENDS & IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

Today’s outdoor living spaces are no longer just platforms for grills and lawn furniture.

Remember when Mom used to tell you to shut off the TV and get some fresh air? That’s no longer applicable. Today’s outdoor spaces are often appointed with outdoor-rated big screen TVs designed to stand up to the elements and handle the glare that used to prevent daytime viewing on the deck. Outdoor projectors and retractable screens bring the drive-in movie experience right to your backyard. Bluetooth-equipped outdoor speakers, often built into hidden spaces in the yard, are a big improvement over turning the stereo up and opening the windows.

Outdoor furniture has come a long way as well, rivaling its indoor counterparts for comfort and style but easy to clean and ready to hose down.

No longer is outdoor cooking limited to a charcoal grill or smoker. The newest trends are outdoor kitchens, complete with refrigerators, ice-makers, wet bars and even pizza ovens (wood fired, gas or electric).

Covered areas with infrared heaters to keep warm on chilly nights extend the outdoor living season to virtually year round. Fans and misters help keep things comfy during the dog days as well. Built in firepits add plenty of ambiance while easy to use retractable and/ or pop up mosquito netting will keep the bugs at bay.

Today’s outdoor spaces are definitely not your parents’ patio.

test the idea in Chicago during the fall, when most Chicagoans would be spending their weekends watching Big 10 football and ‘da Bears, is beyond me but that’s what happened.

In preparation for the promotion, the Koppers team coined the terms “Outdoor Wood” and “Wolmanized Outdoor Wood,” for which they applied and received trademarks. They produced in-store displays and newspaper ads with space for lumberyards and home centers to add their store locations and phone numbers. They then set out to pitch retail lumber dealers on the idea, and, perhaps

in large part because they promised to buy back any inventory the dealers couldn’t sell, they convinced five of them to sign on.

Long story short, the test run was a big success. The following year, nearly 50 Chicago area dealers signed on, even without the buy back guarantee, and Koppers replicated the program in multiple other cities across the country. The local newspaper ad campaigns were expanded to include radio and television spots. They conducted in-store deck building clinics and they produced a wide array of promotional literature,

Great Minds Build Alike

Before Naples Lumber & Supply began designing their newest location in Venice, Florida, they brought in the only team they could trust to know what they were thinking – and then seamlessly bring it to life.

BIG BRANDS such as Reynolds Aluminum and Pepsi jumped right in as the Outdoor Living craze started to expand. The copy in this 1950s-era ad from Reynolds reads, in part, “Wood can rot or decay, some metals rust or lose their luster or need a lot of attention if left outdoors. But not the outdoor metal, Reynolds Aluminum.”

including project plans for building decks, outdoor furniture, even mailbox posts with planters.

The rest, as they say, is history. And a lucrative history it has been, not only for Koppers, but for the preserved wood industry as a whole. According to Skyquest, the “outdoor structures” market, which curiously includes patios/pergolas and pavilions/gazebos but not decks, was valued at nearly $1.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 5.9% for the remainder of the current decade. The North American Deck & Railing Association estimates there are 50 million residential decks in the U.S., half of which are past their useful life and need to be replaced.

Principia says U.S. decking (just the decking, not the structure) demand grew from 3.6 billion linear ft. in 2020 to a project 4.6 billion linear ft. in 2023. Principia says wood alternatives, such as composite decking, account for about 25% of those numbers (a share that is growing). While composites may be chipping away at wood’s decking market share, it’s highly likely that the deck structures are built with preserved wood regardless of what material goes on top.

The NAHB points to data showing the percentage of new homes built with decks is declining (under 20% in 2020), while the percentage with patios is rising (nearly 60% in 2020), indicating a preference for patios, they say. But that preference is the builders’ preference,

SEEKING TO TAP into an outdoor living craze that had gripped the country for more than a quarter century, marketers at Koppers in 1974 coined the term Outdoor Wood and launched a promotion that would bolster treated wood markets virtually overnight. Among the tools they used were newspaper ads like this one, with room for dealers to insert store locations.

not the consumers’. It likely is tied to cost—patios are generally less expensive than decks and spec builders have a vested interest in keeping costs down. A better indicator of consumer preference likely is the repair and remodel market, which Principia says accounts for well over 90% of the total decking market. Consider also that preserved wood finds its way into the yard in lots of other ways, including the structures needed for covered patios, fences built to contain pets and maintain privacy, and landscaping applications including retaining walls, raised beds and planter boxes.

Any way you look at the numbers, it’s safe to say the market for preserved wood used in outdoor living spaces, which was near zero in 1950, is quite substantial today. And it’s shared by the many different brands that comprise the preserved wood industry.

For that you can thank Henry Ford. And, of course, those risk takers at Koppers in the mid-‘70s. BPD

[In the 1980s, Koppers Co. was purchased in a hostile takeover and then divested in parts, the preserved wood business going to Hickson and later to Arch and then Lonza before ultimately landing with Arxada. A separate Koppers company, the one we know today, also emerged from the ashes of that takeover.]

– Timm Locke is director of marketing for the Western Wood Preservers Institute (www.wwpi.org).

PRESERVED WOOD FOR RAISED BED GARDENING

------------ BY GERALD PRESLEY

SPRING HAS SPRUNG. For many that means gearing up for another gardening season. Raised beds allow for greater control of the growth medium, better drainage, and faster warming of the soil within beds, all of which give you a head start on producing an abundant crop of fresh vegetables.

Building raised beds is unquestionably a good idea; the only real question is what materials to use. Wood is a common standby for bed construction, but choosing the wrong wood will likely result in disappointment.

Wood that isn’t naturally decay resistant and hasn’t been pressure treated with preservatives will likely start decaying almost immediately and might be completely rotted through within a season or two. Even naturally durable wood such as cedar, redwood, or juniper, is subject to early decay. Only the heartwood of these species is truly decay resistant and because lumber today comes from smaller, younger trees it tends to have much less heartwood than it once did. If you’re lucky enough to find pieces that are mostly heartwood, you’ll likely find “naturally durable” lumber leaves your wallet feeling quite empty (or your credit card quite a bit heavier).

Pressure treated wood, on the other hand, is economical and durable; it makes excellent raised bed material. But with its preservative chemicals is it safe to use for vegetable garden beds? Preserved wood intended for residential use is protected from decay and insects by a solution known as copper azole (CA). Pressure treatment forces CA into the wood where it bonds with the wood fibers. The active ingredient that inhibits decay fungi, copper, is also an essential nutrient for plant growth. It functions as a cofactor for many important enzymes produced by plant cells. Copper occurs naturally in topsoil at a wide range of concentrations. In the Willamette Valley, where Oregon State University is located, copper is naturally present in soils at up to 140 parts per million (PPM).

But too much copper can be unsafe. Responding to concerns raised by home gardeners, OSU researchers recently completed a two-year study to investigate if copper from preserved wood migrates in dangerous quantities through soil and into the vegetables grown in raised beds. The researchers measured the levels of copper in soil and plant material in raised beds built of both treated wood and untreated wood. The data shows no discernable difference in copper concentrations in the vegetables grown in each bed type. The soil within 1” of the wood in the treated wood beds showed a small increase in copper concentration—about 20 ppm after one growing season. However, no copper increase was detected at any other locations in the beds. Compost mixed into the beds at the end of the first growing season eliminated any difference in copper concentrations between soils taken from treated or untreated beds.

At the end of the second growing season, a very similar result was measured. All copper concentrations measured in soils in this study, including copper levels in soil in direct contact to the treated bed frames, fell well within the normal range of copper levels for soils found in the Willamette Valley.

The research convincingly concludes that pressure treated preserved wood’s impact on garden soil is miniscule and should not be a concern for gardeners. BPD

– Gerald Presley is assistant professor in the Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University.

USING PRESERVED wood to build long-lasting raised beds for gardening poses no risk of preservative chemicals migrating through the soil and into the plants, according to a recent study by Oregon State University.

CONCERNED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? BUILD A DECK

BY TIMM LOCKE

JUST THIS MORNING on my way to the office I heard a report on NPR about a new study that finds polar bears are ill-suited to adapting to a world where the sea ice floes they depend on to hunt seals are melting away earlier and earlier every year. The bears can hunt on land, but they expend more calories doing the hunting than they gain by eating whatever it is they find. That sort of calorie counting leads to starvation and, ultimately, to extinction.

It should be clear that climate change is real, it’s a significant problem, and we humans should be doing things to reverse the trend, or at least slow it down. No doubt lumber dealers of all sorts have stories about customers who express concerns about global warming or the environment in general while contemplating a wood purchase they’re about to make. Next time you have that sort of experience, you can say, with a straight face, “Well, maybe you should build a deck.”

Building with wood is perhaps the one best thing we all can do to help fight climate change. Architect Eric Corey Freed, sustainability director at Cannon-Design and a thought leader on green building, put it bluntly: “We don’t have time to wait for new technologies to save us from climate change. By the time those technologies are fully vetted, we’ll be too far gone. Building with wood is the only technology we know today that both works and is immediately scalable.”

He’s right. Trees are truly remarkable. As they grow, they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into carbon, which is stored in their wood, bark and roots, and pure oxygen, which is released back to the atmosphere. When trees are harvested and converted into wood products, that stored carbon is still in the wood, where it remains until the wood biodegrades. Carbon makes up about half the dry weight of wood. Every wood building, deck, bridge, piece of furniture, utility pole—indeed everything made of wood—is a storage unit for atmospheric carbon sequestered by trees.

Thanks to sustainable forestry practices, this carbon sequestration process is continued by the new trees planted to replace those that were harvested. Wood’s

renewable nature is what makes building with it a truly scalable tool to help slow, perhaps even reverse, climate change. We literally can grow all the wood we need.

Preserved wood, because it can be used in applications where it would biodegrade quickly if it was not preservative treated, is a critical component to the scalability of this anti-climate change technology. Consider the approximately 130 million wood utility poles and 100 million wood crossarms supporting the electrical, data and communications lines throughout the U.S. While their primary purpose is helping to provide virtually uninterrupted service to every corner of the country, a secondary role they play is equally important—storing massive amounts of atmospheric carbon.

With terms like “CO2 equivalent” and “metric tonnes,” the language around carbon storage can be difficult to fully comprehend, but a good rule of thumb is, the bigger the number, the better. The 90 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent represented by the carbon stored in utility poles and crossarms is a pretty big number, big enough that it offsets the annual emissions from 207 coal-fired power plants.

To bring it a closer to home, consider wood decks. The North American Deck and Railing Association says there are over 60 million decks in the U.S.; more than 75% of those are wood. The National Association of Home Builders says the average deck size is 265 sq. ft. A conservative estimate is the average wood deck stores around 1.6 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent, about the same as the emissions generated by burning 3.7 barrels of oil. Collectively, the estimated 45 million wood decks in the U.S. are storing enough carbon to offset the emissions from burning close to 17 million barrels of oil.

Because those utility poles, crossarms and wood decks are primarily made of preserved wood, all that carbon they’re storing will be locked away for a good long time—plenty long enough to replace the trees harvested to produce them. So, if your customers are concerned about climate change, suggest they can do their part by building a deck… or a bridge, or a fence, or anything at all, as long as they build it with wood. BPD

REDWOOD

Composite can’t compare.

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.

THE LITTLE THINGS ARE BIG THINGS

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

SALES IS COMPETITIVE. Every account worth calling has 20 salespeople calling them. Every account we want to sell is already buying from several vendors. They already have a favorite vendor and in many cases have been buying from them for years. They have high-trust relationships in place. So how are we going to get into their rotation of suppliers?

From the first moment we talk with a potential client, they are judging the heck out of us. It’s human nature; it’s called intuition and even though we have lot of machines and apps doing work for us, we still use our intuition in business and in life. Here are some little things we can do that will help set us apart from the crowd. While they won’t magically make us the number one supplier (right off the bat) they will get us in the rotation.

Our Greeting

Most sellers greet the receptionist with a minimum of professional politeness. They call them “Gate Keepers” and, while not rude, are perfunctory in their greeting. Everyone at the account has a vote. There may only be one buyer but there are many influencers, so the Master Seller is warm, friendly, and professional with everyone at the account.

Our greeting should be calm, not rushed. We leave spaces between the words and sentences. They have never heard our voice before, so we enunciate clearly. We give our first AND last name the name of our company and where we are calling from. This will make us stand out because most sellers talk too fast, have no warmth in their voice and don’t

say who they are with. My students ask me, “Why do I have to tell them where I am calling from?” Because they want to know even if they don’t know they want to know, thus we are scratching an itch they didn’t even know they had—which feels good.

Other students say, “I don’t want to sound like a cheesy salesperson.” I agree, this is why we need to be as natural as possible. We are not talking about an exaggerated warmth, just a casual, comfortable approach.

First Call Qualification

Most sellers are nervous and unorganized on their first call with customers. The purpose of the first call is to qualify the customer and the products they use. We do this item by item. Species, grade, lengths, mill preference and volume, by item. Many sellers jump from one item to the next without thoroughly qualifying the first item.

In addition, the Master Seller does not try to sell on the first call. There are exceptions, but in general if the customer says, “What’s your price on X?,” the Master Seller says, “Judy, I’d love to sell you something today, but that’s really not the purpose of the call. Let me ask you a couple more questions about you and your business needs. After that if you would like me to give you a professional quote I will.”

Qualifying Inquiry

The Master Seller doesn’t flip prices. When the customer asks for a price, the Master Seller slows the process down and gets all the specifics needed—(1) volume, (2) ship

time, (3) lengths, (4) species, (5) price range, and (6) when the order will be placed—before giving a price.

Ending the Call

Many sellers don’t overstay their welcome. Master Sellers are on a mission. They present value on several items, stopping on each to ask for the order, then set an appointment for the next call and get off the phone or out of the customer’s office. Small talk is important, and we gauge how little or how much we do based on our customer’s demeanor, but we do not overdo it.

Asking for the Order

Eighty percent of sellers don’t ask for the order. The Master Seller asks for the order in a relaxed, positively assumptive way. What I mean by positively assumptive is that their tone is a relaxed “I know you are going to say yes” tone. Many sellers are overly timid; they sound like they know the customer is going to say no while others are too aggressive.

These “little” things set us apart from the crowd and get us in the buyer’s rotation of suppliers much sooner. BPD

BEYOND RESUMES

------------ BY LISA RITCHIE

FINDING THE RIGHT talent is a labor-intensive process despite the abundance of electronic job boards, social media platforms, and behavioral assessment tools available. Our mission is to provide businesses with consulting support and people skills to overcome recruitment challenges and drive long-term success.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for recruiting, there are tangible steps that can significantly enhance your recruiting efforts.

Here are 10 tips to improve your recruiting:

1. Define the Position Clearly: Before posting a job, ensure a thorough understanding of the role’s

Q. I’m finding candidates but not the right ones. What should I do?

A. Experience. Compensation. Location. These are the three factors that most strongly affect the success of a recruiting project. If the position requires industry experience, specific licensing or technical skills, and your budget is very tight, this can definitely impact the quantity and quality of the candidates you see. Likewise, consider the location and the size of the candidate pool.

We find that the market tells us very quickly if one of these three factors is “off.” That means, one or all may need to be adjusted. Are you able to pay more for the experience level? Do you need to look at folks with lesser experience who will fit into your compensation structure? Can the position be done remotely? As the labor market continues to tighten, it’s important to be flexible and creative. Good candidates with the right attributes and attitudes are out there…. go get them!

10 PRO TIPS FOR RECRUITING

responsibilities and required skills. Compile these into Key Accountabilities, prioritizing them based on importance and time commitment. Job benchmarking takes the guesswork out of finding someone who’s the right fit for your organization by providing an in-depth analysis of what the position requires to ensure the highest probability of candidate success.

2. Research Job Board Options: Explore various job boards to find the most effective platform for your posting. While popular options like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com exist, consider more targeted alternatives. Seek advice from industry colleagues, explore industryspecific LinkedIn groups, or use platforms like Indeed. com and ZipRecruiter.com strategically. When posting a position, keep the job description short and easy to read. Ensure your applications are mobile friendly since many candidates will complete them on their phones.

3. Outsource Legwork: Whether enlisting the help of a colleague, intern, or consultant, leveraging others and their unique skills can help streamline your tasks. The labor market continues to be tight so simply posting a position online won’t get the desired results. Utilizing active sourcing approaches, networking, and getting current employees involved in sharing the job is important.

4. Structure Your Screening: View every interaction with a candidate as part of the screening process. Assess responsiveness and communication skills, as these can be indicative of a candidate’s professionalism. If a candidate’s performance is underwhelming at any stage, consider it in the overall evaluation.

5. Implement Behavioral Testing: Embrace behavioral testing as a crucial element in the recruitment process. Allocate one-third of the hiring decision to behavioral testing, emphasizing comprehensive assessments that align with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission standards.

6. Use Behavioral Interview

Questions: During face-to-face interviews, focus on behavioral questions to understand a candidate’s past performance. Questions like “tell me about a time when...” or “give me an example of how you...” provide insights into a candidate’s actions in previous roles.

7. Employ Panel Interviews: Opt for group interviews involving at least two interviewers. This approach allows for collective observation, discussion, and comparison of candidate responses. It promotes a more comprehensive evaluation compared to individual one-on-one interviews.

8. Plan Questions in Advance: When conducting group interviews, plan questions in advance and assign specific areas to different interviewers. Maintain consistency by asking the same behavioral questions to each candidate for fair comparisons.

9. Avoid Bias: Guard against biases, both positive and negative, that may influence candidate evaluation. Stick to the job description and assess candidates solely based on the outlined requirements, avoiding personal preferences that may cloud judgment.

10. Don’t Settle – Stay Excited: If unimpressed with the candidate pool, resist the urge to settle for the best among unqualified candidates. It’s crucial to remain excited about potential hires. If necessary, restart the search to secure the right fit, saving time and resources in the long run.

Remember, the hiring process is not just about filling a position, it’s about finding the right person who can contribute to the growth and success of your organization. So, stay focused and determined in your search, and don’t settle for anything less than the best fit. BPD

LISA RITCHIE

Lisa Ritchie is VP of recruiting & talent selection for The Workplace Advisors, Inc. Reach her at (877) 660-6400 or via www.theworkplaceadvisors.com.

A SPECIAL SERIES FROM

THE TRUTH ABOUT WOOD

MENTAL HEALTH, BIOPHILIA AND REAL WOOD

WE HEARD the craziest thing the other day. One of our NELMA members shared that he’s heard about people installing eastern white pine on accent walls… then covering it up with enough paint to completely obliterate the look of the wood. We’re talking about enough paint so that the wall looks like drywall. You can’t even tell there’s wood installed on the wall. Why on earth would someone do that?

It’s well-documented and proven by research the power that real wood has over us as humans. When you walk into a room with a cinderblock wall, a concrete wall, are you immediately drawn to it? Does it make the room warmer, more welcoming? What about steel beams? Plastic decking? Do any of these materials invoke a sense of well-being? We’re guessing no.

Now let’s switch your view: you walk into your friend’s home and are immediately greeted by a wood accent wall, perfectly reflecting the afternoon sunshine. The wall glows in the natural light, lending a warm feel and a soft glow to the room. Maybe they have wood flooring as well? How beautiful it must look under your feet, the natural elegance of real wood.

Big fan of home improvement shows? We know you’ve seen wood installed as shiplap all over TV, not to mention wood floors, wood walls, wood accent walls, wood countertops, bead board walls and ceilings, and so much more. There’s a reason

------------ BY JEFF EASTERLING

that real wood is the building product of choice when it comes to home upgrades and decorations.

The happiness we feel when we see beautiful wood, the warm feeling, the desire to touch it—this isn’t a freak of nature. It’s called biophilia.

Merriam-Webster defines biophilia as “a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature; a desire or tendency to commune with nature.” The word itself was coined by Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson to describe humanity’s “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes,” and to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it, a love, a craving. (Let’s be honest: is there a more natural, more green building product than wood? No. There isn’t.)

Recent research from the Think Wood program revealed hard proof that wood contributes to the health and well-being of humankind in four primary ways: exposed wood reduces stress because we automatically relax when surrounded by elements from the natural world (there’s a reason we escape to the woods for peace, tranquility and time off!). Proximity to wood can increase productivity—choosing to use it in interior applications does make a difference. A large and growing larger body of evidence indicates that exposure to natural elements in our physical environment helps people heal by decreasing stress and increasing the feeling of safety and ef-

fectiveness. Finally, wood and nature support learning. Wood and nature have restorative benefits on mentally fatigued adults and children.

An Australian study shared similar findings after exploring the relationship between exposure to natural elements and human well-being. A few of the findings:

• Using wood in office design increased productivity by 8%;

• Using wood in education spaces increased rates of learning and improved test results;

• Using wood in healthcare spaces improved post-operative rates by 8.5%;

• Using wood in retail increased rental rates; and

• Using wood in homes resulted in a 4-5% increase in property values.

With a plethora of research and results showcasing the power of wood to improve our lives, why would someone want to cover it up? Share this information with your customers and encourage them to choose wood, showcase wood, and feel better with real, natural wood! BPD

JEFF EASTERLING

Jeff Easterling is president of Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Cumberland Center, Me. Reach him at info@nelma.org.

Fresh ideas for home improvement.

Strength and selection go together with Outdoor Accents ® decorative hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie. We’re always expanding our Mission Collection ® and Avant Collection ™ lines with new products and accessories, making it easy to enhance outdoor structures and living spaces. Both feature an innovative hex-head washer and fastener combo that looks like a bolted connection but installs as simply as a screw. It’s the only approved fastening solution for Outdoor Accents connectors. Plus, our code-listed connectors and fasteners are rigorously tested for performance. So whether your customers are building a planter box or a pavilion, it will be strong, safe and beautiful for years to come.

To see our complete lines of Outdoor Accents decorative hardware, visit go.strongtie.com/outdooraccents or call (800) 999-5099.

Mission Avant

©

2024 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. M-C-OA23-D

KOPPERS TO BUY BROWN WOOD

Koppers Holdings, Pittsburgh, Pa., agreed to acquire the assets of Brown Wood Preserving Co., Louisville, Ky., through its Koppers Utility and Industrial Products subsidiary.

The purchase, for $100 million in cash, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024.

CEO Leroy Ball said, “The acquisition of Brown Wood is the logical next step to our announced intentions to focus on growing our utility pole treatment business through both organic and inorganic means.”

Founded in 1929, Brown Wood has about 100 employees, serving customers mostly in the Midwest and Southeast, with locations in Kennedy, Al., and Mathiston, Ms.

Upon close of the deal, Brown Wood will operate as part of Koppers Utility and Industrial Products.

NATION’S BEST ACQUIRES PILOT

Nation’s Best, Dallas, Tx., added two additional locations in Kentucky with the acquisition of Pilot Lumber’s stores in Alexandria and Bellevue. Nation’s Best now operates 54 locations in 16 states.

“Steve Bennett of Pilot Lumber has done a good job modernizing his two Kentucky locations,” said Chris Miller, president & CEO of Nation’s Best. “They are operationally sound, and Steve has strengthened already solid teams to deliver exceptional service to the stores’ contractors and customers.”

As part of Nation’s Best’s successful strategy, Pilot Lumber will maintain operations under its existing brand name with its leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation’s Best, which will provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability.

US LBM PURCHASES VIRGINIA COMPONENT-MAKER HOMESTEAD

US LBM has acquired Orange, Va.-based Homestead Building Systems, a turnkey structural building component manufacturer and distributor in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Founded in 1996, Homestead Building Systems operates a 29-acre manufacturing facility in Orange and a distribution center in Bristow, Va. Homestead Building

Systems serves framing and building contractors for single-family and townhome projects throughout the Washington D.C., Richmond and Charlottesville, Va., metro areas.

With this acquisition, US LBM now operates two truss manufacturing facilities in Virginia; the company also operates five locations under the Barrons banner in the Washington, D.C., metro area, which includes a truss facility, and two locations in the Richmond area as Massey Builders Supply.

HOFFMAN COMPANIES TAKE OVER BESSE HARDWOOD OPERATIONS

The Hoffmann Family of Companies purchased hardwood manufacturer Besse Forest Products Group, Gladstone, Mi.

This strategic move adds to Hoffmann’s portfolio, complementing its existing Ferche Millwork operations. Combined, Besse and Ferche boast over 2 million sq. ft. of production facilities and a workforce of more than 1,400 people.

Founded in 1966, Besse operates 10 manufacturing facilities in the U.S., including four veneer mills, four sawmills in Michigan and Wisconsin, one lumber drying concentration yard, and one cut-to-size plywood mill. Greg Besse will continue in his role as CEO of the Besse Forest Products Group, overseeing the entire operation.

ROBBINS OFFERS MILL FOR SALE

Robbins Lumber, Searsmont, Me., has put its 100-acre mill complex in Hancock, Me., up for sale.

Listed for $2.5 million, the property has 108,655 sq. ft. across 22 buildings, including warehouses, storage buildings, offices and a fully leased apartment building. Equipment includes kilns, a planer mill, commercial truck scale, and a 42,000-sq. ft. sawmill with an attached fabrication machine shop.

Robbins Lumber purchased the Hancock facility, as well as one in Sanford, Me., in 2023 from Pleasant River Lumber, which had acquired it 12 years prior from Crobb Box.

Company president Jim Robbins attributed the diverstiture to a major machine failure. He told MaineBiz that the specialized machine center, which is responsible

for 60% of the plant’s production, failed about two weeks after Robbins bought the plant. They continued to run the plant at reduced capacity, but eventually discovered it would have taken two years to get replacement machinery.

DEALER BRIEFS

DESIGNED by Andersson/Wise, McCoy’s planned company retreat will include outdoor meeting spaces and walking trails for headquarters employees to use.

McCoy’s Building Supply broke ground on a new 11,531-sq. ft. company retreat and expansion of its San Marcos, Tx., headquarters campus, estimated to be completed in 2025.

R.P. Lumber Co. acquired Schrock Lumber Co., a 60-yearold family-owned LBM retailer in Mediapolis, Ia., on March 1.

Schmuck Lumber Co begins work this month renovating and expanding its Gettysburg, Pa., branch.

E&H Ace Hardware is relocating its Mansfield, Oh., store across the street to a significantly larger, 17,000-sq. ft. storefront.

Live Oak Construction Supply is opening a new branch in Savannah, Ga., in June.

Westlake Ace Hardware will open a third store in Columbia, Mo., late this year after renovating a 30,000-sq. ft. former Big Lots.

Toole’s Ace Hardware added a 13th location—10,000-sq. ft. Hamlin Ace Hardware—in the Horizons West area of Winter Garden, Fl. Store #14 is currently under construction in Windermere, Fl.

McCaffety Ace Hardware, Gastonia, N.C., has been opened by Lonnie and Sandra McCaffety.

Guy C. Lee Building Materials, Smithfield, N.C., is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Doman Building Materials Group’s Doman Lumber subsidiary has acquired two lumber pressure treating plants, related equipment and the business formerly owned by Southeast Forest Products Treated in Richmond, In., and near Birmingham, Al.

The plants are strategically located near existing Doman facilities, significantly expanding, and complementing its suite of central U.S. offerings and newly accessing additional Southern and Eastern U.S. markets, with minimal geographical overlap. The acquisition provides Doman with about 300 million bd. ft. of annual treating capacity.

“We are very excited with this acquisition. The plants complement our central U.S. operations and strengthen our footprint by introducing coverage in eight new states, including the strong Southeastern U.S. markets and select Eastern states. This strategic acquisition exemplifies our strategy of adding scale and volume to our U.S. operations in pressure treated

lumber and specialty wood products, headquartered in Dallas,” said Amar Doman, chairman and CEO.

The purchase was paid for in cash and fully funded by Doman’s cash-on-hand. No shares will be issued in connection with the purchase.

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Doman operates several divisions with multiple treating plants, planing and specialty facilities and distribution centers in all major cities across Canada and select locations across the U.S. Doman Lumber, headquartered in Dallas, Tx., now operates 19 treating plants, two specialty planing mills, and five specialty sawmills located in eight states, distributing, producing and treating lumber, fencing and building material servicing the Central U.S.;

Doman Building Materials USA and Doman Treated Wood USA serve the U.S. West Coast with multiple locations in California and Oregon. In Hawaii, its Honsador Building Products Group services 14 locations across all the islands.

UNITED HARDWARE MERGING WITH DO IT BEST

In a historic move that reshapes the landscape of the home improvement industry, United Hardware and Do it Best intend to merge.

This strategic merger creates one of the industry’s leading cooperatives, aimed at delivering unparalleled support to member-owners.

Maple Grove, Mn.-based United Hardware Distributing Co., home of the Hardware Hank brand, is a full-line wholesale hardware distributor providing distinctive brands, services and capabilities to serve independent retailers. United Hardware services dealers from its distribution center in Milbank, S.D., and delivers an extensive product line to more than 700 stores in the Midwest.

The intent to merge, which received unanimous approval from the boards of directors of both companies, brings together two industry leaders with a shared commitment to exceptional service, quality products, and a comprehensive range of programs designed to

support the growth and success of the independent entrepreneur.

“We are embarking on a significant milestone in our journey as a cooperative that will change our future for the good,” said United Hardware president & CEO Chad Ruth. “By aligning with a like-minded co-op, we’re better positioned to serve our members and help them win in the marketplace.”

“We believe deeply in the power of the co-op model. It’s about partnership, mutual growth, and shared success,” said Do it Best president & CEO Dan Starr. “United Hardware joining us is not just a merger. It’s a declaration of our belief in this model, a belief in partnering with our members to compete and win.”

The merger is expected to deliver significant benefits to member-owners, employees, and customers through enhanced scale, efficiency, and innovation. United Hardware shareholders were expected to vote around the end of March to make the merger official.

L&W Supply opened a new branch in Portage, Mi., managed by Jeffrey Pettit.

Irving Forest Products, Dixfield, Me., has purchased Mill Services Inc.’s value-added operation in Cobleskill, N.Y.

Würth Baer Supply acquired 70-year-old Russell Plywood, Reading, Pa., and Wilmington, De. Russ DiGiallorenzo and existing staff will continue running both sites, now as a division of Würth Baer.

UFP Packaging cut the ribbon on a new 11,840 sq.-ft. wood packaging production plant in Warren, Wi.

Coffman Stair Parts, Plano, Tx., has acquired Ideal Stair Parts, Taneytown, Md.

Four Seasons Building Products Group, Holbrook, N.Y., purchased Alumawood and Equinox Louvered Roof from OmniMax.

Parksite is now distributing IG Railing frameless glass railing in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.

Keylink aluminum railing systems are now available in Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin through distributor Wolf Home Products

Ghise Associates Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is now repping Knight Wall Systems in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Monsma Marketing Corp., Grand Rapids, Mi., is now distributing Tando Composites’ TandoStone and Beach House Shake lines throughout Michigan’s southern peninsula, Indiana and Ohio.

Monsma was named 2023 DuPont Tyvek Distributor of the Year.

RDI Railing launched its new website—rdirail.com—and updated all of its social media feeds.

Weyerhaeuser Co., Seattle, Wa., and Lapis Energy LP have executed an exclusive exploration agreement for subsurface carbon dioxide sequestration in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The twoyear deal covers 187,500 acres of subsurface rights owned by Weyerhaeuser and spans five potential sequestration sites.

Viance, LLC announced that D-Blaze fire retardant treated plywood complies with the new requirements of the 2021 International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Take outdoor living to a new level with Select Cut®. Trusted by professionals for its superior appearance, Select Cut blends quality, durability, and the beauty of real wood. Select Cut is the ultimate choice for building exquisite outdoor living spaces that reflect first-class craftsmanship.

F�� w�en appearances matter.

Chuck Mailloux, ex-Warner Robins Building Supply, has been named general mgr. of Ambassador Supply, Fort Wayne, In.

Zach Dauer was appointed store mgr. of McCoy’s Building Supply, Lockhart, Tx., which is slated to open in June.

Jenny Brawley, ex-Fortress Wood Products, has joined LMC as regional mgr. for the Southeast, based in North Carolina.

Chelsea Walden is now national accounts rep for the Southeast with Dixie Plywood & Lumber, Savannah, Ga.

John Quist, ex-Zeeland Lumber, joined the outside sales team at Standale Lumber & Supply, Grandville, Mi.

Phil Berkowitz, ex-Taylor Made Homes, is new to outside sales with Christensen Lumber Co., Elkhorn, Ne.

Mark Pasich, ex-McGann Building Supply, is now in inside sales with Northville Lumber Co., Northville, Mi.

Amy Stuart has been named sales mgr. of Weekes Forest Products/Logan Lumber Co., Tampa, Fl.

Wes McClelland has joined Home Depot, as Houston, Tx., Metro pro sales mgr.

Aaron Martin Jr., ex-Central Woodwork, has joined the outside sales force at Stewart Builders Supply, Brentwood, Tn.

Joel Cone, ex-NewTechWood, has been appointed VP of sales for Frame It All, Erwin, N.C.

John McGee is now Alabama market sales mgr. for 84 Lumber. Frederick Spear is truss sales mgr. in Winter Haven, Fl. Ryan Daniel is co-mgr. in Annapolis, Md.

Eddie O’Neill has rejoined Woodgrain, as outside sales rep for Cape Cod/ Boston, Ma.

Larry Oehmke, ex-Builders FirstSource, was appointed general mgr. of Zeeland Lumber & Supply, Waterford, Mi.

Michael Loya has been named location mgr. of East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply, Sandy Hook, Ct.

Jeff Koehn, ex-R.P. Lumber, has been named branch mgr. of Premier Building Supply, Kansas City, Mo.

Rob Hicks has been promoted to chief administrative officer for Tibbetts Lumber, Clearwater, Fl. He succeeds Bobby Fehr, who is retiring.

84 LUMBER PUTS ON A SHOW AT PALMETTO OPENING

84 Lumber celebrated the opening of its new location in Palmetto, Fl., during a circus-themed event at the site on Feb. 21.

Formerly a Ringling Bros. property, the location is comprised of three buildings on 10 acres, with each building at more than 20,000 sq. ft. The entire location employs over 60 associates. 84

Lumber had been operating in Bradenton, Fl., since 2006 before the relocation.

“We are very excited,” said Buzz Bowman, the store’s general manager. “This larger footprint will provide us with the tools to continue growing in the market and we look forward to a bright future ahead.”

Josh Ward was promoted to president of American Builders Supply, Sanford, Fl., a division of Kodiak Building Partners.

Wayne Walls has been named VP of operations in charge of warehousing and transportation for House-Hasson Hardware, Knoxville, Tn.

Mike Conneh has joined the outside sales team at U.S. Lumber, Mobile, Al.

Chuck Laster, ex-James Hardie, has been named business development mgr. with Carter Lumber, Atlanta, Ga.

Lyndsay Cullinan has been promoted to marketing mgr. for Hancock Lumber, Casco, Me.

Cory Steward, ex-Protect-All Flooring, is now with Trex, as territory sales mgr. for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Annie Kao has been promoted to VP of strategic partnerships & engagement for Simpson Strong-Tie. Will Becker is now director of national accounts-pro supply; Tina Haro, director of national accounts–national builders; and Jack Grant, national accounts builder & technology mgr.

Sergio Munhoz has been named North American sales director for Accsys, Kingsport, Tn.

Jared Schulte was promoted to director of engineered wood products for BlueLinx, Atlanta, Ga. Justin Wythe, ex-Deck Store, is a new product sales mgr. for BlueLinx in Indianapolis, In.

Tony Cain, ex-GFG Construction Supply, is new to sales at D&D Mouldings & Millwork, Noblesville, In.

Will Aguillon, ex-BlueLinx, has moved to Master Halco, San Antonio, Tx., in outside sales of decking & railing.

Joey Klinger was promoted to associate forest products trader at Do it Best Corp., Fort Wayne, In. Lisa Saunders is new as a divisional merchandise mgr. for building materials, housewares, cleaning & storage, farm & ranch, and neating & automotive.

Steve Killgore has been named special advisor to the board of directors for PWT, Burlington, Wa.

Kevin Gammonley is retiring June 30 as executive director after 33 years with the North American Building Material Distribution Association.

Matt Denniger was honored as Parksite 2023 Specialist of the Year, representing the DuPont Building Envelope product line. Robert DeFrancesca was named Building Envelope Commercial Specialist of the Year.

Rosa Shore now heads overseas shipments at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

RAIL IN STYLE

Designed with the volume builder in mind, Superior Outdoor Products’ new 100 Series vinyl railing installs quickly and easily with a sleek aesthetic that homeowners will appreciate.

The line is positioned as a step up from pressure treated, with quick installation, low-maintenance materials, and a competitive price point. It comes in white with the popular square “Model” baluster.

SUPERIOROUTDOORS.COM (800) 633-7093

COLORFUL COMPOSITE PLUGS

FastenMaster’s Cortex hidden fastening line is now available in 12 new colors of collated Cortex Plugs to match TimberTech’s Premier, Reserve and Legacy composite decking lines.

Pre-aligned and collated Cortex Plugs have shown to be up to 50% faster in independent time studies compared to loose plug installation.

The new plugs are made from the same composite material as the decking, in Ashwood, Espresso, Mocha, Pecan, Tigerwood, Whitewash Cedar, Antique Leather, Dark Roast, Driftwood, Reclaimed Chestnut, Dark Teak, and Maritime Gray. They are available on 100 linear-ft.long collated strips and in bulk 300 sq. ft. packages.

FASTENMASTER.COM

(800) 518 3569

EXTRA-TOUGH EXTERIOR TRIM

Roseburg’s new Armorite Exterior Trim is engineered to weather the rigors of outdoor environments. Its composite engineering delivers best-in-class machinability, fastening and finishing. The trim ships with a factory-applied exterior-grade primer on four sides to save time on the jobsite.

Made from western softwood, the trim is easy to manage, even at 16’ lengths. Single-layer component material ensures consistent nailing with no popthroughs or material delamination. It’s ideal for all climates, with an MR50 rating that ensures moisture resistance and durability, and fully reversable, with one smooth textured, the other woodgrain.

ROSEBURG.COM

(800) 245-1115

INTERIOR COMPOSITE WALL PANEL

3A Composites’ new line of MONARC interior composite wall panels are ideal for shower and bath enclosures, kitchen backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and interior spaces.

They are offered in 19 original designs in three timeless MONARC collections: the chic, industrial-look Urbanesque, the natural stone-like Quarry, and the wood-finish Woodland Collection.

3ACOMPOSITESUSA.COM/MONARC (800) 626-3365

and every customer.

“Growing beyond measure.” Call or visit us today. Our family of Redwood timberland owners will continue to be your reputable and reliable source of Redwood.

NATURE-INSPIRED SIDING

Millboard has added two new nature-inspired colors to its premium Envello Shadow Line+ range of woodfree composite siding.

Salt Blue and Sage Green provide a realistic painted natural wood look that is hard-wearing and low maintenance. The line now offers a total of seven colors.

MILLBOARD.COM

(651) 207-4175

DUAL-INFILL RAILING

Designed for efficiency and precision, AGS Stainless’ new Denali dual-infill railing system is 100% offsite fabricated ensuring quality consistency and crafted from 316 marine-grade stainless steel making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The system’s laser-cut and pre-drilled posts come ready to install. TIG-welded railing connections are secure and reliable. The 5/8”diameter stainless steel rods add a sleek and contemporary look to the railing as part of its dual-infill design, enhancing its visual appeal.

Unlike conventional cable systems, Denali features a polished, smooth-textured stainless cable that perfectly complements the rods. Through the electro-polishing process, the cable becomes stiffer and more resistant to environmental factors by preventing the accumulation of microparticles within its 19 strands due to its refined surface finish.

AGSSTAINLESS.COM

(888) 842-9492

COMPOSITE-ENHANCED PVC DECK

MoistureShield has launched the Stratos line of composite-enhanced PVC decking, offering the best of both wood composites and PVC.

Its Next Core is meticulously designed to be stronger and longer-spanning than any other PVC decking on the market. Stratos features a proprietary acrylic cap that defends against damage from stains, scratches and impact, while also resisting fading. It was also engineered with a 50% greater span, to provide rigidity and a more solid feel underfoot.

Available in three colors inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, Stratos features a TruTexture Surface for an authentic woodgrain finish, enriched color variegation, and heat-reducing CoolDeck technology.

MOISTURESHIELD.COM (866) 729-2378

SCREEN TIME

Barrette Outdoor Living has launched EncloSure, a DIY-friendly aluminum screen enclosure.

Featuring a premium powder coat, EncloSure utilizes high-quality screening with flat spline technology that ensures screens stay in place even in the windiest conditions. The system can be installed into an existing covered patio, deck or upper balcony and offers an optional railing infill kit, screen door, and in-swing kit.

BARRETTEOUTDOORLIVING.COM

(877) 265-2220

TUF-TRED

OFFERING:

• Superior skid resistance

• Surface durability

• Weatherability

• Moisture resistance

• 4x8 panels, ¾" thick

• ADA Approved

Swanson Tuf-Tred is ideal for interior or exterior stair applications where skid-resistant surfaces are desirable.

GRAY MODIFIED WOOD

Boasting a color-through gray color, Accoya Color is the next generation of high-performance modified wood, with Forest Stewardship Council, Declare labeled, and Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold certifications.

The wood is transformed into a durable, non-toxic exterior solution for decking and siding profiles, playgrounds, and landscaping designs through a modification process called acetylation. Because the wood is colored completely through to the core, it requires less maintenance, saving time and money.

ACCOYA.COM

(423) 417-8393

TEAK-LOOK COMPOSITE DECKING

Ocean Decks composite decking boards utilize new Green Eagle technology to infuse carbon fiber strips into the PVC extrusion, which exponentially increases stiffness and rigidity.

The exterior surface of the profile is covered with a flexible PVC surface that mimics the classic look of teak.

The boards’ construction ensures that they never warp or lose shape. Their flexible PVC topcoat is fade, stain, mold and mildew resistant. It’s is one of the few boards that will allow a 24” or greater joint span, reducing material and installation cost, and requires no spacing between the boards due to its interlocking design.

It is available in two teak-like finishes and requires no re-sealing, staining or painting.

OCEANDECKS.COM

(843) 450-8884

UNDERCOVER STORAGE

Secret Service, a new storage element for SieMatic’s S2 kitchen, is a 3.5 cm-slim drawer that’s nearly invisible within the sculpted recessed channel of the cabinetry’s handle-free design.

The versatile drawer can be customized for optimal storage. Optional dividers are used for flexible separation and organization of items. The dividers feature very strong magnets that securely hold them in the desired position. A knife holder with flexible blade and handle rests is also available.

Well-disguised when not in use, Secret Service features smart push-to-open integration that makes it easy to open and close.

SIEMATIC.COM

(215) 604-1350

TOP-SHELF TFL-ON-PLYWOOD

Funder by Genesis Products’ new TFL-on-plywood solution, EverPly, is engineered to meet the more stringent quality requirements of premium manufacturers. Its virtually void-free core and smooth surface are engineered for TFL lamination, creating a lighter, more durable alternative to particleboard and MDF that also will swell less from moisture.

The 4x8 panels come in 5/8” and 3/4” thicknesses, in over 70 designer TFL decorative laminates (smooth texture), and four realistic texture options.

GENESISPRODUCTSINC.COM

(877) 266-8292

BUILD LONG LASTING STRUCTURES WITH POWER

PRESERVED GLULAM®

STRONG, DURABLE , SUSTAINABLE

POWER PRESERVED GLULAM® FEATURES

• Manufactured with superior strength southern yellow pine MSR Lumber.

• Offered in two oil-borne preservative treatments: Clear-Guard™ and Cop-Guard®

• Fast, easy, one-piece installation that’s more efficient than bolting or nailing multi-ply dimension or structural composite lumber members together.

• Excellent choice for decks, boardwalks, pergolas, covered porches and demanding environments such as bridges, highway sound barriers, railroad cross ties, and floating docks.

• 25-year warranty from the treater.

ULTRA-RESISTIVE BARRIER

Protecto Wrap’s Protecto Wall VP Water Resistive Barrier is a primer-free self-adhering, self-sealing, drainable, nonwoven, vapor-permeable, microporous polyolefin laminate that provides 98.5% drainage efficiency. No mechanical fasteners or seam tape are required for installation. It can be installed year-round, in temperatures as cold as -20°F or as hot as 125°F.

PROTECTOWRAP.COM

(800) 759-9727

MORE DECKING OPTIONS

Wolf Home Products is now offering its popular Wolf Serenity Decking with High-Density Cellular Technology in two additional colors and a new grooved profile.

Ashland and Beechwood bring to 13 the total number of colors available. All choices feature ColorWatch100, which helps block harmful UV rays to maintain color for long-lasting beauty.

While the existing square edge profile still includes hidden fastener choices, the new grooved profile will appeal to those who prefer simplified installation and a clean, finished aesthetic.

WOLFHOMEPRODUCTS.COM

(800) 388-9653

SIMPLE, STYLISH RAILING

The new RailFX Oasis Railing System makes it easy for contractors and homeowners to create beautiful outdoor living spaces by offering a blend of style and simplicity in aluminum railing systems.

What makes the system unique is its versatile infill options, including picket or horizontal cable infills. It also features 3” posts, which are available in 36” and 42” railing heights. Tension-fit balusters make it easy to secure the railing systems together tightly, so the components won’t rattle like other aluminum systems may.

It is made of extruded aluminum that reportedly will never rust and exceeds IBC and IRC requirements. It features single corner posts, maximizing cable runs.

RAILFX.NET/OASIS (866) 802-1690

SLEEK FASTENER PACKAGING

Senco has designed a convenient new retail pack for its fasteners that features new sizing, a fresh design, and intuitive iconography.

The sleek, updated packaging design is aimed at enhancing visual merchandising on dealer shelves. Customer-intuitive, colored gauge icons help customers identify the precise fastener they need.

The new retail pack boasts a total of 77 SKUs.

SENCO.COM (800) 543-4596

TOP EXECS GATHER AT NAWLA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

During its recent Leadership Summit, North American Wholesale Lumber Association presented longtime Pacific Northwest lumber executive Steve Killgore with its prestigious John J. Mulrooney Award. Since retiring as CEO of

Timber Products in 2022, Killgore has served on TP’s board of directors and recently joined the board of PWT.

The event, held March 10-12 in Tucson, Az., also featured board and Group 10 meetings, table-top exhibits, and an

HIGHEST HONORS: North American Wholesale Lumber Association’s John J. Mulrooney Award was presented [1] by Scott Elston to Steve Killgore during the group’s annual Leadership Summit in Tucson, Az. [2] Kevin

EXECUTIVE PANEL drilled deep into the $14 billion-a-year market for wooden pallets, with insights from panelists (left to right) NWPCA’s Brent McLendon, Realogistics Services’ Mike Hachtman, CPS Wood Products’ Shawn Hicks, and PalletOne’s Howe Wallace.

Dodds, Ryan Kline. [3] Lawrence Newton, Doug O’Rourke [4] Ryan Filek, Jim Houser, Mike Limas. (More

on next two pages)

array of informative presentations. A major highlight was an eye-opening panel discussion on a vital yet oft-neglected segment of the industry: pallets and crating. “Charting the Evolution of Wood Packaging” featured Realogistics Services CEO Mike Hachtman, CPS Wood Products CEO Shawn Hicks, National Wooden Pallet & Container Association president Brent McClendon, and PalletOne president Howe Wallace discussing demand, innovation, sustainability and more.

Speakers included Claudia St. John, president of The Workplace Advisors, on “Mindshift: Preparing Your Culture for the Workplace of Tomorrow;” Westervelt Co. president/ CEO Brian Luoma on “Private Working Forests ‘State of Play;’” Interfor president/CEO Ian Fillinger on North American lumber supply; Daniel Colson, executive director, AI Policy Institute, on “Navigating the AI Revolution in the Lumber Industry;” and economist Ali Wolf on the state of the housing market.

WHOLESALE LEADERS (continued): [5] Grant Phillips, Nick Fitzgerald. [6] Steve Rustja, Lori & Bobby Byrd. [7] Ryan Filek, Sam Reasoner, Natalie Smith. [8] Brandon Desyatnik, Dan Semsak, Ryan McInerney. [9] Marc Saracco, Alden Robbins, Warren Reeves, Curt Stuckey. [10] Kent Beveridge, Mikey Goodman. [11] Steve Rustja, Clark Spitzer. [12] Bethany Doss, Jim McGinnis. [13] Steve Williams, Sophie van Pelt, a future next-

generation NAWLA member, Trent Williams. [14] Alyson McLaughlin, Tiffany Richardson, Chelsea Zuccato. [15] Jim McGinnis, Mark Erickson. [16] Jimmy Meadows, Roger Welling, Hank Delesandro. [17] John Murphy Jr., Sam Sanregret. [18] Brandon Desyatnik, Ryan McInerney, Steve Rustja, Trevor Sandler, Steve Rhone. (More photos on next page)

NAWLA CONFERENCE (continued from previous two pages): [19] NAWLA staffers were out in force. [20] Kent & Nancy Beveridge, Amy Robbins. [21] Bob Seldon, Dustin Wood, Thomas Mende, Craig Webb. [22] Judy Haney, Grant Phillips, Carl & Vicki Lamb. [23] Cheryl & Jim Houser. [24] Donna Whitaker, Mark Wells, Ian Fillinger, Jerry Schoendienst. [25] Jim Robbins Sr., Bobby Byrd. [26] Andrea Murphy, Steve & Sally Killgore, John Murphy

Jr., Brian Luoma. [27] Morgan & Stephanie Wellens. [28] Patrick & Sarah Price. [29] Noelia Cross, Steve Anderson. [30] Ryan Kline, Anthony Muck. [31] Scott Gascho, Julia Ward. [32] Steve Meyer, Aly Kingsley. [33] Bill & Cathy Price. [34] Daphne Cox, Derrick Coder, Scott Elston, David Cox. [35] Ryan & Nicole McInerney, Melanie & Trevor Sandler.

#1 Inventory Management Profit Strategy:

Stock No More Than Needed to Properly Service Demand

This practice is crucial to profitability. Here’s why:

n Every day that excess inventory is owned, it is either costing interest on borrowed money, which increases expense, or it is preventing the earning of interest on owned money, which decreases income. Whether capital is borrowed or owned, excess inventory is always eroding profitability.

n Let’s say a yard has sales volume of 110,000 BF/month. If brought in all at once by car, the inventory can turn once a month if needs are correctly projected. But if metered in by truck in 27,500 BF increments at one load per week as actually needed, that inventory will turn 4 times per month – and tie up only 1/4 as much cash.

n Now suppose this yard pays for the car 10 days after shipment and delivery takes 3 weeks. It paid for 4 times the inventory it needed, and won’t see any of it for 11 more days. But if it buys by truck with quick delivery, every stick could be sold before the invoice even comes due. In fact, three truckloads could be sold this way before the car could even have arrived, again using only 1/4 the capital.

n This strategy dependably multiplies turns and GMROI, dramatically improves cashflow, cuts carrying costs and frees up both capital and space for more profitable use. Margins are maintained through market moves and downside risk is significantly reduced because the inventory is turning faster than price changes can affect its value. There’s less inventory to count, and stock stays fresher, too.

DEALERS EXPLORE NEXT FRONTIER AT LMC ANNUAL IN HOUSTON

LMC dealers and suppliers from far and wide headed to Houston, Tx., for the buying group’s 89th annual meeting, held March 5-7 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The event provided a platform to connect and collaborate with industry peers nationwide, glean valuable industry insights through high-quality education sessions, and receive exclusive access to innovative products.

Fitting the host city, the 2024 event theme was “The Next Frontier.” Throughout the span of three days, LMC dealers sharpened their knowledge with educational sessions focused on the future of marketing, advancements in technology, multifamily construction, market fluctuation,

regulations, and trends across the business landscape.

On day one, attendees had the opportunity to join in LMC TogetHER’s second session at the Annual promptly named, “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges.” NVO Construction’s CEO, Cheryl Lewis, shared her career journey, highlighting the pivotal moments as well as offering valuable insights that resonated with both women and men to become allies in achieving the mission of LMC TogetHER.

The bustling trade show floor featured 300 suppliers.

Among the regular event highlights were the LMC Update Breakfast & Keynote hosted by LMC president and CEO Paul Ryan featuring a keynote speech from Mike Mas-

TAKING IT all in at the LMC annual meeting in Houston, Tx.: [1] Bryan & June Strickland, Bonnie & Terry Wicks. [2] Tyler Philips, Don Nelson. [3] Travis Maddox, Andy Faircloth [4] Tabitha Sullivan, Gus Saucedo. [5]

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EXHIBITOR Simpson Strong-Tie conducted demos of its deck planning software during the event.

Dean Baumgartner, Lisa Martin. [6] Bobby Sanford, Jordan Cook, Jophn Mollica, Alex Casarotto (More photos on next two pages)

simino, former NASA astronaut. Ryan noted that members purchased about $6.2 billion in products from LMC in 2023: “Our dealers are leaders in their markets. Our dealer last year took market share in their local markets and purchased more from LMC than they ever have.”

From Massimino, attendees heard a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and overcoming challenges based on the former astronaut’s two space shuttle missions and four spacewalks. Massimino’s keynote provided attendees with an inspiring story on strengthening their leadership in the face of change and adversity.

In addition to the program of daytime events, attendees also enjoyed a night out at the RodeoHouston. The event began with the world-renowned Livestock & Horse Show followed by a concert by the 2023 CMA New Artist of the Year and two-time Grammy nominated country music star Jelly Roll.

On the second day, LMC dealers met with key supplier partners and the most innovative companies in the LBM

industry to prepare for the upcoming peak building season. Breezy Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Lumber in Seattle, Wa., said, “We love coming to the LMC Annual to see friends from all over the United States to connect with them, share stories and struggles. Attending the Annual has been great for our business.”

A key event at the Annual is the announcement of new product winners. Dealers voted on the top three new products, recognizing Summerspace’s Custom Porch Enclosure Systems as the first-place winner for best new product of 2024. Ekena Millwork’s Acoustic Pro Side Wall took second place and Hy-Lite Specialty Windows’ GlassWalk Structural Glass won third.

The LMC team was also on hand to help build new relationships and offer expert insight into the state of the market.

The next LMC Annual will take place in Phoenix, Az., from March 6-8, 2025, where LMC will celebrate its 90th anniversary.

LMC (continued from previous page): [7] Larry Lang, Brad Marks, Chris Brown, Jim Powell. [8] Bruce Schneider, Bob Westermann, Rob Everson, Tim Hanrahan. [9] Jack Phipps, Jenny Brawley, Mike Tester. [10] Kurt Hogard, Jay Smith, Chris Johnson. [11] Gary Blanchette, Tyler Harwood.

[12] Kristie McCurdy, Kelly Matthews, Wayne Miller, Jennifer Forest. [13] Sam Sprague, Paul Redwood. [14] Curt Allen, Tony Butler. [15] Mark Swinth, Tanka Chase, Rob Endres. [16] Kevin Brewer, Craig Blakemore, Michael Sheppard, Winston Strawn. (More photos on next page)

LMC IN HOUSTON (continued from previous two pages): Kissling, Scott Vande Linde, Earl Johnson, Jeff Hodge. [18] Sam Patti, Stephen Caballero, Roxanne Celentana. [19] Lee Shifflett, Pat Clecuer, Collin Shifflett, Harland Storey. [20] Joell & Jay Penney. [21] Mike Gower, Wallace Ashley. [22] Brian Foran, Jordan Gater, Cristina Leaver, Ben Tucker. [23] David Bivens. [24] Cindy McCarville, Jordan Lynch. [25] Russ

Skyler Hume. [28] Chuck Casey, Franklin Fitzgerald Jr. [29] Randy Hicks, Dana Shelton. [30] Ian Penney, Jamie Moulton. [31] Dan Semsak, Daryl Lundberg, Blake Keitzman. [32] Bill Nocerino, Joe Angelo. [33] Steve Firko, Mary Masters, Jack Opdyke, Susan Cho, Stephane Oakley

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.

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RECORD-SETTING IBS

It may be called the National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show, but the recent mega-event drew thousands from every segment of the supply chain— from contractors to dealers and distributors to building products manufacturers. Held Feb. 27-29 in Las Vegas, IBS drew more than 76,000 industry professionals (plus another 40,000+ to the partnering Kitchen & Bath Industry Show).

This was the biggest IBS in 15 years, with 1,800+ exhibitors, including 800 new companies, filling four halls and an outdoor pavilion over 678,000 net sq. ft.—up nearly 12% from 2023.

Hundreds of new products were unveiled at the show. A

select few received Best of IBS Awards, including CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingle (Best in Show and Best Energy Efficient Product), ChamClad’s Quick Click 6” Shadowline Soffit (Best Outdoor Product), Pella Installation System (Best Window & Door Product), and Protecto Wrap’s Protecto Wall VP (Most Innovative Building Material).

IBS: [1] Anthony DiSanto, Jason & Kiki Russell, Web Shaffer. [2] Amy Hodge, Tom Zimmerman, Craig Fraser. [3] Darin Dalry, Travis Owens. [4] Mike Hopson, Joe Jacklin. [5] Maggie Baker, Shara Gamble. [6] Michelle Von Hatten, Olivia Marcinkowski. [7] Joel Cone, Anthony Topping. [8] Mark Emmerson, Joe Neisinger. [9] Niall Crehan, Paul Roche. [10] Jurgen Van Dijk, Ryan Guidry, Andrew Pantelides, Jaap-Jene Langevoord. [11] Anne Gwatney, Warren Orsted, Ken Scott, Brent Gwatney. (More photos on next page)

NEW PRODUCT DEMOS abounded on the International Builders Show floor, including by Vista Railings (left) and CAMO Fasteners (right).

BUILDERS SHOW EXHIBITORS (continued from previous page): [12] Team Deckorators. [13] Luke Guittar, Henry Tapp, Bria Rynders, Sean Spillman, Jim Tapp, Dana Rasmussen, Matthew Schwarting. [14] Patrick Adams, Ryan Kline. [15] Craig Crafton, Rob Impink. [16] Tara Murray, Erik Summers, Vanessa Gresley. [17] Craig Combs, Chuck Casey. [18] Keaton Smith, Steve Getsiv. [19] Julie & Pat Noonan. [20] Michael Bowe, Andrea

Tereault, Andrew Hess, Ryan Williams, Tim Johnson, Daniel Bricker, Andy Polbos, David Merryman. [21] Skyler Hume, Jeff Brinkhaus, Chris Knowles, Kendall Conroy, Cari Junker, Eric Feaster. [22] Bill Naumann, Matt Baumeister, Kris Fornuto, Rick Kapres, Matt Rossi. [23] Duane Smith, Lawrence Newton, Jim Enright. 15

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DATE BOOK

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

Kentucky Forest Industries Association – April 2-4, annual meeting, Lexington, Ky.; www.kfia.org.

Peak Auctions – April 6, LBM auction, Saline, Mi.; peakauction.com.

Composite Panel Association – April 7-10, spring meeting, Omni Amelia Island, Amelia Island, Fl.; www.compositepanel.org.

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Assn. – April 9-10, spring meeting/legislative conference, Washington, D.C.; dealer.org.

Window & Door Manufacturers Association – April 9-10, spring meeting & legislative conference, Westin City Center, Washington, D.C.; www.wdma.com.

Montreal Wood Convention – April 9-11, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec; www.montrealwoodconvention.com.

Woodworking Industry Conference – April 9-11, Vinoy Renaissance, St. Petersburg, Fl.; www.woodworkingindustryconference.com.

Florida Building Material Allliance – April 10, All Fore golf tournament, Orange County National Golf, Winter Garden, Fl.; www.fbma.org.

North American Young Lumber Employees – April 10-11, NYLE spring leadership conference, Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, Newport, R.I.; www.nrla.org.

Building Material Suppliers Association – April 10-12, CFO roundtable, Las Vegas, Nv.; April 10-12, roundtable, Houston, Tx.; mybmsa.org.

International Wood Products Association – April 10-12, World of Wood annual convention, San Diego, Ca.; www.iwpawood.org.

Peak Auctions – April 11-15, online LBM auction; www.peakauction.com.

Virginia Forest Products Association – April 12-13, Expo Richmond, Richmond, Va.; www.exporichmond.com.

BLD Connection – April 15-17, roundtable, Bloomington, Mn.; April 16, LBM inventory management; April 17, risk management for LBM dealers, Brooklyn Park, Mn.; members.bldconnection.org.

National Wood Flooring Expo – April 16-18, New Orleans, La.; www. nwfaexpo.org.

Transload Distribution Association – April 16-18, annual conference, Hyatt, Newport Beach, Ca.; www.tdana.com.

Construction Suppliers Association – April 17-19, roundtable, Atlanta, Ga.; www.gocsa.com.

Associated Building Material Distributors – April 18-21, annual member/supplier meeting, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, Austin, Tx.; www.abmda.com.

Peak Auctions – April 20, LBM auction, Clinton County Fairgrounds, Wilmington, Oh.; www.peakauction.com.

Material Handling Equipment Distributors Assn. – April 20-25, annual convention, Hilton Bayfront, San Diego, Ca.; www.mheda.org.

Construction Suppliers Association – April 21-23, Truss 1 seminar, Point Clear, Al.; www.gocsa.com.

BLD Connection – April 21-23, roundtable, Branson, Mo.; April 23-25, Estimating 1-2-3, Inver Grove Heights, Mn.; members.bldconnection.org.

Building Material Suppliers Association – April 21-23, roundtables, Winston Salem, N.C.; April 24-26, Hot Springs, Va.; mybmsa.org.

Coverings – April 22-25, Atlanta, Ga.; www.coverings.com.

Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. – April 23-25, spring leadership conference, Omni Resort–Barton Creek, Austin, Tx.; www.kcma.org.

Virginia Forestry Summit – April 23-25, Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville, Va.; www.forestrysummit.com.

Peak Auctions – April 27, Cabarrus Arena & Event Center, Concord, N.C.; www.peakauction.com.

LBM Advantage – April 28-May 1, NextGen Leadership Conference, Gaylord Rockies, Denver, Co.; www.lbmadvantage.com.

American Wood Protection Assn. – April 29-May 2, 120th annual meeting, Westin Portland Harborview, Portland, Me.; www.awpa.com.

BLD Connection – May 1-2, Swing into Spring, Margaritaville Lake Resort/ Oaks Golf Course, Osage Beach, Mo.; members.bldconnection.org.

Building Material Suppliers Association – May 1-3, HR roundtable, Greenville, S.C.; mybmsa.org.

Massachusetts Retail Lumber Dealers Association – May 2, past presidents, past board members & friends luncheon, MIT Endicott House, Dedham, Ma.; www.nrla.org.

Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club – May 2-5, annual beach meeting, Avista Resort, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; lumberclub.org.

Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Expo – May 3-4, Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vt.; www.northernlogger.com.

Hardlines Distribution Alliance – May 6-9, group merchandising conference, Indianapolis, In.; www.hdaworks.com.

North American Wholesale Lumber Association – May 6-10, Spring Wood Basics Course, Corvallis, Or.; www.nawla.org.

Building Material Suppliers Association – May 7-9, roundtable, Pipersville, Pa.; mybmsa.org.

Peak Auctions – May 9-13, Midwest online LBM auction; May 11, LBM auction, Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, Md.; www. peakauction.com.

Decorative Hardwoods Association – May 14-16, annual meeting, Scottsdale, Az.; www.decorativehardwoods.org.

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association – May 15-17, Cedar Summit, Whistler, B.C.; www.realcedar.com.

Orgill – May 20-June 2, summer online buying event; www.orgill.com.

North American Rail Shippers Association – May 30-May 2, annual meeting, Chicago, Il.; www.railshippers.com.

& Valuable Networking

NAWLA Regional Meetings connect lumber industry professionals across North America for networking and tailored education.

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

Charles “Chuck” Reiman, 70, VP of Wehrung’s Lumber & Home Center, Ottsville, Pa., died on Feb. 10.

After serving in the Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977, Chuck spent 30 years at Wehrung’s, including as chief operations officer, director of business growth, and general manager.

Wendell Michael Cramer, 87, founder of W.M. Cramer Lumber Co., Hickory, N.C., died on March 3.

After attending Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, W.V., Wendell spent three years in the U.S. Army. He hired on at Benson Sawmill, Pickens, W.V., in 1958. In 1964, he joined the hardwood sales force with Georgia-Pacific, Augusta, Ga. Five years later, he started his own lumber brokerage business. He moved the business in 1971 to Hildebran, N.C., and added a concentration yard with sawmills in West Virginia, a kiln drying company in Kentucky, and distribution yards in Georgia and Florida.

Wendell was a past president of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club,

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, National Hardwood Lumber Association, and Hardwood Federation.

Rey Tilden “Til” Helvenston, 93, Midwestern manager of various sash and door firms, died on March 4.

A graduate of Dennison University, Granville, Oh., and veteran of the U.S. Navy, Til began his 50-year career with East Side Lumber Co., followed by Huttig Sash & Door, Columbus, Oh. He later worked in sales and ultimately as general sales manager for Masonite’s Marlite division, Dover, Oh. Til then served as Ohio general manager for Iron City Sash & Door; president of Cuckler Buildings, Cedar Rapids, Ia.; and president of Star Buildings, Oklahoma City, Ok. He retired in 1993.

Gafford Alderson, 86, retired salesman for Frierson Bailey Lumber & Supply, Brandon, Ms., died on March 5.

Jerry Reid, 84, retired president of Southern Illinois Lumber Co., Fairfield, Il., died on March 6.

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Gregory Paul Langford, 66, president of Mason Forest Products, Hattiesburg, Ms., died on March 9.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Greg joined Mason Forest Products in 1985, rising to VP of operations in 1987 and president in 2018.

Frank Raymond Marvin, longtime executive at Marvin, Warroad, Mn., passed away on March 2 at age 82.

Frank joined the family’s window and door business full-time in 1969 and would become the first member of the third generation of Marvin family to be elected to the board. He served as VP of sales from 1977 to 1981, after which he began an 11-year term as company president. He later served as vice chairman of the board and led company-owned distribution and retail operations until he retired in August 2011. Despite officially retiring, he spent the rest of his life regularly meeting with customers near Marvin’s Warroad headquarters, usually over breakfast or lunch.

He was a past Window & Door Manufacturers Association president.

FLASHBACK: A BRIDGE TO HOLLYWOOD

EIGHTY-SIX YEARS ago this month, BPD’s sister publication, The California Lumber Merchant, featured a Hollywood starlet who seemed on the precipice of stardom. According to the April 1, 1938 edition: “Ethelreda Leopold and members of the cast of Gold Diggers In Paris were among the first pedestrians to use the first bridge across the Los Angeles River following the flood disaster.

“This 9O-ft. span for foot traffic was erected by Summerbell Roof Structures for Warner Bros. Studios. Of similar construction to the famous Summerbell trusses used by motion picture studios to support the roofs of enormous sound stages, this 7-ft.-wide footwalk will carry a load in excess of 10 tons. Its construction and installation establishes a record for speed—the entire span being designed, assembled and hoisted into position in less than seven hours. Its use will save the studio and residents of San Fernando Valley many thousands of hours of lost time in getting across the river at this point.”

The backstory to this tale is equally fascinating: Gold Diggers in Paris featured 109 dancing “Busby Berkeley” girls, and Warner Bros. held a “popularity contest” to decide which ones to send on a coast-to-coast promotional tour.

Ethelreda was the top vote-getter. Although her big break in show business never came, Miss Leopold did appear in hundreds of films and TV shows—mostly uncredited bit parts. She was frequently a chorus girl, but also played a cigarette girl in Angels Over Broadway, a secretary in Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, an Emerald City manicurist in The Wizard of Oz, and was a regular anonymous foil of the Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello. She last appeared in a 1989 episode of Married… with Children, at age 75.

The issue also contained what amounted to an apology from a writer who had promised to write an article on “The Tax Burden for Lumbermen,” but backed out at the last minute.

As he explained to the lumber association that was assisting him: “After going carefully into your exhaustive service and after checking other available sources, I have come to the conclusion that I had better not write the article attempting to list and define the various taxes and estimate the aggregate tax burden on lumber in its march from the woods to the consumer. It is entirely too big and too responsible a job, and I doubt if the best tax expert in the country could do it accurately. It is possible to check all taxes paid by lumber manufacturers, but what is tacked on in the way of taxes after the lumber leaves their hands is a problem of terrifying magnitude. I won’t be the one to make this estimate, and I am so informing the magazine who requested such an article. Maybe, some day, a magician will work it out, and, if so, I for one will take his word for it without further ado. Thank you again for your courtesy. Your various services are indispensable and have been of unusual value to us.”

Lumbermen’s Post, No. 403, of the American Legion held its annual golf tournament for Southern California lumbermen on March 18, 1938 at the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, Ca. The low net champion, Dick Emison, was awarded a trophy, but the rest of the prizewinners received gifts that oozed 1930s.

The low gross champ took home a bronze desk cigarette holder, which was donated by the West Oregon Lumber Co. Runners-up received, variously, a “sport sweater,” a clothes brush set, a cocktail set, a cuff link, a set of poker chips, and a handful of golf balls. BPD

Union Lumber Co., distributor of NOYO brand redwood, was highlighted on the cover of the April 1, 1938 issue.

SCREEN BEAUTIES: Ethelreda Leopold (center) and others from the cast of Gold Diggers in Paris pose on a wood-truss footbridge that was constructed in seven hours.

It’s simple: when you’re responsible for meeting building codes, you want to slow the spread of flames from the ground up. That’s why D-Blaze fire retardant wood has been the choice of builders from the Sears Tower to the One World Trade Center. It’s so good at its job, you’d think an army of firefighters was defending your building.

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