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Volume 103 • Number 12
Survey
REMEMBER WHEN...
BY PATRICK ADAMS
I DON’T RECALL the exact moment it happened, but as a kid I remember that the frequency of lectures that started with “I remember when…” increased in correspondence with my age. Like most kids, the internal dialogue that I had with myself as these stories of the past unfolded consisted mostly of, “Good Lord, please make it stop.” I don’t recall a single interesting or inspiring story.
Whether it was the famous “…walked in the snow, uphill both ways, to school…” or some version of a horror story of punishments they used to receive and how lucky I should feel that I was only receiving the diluted version of mine, the “I remember whens” continued into my adult life.
But this weekend, I caught myself doing it with my daughter. The difference was that it wasn’t about something she did wrong, or in regard to a punishment I was handing out. She was explaining that things like electric bikes and social media were her generation’s social outlets and was trying to defend why she “needed” them. I listened to her oral arguments intently, then she paused as if waiting on the jury’s verdict. Instead of immediately responding, I pondered her argument.
I recalled the countless adventures I had as a kid. My parents kicked me out of the house after breakfast and my only instruction was not to be home until dinner. With my pedal bike, my world was only limited by the time it would take for the return trip to have me arrive by dinner. It felt like every trip was a new voyage to discover every back alley, new street, or shopping center. I would take riverbed trails all the way to the beach and I would take dirt trails into the hills where nature had provided my very own jumps and turns. Many of these adventures included setbacks and challenges, including many where I learned the hard lessons of “cause and effect.”
Talk back to someone older and stronger? Get punched in the mouth. Lesson learned. Leave your bike unlocked while you explore a store at the beach? Bike gets stolen and you have to run nine miles home in order to make it for dinner and not get in trouble. Bike gets stolen, so you have to mow yards for two months to save up
enough to get another used, garage sale bike. I believe this “freedom” did more to shape what I would become than any other education or training I have received. And now, my almost 14-year-old daughter was asking for her equivalent of the same.
In my mind, however, things are different now. There are bad guys, and predators, and bullies. People in cars don’t pay attention, and people don’t look out for each other. My access to local law enforcement call logs tells the story, as does any nightly news segment or social media post. The world is falling apart, they say, and the “evidence” supports this.
But, what if things really haven’t changed at all? I remember “creeper vans,” and I grew up in a gang environment that makes where we live today seem like Disneyland. There were bad guys, and predators, and cars that by today’s standards didn’t even have brakes. Maybe today, we just have too much access to too much information that is created in a way to elicit fear. They say crime is down from the past, and yet every day the news starts with the nightly death count. They say child predators are down, yet every minute there is a warning about not letting your kids online or out of your sight.
I pondered all of this wishing for my daughter the freedom to learn, and explore as I did and learn the lessons of life in the only way you can—firsthand. After my deliberation, I rendered my judgment with one simple word…”No.” Her hopeful expression fell and as she stormed off rambling on about how she’s the only kid in the world without, and how we are the strictest parents in the whole world, I responded with the only thing that came to mind…”I love you.”
I hope as we enter the holiday season, the decisions you have to make are easier and are met with more excitement than mine! Happy holidays and thank you for the gift of serving you and this great industry!
PATRICK S. ADAMS, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com
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HOW TO NAVIGATE TARIFFS AND SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES IN 2025
BY MIKE CHISHOLM
AS 2024 DRAWS to a close, lumber wholesalers across North America are reflecting on a turbulent year. From rising tariffs to ongoing supply chain disruptions, businesses have faced mounting pressures in crossborder trade. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear challenges will persist, but proactive strategies can help wholesalers navigate what’s to come.
Tariffs and Supply Chain Strain
In 2024, the lumber industry was hit hard by increased tariffs on Canadian softwood, a key import for many North American wholesalers. These tariffs pushed prices higher, impacting both residential and commercial construction projects.
The tariff hike, originally implemented to protect domestic producers, had the unintended effect of reducing the availability of high-quality lumber while increasing costs for builders and consumers. It also impacted profitability for Canadian companies who’ve had to absorb some of the additional costs.
At the same time, supply chain bottlenecks persisted. Rail strikes, labor shortages, and capacity issues made it harder for wholesalers to ensure timely deliveries, further compounding the challenges of cross-border trade. Lumber, often transported via rail from Canada to the U.S. and beyond, saw significant delays, forcing wholesalers to look at more expensive alternatives like trucking, or to stockpile inventory to weather potential disruptions. While 2025 may not see an immediate resolution to these issues, wholesalers can mitigate some of the
damage. For example, diversifying transportation options and building stronger relationships with logistics providers can help businesses weather future supply chain disruptions. A flexible logistics strategy, including exploring alternative transportation methods and using multiple providers, can reduce vulnerability to delays and price hikes.
What Lies Ahead for the Lumber Industry
The economic landscape for 2025 remains uncertain. Inflation, high interest rates, and fluctuating demand in the housing market will continue to influence the building materials sector. As a result, wholesalers should expect demand for lumber to ebb and flow throughout the year, depending on shifts in the broader economy.
Supply chain issues are also likely to persist, particularly when it comes to rail transport. Labor shortages, combined with the potential for further strikes, could create additional delays in the movement of goods. While there’s potential for these issues to stabilize as economic pressures ease, wholesalers would be wise to build contingency plans.
Planning Ahead for Cross-Border Trade
Given the challenges faced in 2024 and the forecast for 2025, lumber wholesalers must rethink how they operate. Strategic inventory management will be critical in the coming year. While large inventories can cushion against supply chain disruptions, they also tie up capital and carry the risk of holding overpriced stock if tariffs fluctuate. A more agile approach to inventory—one that allows for
quicker stock turnover—can help minimize exposure to tariff-related price increases and supply delays.
Investing in technology can also play a key role in navigating the coming year. Digital tools that allow wholesalers to track shipments in real-time, forecast demand, and communicate seamlessly with suppliers can improve operational efficiency. These tools can help wholesalers respond more quickly to changes in the market, reducing delays and preventing costly mistakes in logistics and
supply chains. By improving communication across the supply chain, wholesalers can better anticipate shifts in demand, adjust orders accordingly, and avoid overstocking or shortages.
Finally, one of the key strategies for 2025 will be focusing on new market opportunities. With tariffs on Canadian softwood still affecting North American supply chains, wholesalers could explore expanding into other regions, including Europe or Asia. These international markets
dence on a single supply source.
The key to success in 2025 will be adaptability. Whether it’s through better inventory management, technological investments, or exploring new markets, those willing to adapt will be best positioned to succeed in 2025 and beyond. MM
MIKE CHISHOLM
HOW MILLWORK MANUFACTURING (DONE WELL) CAN GENERATE BIG PROFITS FOR DEALERS
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BY TONY MISURA
CONVERSATIONS WITH industry leaders across the U.S. have a similar vibe: lumber framing pack sales are down 20% year over year, while millwork sales are up over 20%. That’s a 40% spread. Why?
Scarcity is one factor. Our Misura Group team can identify entire states that don’t have a single solid, reliable millwork business. Millwork done well is broadly undersupplied in single-family and multifamily housing markets. For dealers looking for more renovation and remodel sales, every homeowner is a candidate for new doors, windows, trim, interior wood finishes, mantels and stairs.
Given those factors, getting into millwork manufacturing can generate value-added revenues and profits that will propel growth for years to come. But here’s the challenge for many dealers: You must raise your game first.
We see seven qualities top millwork operations possess that you don’t always see at lumberyards:
Aesthetic Expectations: Great millwork companies understand they’re responsible for a home’s curb appeal, starting with the entrance doors and windows. Everyone will scrutinize the brushed bronze lockset and the main entrance door’s feel and fit as you open the door.
A scratch on one door finish or one nail splitting the doorstop will delay a closing by weeks.
Manufacturing Processes: Millwork shop leaders think long and hard about warehouse layouts, production lines, specialty teams, and quality control. Multiple moving parts and people must all be in sync. It’s a production factory, not a pick-and-load operation. Doing my research, I called on one of the top three LBM dealers ($9-billion company). The regional president told me, “I recently traveled to inspect a new $800,000 Kval door line added to a typical lumberyard location. I asked the general manager why they decided to install the door line in the center of the warehouse. The GM responded, ‘The new door line is so shiny and new; we wanted it to be the centerpiece of the warehouse to show it off to our customers.’”
The president commented, “Continuous Flow Manufacturing (CFM) was not even in this general manager’s vocabulary. We can laugh—but it’s not his fault. When will our company learn? Millwork requires professionals who think differently than lumber guys.”
Capital Investment: Door plants require temperature-controlled industrial space and loading docks, the
KVAL’S 994-X line is a leading solution for machining and framing pre-hung interior and exterior residential doors. Here, it machines the door and jamb hinge pockets, applies the hinge, and machines the cylinder lock on 6’8, 7’0, and 8’0 doors.
larger the better to maximize labor efficiencies. A Kval door line can cost $800,000, while running electrical and HVAC can cost $50,000+. Building the sales team, estimating and high Q/C manufacturing and delivery systems does not happen overnight.
The LBM president commented, “I can lease property and delivery trucks, make a lumber buy, and be in the lumber business in a few weeks. Millwork is a completely different mindset that impacts everyone from the owner to the delivery professional and all points in between.”
Sales Obstinance: Most lumber OSRs refuse to sell millwork. As one leader told me: “With lumber, you can sit in your basement, in your pajamas, sending out estimates and dumping lumber deliveries, and your customers love you. With millwork, you must walk every home.”
Actually, some millwork salespeople walk every home twice, once to make measurements for the order and then a second time looking for installation flaws and mistakes. Many LBM dealers are millwork dabblers and never committed to the journey of being great at millwork. Every lumber OSR has a horror story about losing a key customer over millwork. The root cause is usually somewhere between an owner dabbling in millwork and lumber OSR lacking the attention to detail and proactive nature to be excellent at millwork sales. Regardless, the word “millwork” creates this perpetual PTSD around most lumber OSRs when asked, “Why are you not selling millwork?”
Pricing: Lumber people don’t understand how to price millwork. Given the risks around shrinkage and misordering, manufacturing labor, and high shipping costs, you must charge 40% plus margins to support a consistent service offering. Great millwork companies know their success is tied to retaining high-quality labor. Typical lumberyard turnover crushes any millwork business.
Estimators: Product science combined with detailed estimating skills can take several years to develop. That makes top-tier millwork estimators “the diva wide-receivers of our industry,” as one president put it. The nature of special orders and custom-made inventory makes every bid a boom or bust opportunity. We
are excited about how technology is swiftly alleviating the estimating point of constriction and speeding up the training and development of inexperienced estimators. Paradigm should be on your shortlist to explore.
Logistics: Millwork is fragile, so scratched doors and broken glass are everyday events. Box or curtain-side truck delivery is mandatory; you don’t want rain or rocks on the road to damage all that was done in the factory.
We talk regularly with executives of top LBM dealers, including those who have gotten deep into millwork manufacturing. They get frustrated by these challenges. “There are no sledgehammer solutions with millwork like the lumber space,” one leader told us. “It’s more hand-tohand combat. It’s a place where team-building leaders and strategic thinking owners thrive.”
“Consistency is tough,” another executive told us. “It’s not a national buy-side program solution. You have to have the leaders in the local markets to execute.”
In short, a millwork business requires a culture different from that of a lumber operation to be effective. Some of the best dealers with both millwork and lumber know separate cultures are a must, adding different buildings, even different addresses.
How significant is the millwork opportunity nationally? Specialty Building Products (US Lumber), Boise Cascade, and BMD combined are
generating nearly $2 billion in prehung door and trim millwork sales. Historically they were commodity lumber wholesalers, who leapt into millwork for the first time just in the past three years. Wholesalers are thriving in the space, taking EBITDA market share that easily could be in the LBM dealers’ pocket.
What are the best practices to make that happen?
• Executive leadership provides capital and sets a broader strategy with manufacturing ROI metrics.
• Experienced millwork operating and sales leaders are hired and then given dedicated responsibility and authority to execute the plan.
• The company provides the space and resources for a specialty manufacturing culture to thrive.
• Market opportunities are defined and then defended, promoting the company’s unique value. Single-family, multifamily, and remodeling all have ripe geography and customers for the taking.
“Tony, I’m not sure I am happy about this article,” one millwork manufacturing executive told me. “LBM dealers have been asleep at the wheel. If you wake them, I won’t be shooting fish in a barrel anymore.” That sure sounds like a market opportunity to me. MM
– Tony Misura is the founder of Misura Group, bringing over 30 years of expertise in the building materials industry (www.misuragroup.com).
PRE-HUNG DOOR machines, such as Norfield’s E Series Magnum, can get dealers into the door business.
OFF-WHITE shades, such as Adobe Cream, are the top choice for homeowners looking for new siding.
OFF-WHITE AND STONE ARE TOP PICKS IN SIDING
AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS reaffirmed off-white/ cream as the most popular siding color (18%) if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025—extending its reign as the top choice for three consecutive years, according to the third annual national survey recently conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Alside.
This classic and versatile hue continues to dominate
the market, and over two in five American homeowners (42%) say they would go for a timeless neutral look if choosing an exterior home color in 2025, reflecting a strong preference for understated elegance and an enduring aesthetic for the home exterior.
“The persistent appeal for neutral and classic aesthetics like off-white and cream lends to the versatility of the palette and ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home,” said Ryan Gibson, business director, vinyl & composite cladding. “These hues are a timeless choice that are less likely to become outdated or decrease your home’s resale value, making them a smart choice for homeowners no matter which part of the United States they live in. They also provide a solid foundation to designing a home that allows for a more personal touch giving accent colors and features space to make a statement.”
As off-white remains the top choice, bold colors are the least likely to be chosen by homeowners. In fact, one-third of American homeowners (33%) say one of the colors they would most likely avoid if updating their home exterior in 2025 is red.
“There is certainly a place for bolder colors in home exteriors. They are often used more prominently in certain architectural styles and can add a vibrant, eye-catching element when used thoughtfully. The key is to balance it with neutral tones and consider the overall style of the home and neighborhood,” added Gibson.
Breakdown of Exterior Color Preference
The survey, which covered a representative sample of over 1,300 American homeowners, revealed that off-white/cream (18%) was the preferred choice among American homeowners if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025, while white (16%), light brown (13%), light gray (11%) and medium blue (8%) rounded out the top five color choices.
Color choice doesn’t stop at siding though. When adding complementary colors to accent the exterior of the home, about three in five American homeowners (62%) typically match the trim with their siding color. Other answers include: shutters (43%), porches and decks (38%), and roofing (32%).
When asked how they would choose the exterior color, homeowners cite several key factors. In addition to going for a timeless neutral look (42%), top answers include:
• Cost (36%)
• Availability (25%)
• Their spouse or significant other will pick (22%)
• Based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (20%)
• Meets HOA/local guidelines (20%)
Among homeowners, women are likelier than men to say they would go for the timeless neutral look (48% vs. 37%) or would choose based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (24% vs. 16%). Meanwhile, men are likelier than women to say their spouse or significant other will pick (28% vs. 16%).
Breakdown of Siding Material Preference
American homeowners are likely incorporating the trend of embracing warm neutrals into their specific siding material choices. Stone (25%) was the leading material preference they would choose when planning to buy new siding. Mixed materials were a close second at 22% of homeowners saying they would choose to mix stone, stucco or siding, perhaps for a balanced home exterior aesthetic. Vinyl (14%), vertical board & batten composite cladding (12%), and engineered wood (12%) rounded out the top five material choices. MM
SELLING VOLUME
WHEN WE FIRST start selling, we are happy just to get an order. Then we are pleased to have a good day, subsequently a good week, then a good month. Then we have a good month every other month. Eventually we put together a good year. After our first good year, we want to have another great year, and finally a great career.
Account Selection
Most sellers have only a vague idea how much their customers buy. The Master Seller knows exactly how much each customer buys and gives them the appropriate amount of time based on that volume. Let’s categorize our accounts by size:
C Accounts – 0-5 possible orders per month.
B Accounts – 5-10 possible orders per month.
A Accounts – 10 to infinity possible orders per month.
One of the biggest mistakes made in account/time management is to spend too much time with smaller accounts that buy from us and treat us like a partner, and not enough time with bigger accounts that are keeping us at arm’s length. Bigger accounts are more competitive, so it may take longer to break into them, but they also demand more attention because they are buying volume more often.
Of course, we give all our accounts A-level service, but we must give them the appropriate time based on their size.
Offer Volume
One of the best ways to sell more volume is to offer more volume. It
------------ BY JAMES OLSEN
may seem obvious, but I hear a ton of what I call “one and done” calls— sellers calling with one truckload of one item. I sold a well-known large volume account in Kentucky for 15 years. For the first five years I offered them onesey-twoseys and that’s what I sold them. For the second five years I offered twosey-fiveseys and that’s what I sold them. For the last five years I offered them blocks of 20 at a time multiple times a week. I didn’t sell them a block of 20 every time, but once or twice a month they would buy a block of 20. I continued to get the onesey-twosey and twosey-fivesey orders, but booking the big blocks changed my income dramatically.
The point is the account didn’t change; I started offering them more volume and sold them more because of this. In addition, I did the same with the rest of my account base and prospered for it.
Multiples of Multiples
We offer multiples of multiple items on every call, not one of one. We don’t list them all off and ask, “What do you think?” We offer three trucks of 2x4 then ask for the order. Then we offer three trucks of 2x6 and ask for the order. We then offer three trucks of 7/16” OSB and ask for the order. This brings more value to the customer and gives us more opportunities to sell. It also sets us apart from all the sellers who are too lazy to do so.
Post-Order Habit to Sell Volume
The best time to sell someone is right after we have sold them. Just like combinations in boxing, the best time to hit someone is right after we hit them. Our post-order steps are the
following—every time:
Thank the customer: “Susan, thank you so much for the order, I really appreciate your business.”
Go over the details: “Let’s go over the details just for fun. We’ve got three trucks of 2x6 #2 SYP, with tallies of 1-2-3-4-5, paper wrapped, shipping the week of 10-15 delivered at $650/MBF. Is that what you have?”
Thank them again: “Again, Susan, I really appreciate the business.”
Congratulate them: “Susan, this is a great deal. Of course, you are a great buyer, so it’s not a surprise.”
Ask for additional orders: “Susan, we both know this is a great deal. I don’t know if I can get more at this price, but if I could for the week of 115, do you want to put on three more?”
Post-Missed Order Habit
When we miss orders, we quiz customers about what they bought and ask if we can sell them more of the same.
Offer volume. Ask for additional orders. It takes just as much time and effort to sell 10 as it does to sell one. Start offering volume today and you will sell more—guaranteed MM
JAMES OLSEN
THE GIFT OF FEEDBACK
EMPOWERING YOUR EMPLOYEES THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE
------------ BY LIZ WHISLER
FEEDBACK IS MORE than just a performance review tool; it’s a gateway to foster communication and trust within an organization. Offering insights into both strengths and areas for improvement can empower employees to enhance their performance and reach their full potential. When managers provide thoughtful, supportive feedback aimed at helping team members improve their work performance, they not only elevate morale but also strengthen team relationships.
Feedback as a Gift
Leaders should reframe their approach to feedback and recognize that holding back on feedback deprives team members of valuable growth opportunities. To overcome hesitation in providing feedback, start by acknowledging its importance in professional development. Most employees want feedback to improve their performance. Viewing feedback as a collaborative process rather than a one-way critique can make the experience more positive for both parties.
Constructive feedback aims to improve performance or behaviors. It allows employees to learn, grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Positive feedback identifies an employee’s strengths and accomplishments. It’s crucial for boosting morale and helping team members recognize where they excel. Often, managers provide a mix of positive and constructive feedback to give employees a holistic view of their performance.
One note of caution when considering feedback—those ubiquitous “great job” or “atta girl/boy” comments are often mistaken for positive feedback. While they may feel positive, this form of feedback is largely received longterm as insignificant, meaning it lacks specificity and thereby does little to either reinforce positive behavior or
correct ineffective or poor behavior. If you find yourself giving this sort of “great job!” kind of feedback, take it a step or two further by specifying what behaviors you think are great, and why they matter!
Four Effective Feedback Delivery Techniques
1. Timeliness is crucial when it comes to feedback. Providing input as close to the event as possible ensures that details are fresh and allows for prompt addressing of issues before they escalate.
2. Implementing quick, informal feedback sessions, such as brief daily check-ins, can be an effective way to maintain open lines of communication.
3. Be specific when providing feedback, using concrete examples and observable behaviors rather than generalizations to help employees understand exactly what they’re doing well or areas where they need to improve.
4. Solution-oriented feedback is more likely to lead to positive change. Instead of simply pointing out problems, offer actionable suggestions for improvement and collaborate with the employee to develop an improvement plan. We recommend using a goal-setting framework like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to structure these improvement plans effectively.
Cultivating a Feedback-Rich Environment
To truly harness the power of feedback, organizations must create a culture where it’s valued and actively sought. This starts with leadership setting the example by actively seeking feedback from their teams. Encouraging peer-to-peer feedback can foster a more collaborative environment where learning and improvement are ongoing processes.
Q. We had to let an employee go last week. I just received a message from one of their parents demanding I call them back to explain why they were let go and that I rehire them immediately. The termination was for good cause. Should I respond or leave it alone?
A. Maybe. We all understand family members defending their loved ones even if they do not know all of the circumstances. Usually, we do not need to (and, in most cases, should not) engage with them.
If the employee is a minor (under 18 years of age), then you probably should reach out to the parent and give some information as to the cir-
Integrating feedback into regular work processes, rather than reserving it only for annual reviews, helps create a culture of continuous improvement. And, celebrating improvements made from received feedback reinforces its value and encourages ongoing engagement with the feedback process.
Implementing a 360˚ feedback system can provide a more comprehensive view of employee performance and encourage multi-directional feedback. This approach helps create a more holistic understanding of each team member’s strengths and areas for growth.
Remember, feedback is indeed a gift—one that keeps on giving in the form of enhanced performance, stronger relationships, and a more dynamic, successful organization. Use these techniques to master effective practices in your organization. MM
LIZ WHISLER
cumstances. Just as they may need to sign some of the new hire documents on behalf of their minor child, they may need to know what their child has done. You can stay firm in not rehiring the employee. Keep the conversation concise, ending it if it becomes too aggressive.
If the employee is an adult (18 years or older), then you should not give any details as all employees deserve some confidentiality, even from family members. While you can ignore the request, you may consider a brief return call saying you cannot provide that information so they do not continue to bother you. Again, end the conversation if it becomes too aggressive.
As a side note: The only time you should communicate with an adult employee’s family member about them is if the employee is unable to talk with you themselves, and then you should communicate with the family member (preferably the employee’s emergency contact) just on the basics.
For example, if the employee is in the hospital and unresponsive, you should let a family member notify you, keep you up-to-date on the employee’s health and status, and allow them to have any forms completed that you may need to process their leave and/or benefits.
Liz Whisler is vice president of leadership development for The Workplace Advisors, Inc. (theworkplaceadvisors.com).
Patrick Lumber Company
FCTG CONSOLIDATES AIFP, AFFILIATED RESOURCES
Forest City Trading Group is consolidating the operations of its subsidiaries American International Forest Products, Portland, Or., and Affiliated Resources, Lake Oswego, Or.
The move coincides with the appointment of Affiliated Resources president Chris Vaughan to president of AIFP, effective Nov. 1. He succeeds John Vranizan, who had served as president of AIFP for the last 13 years.
Under Vranizan’s leadership from 2011 to 2024, AIFP entered new markets and development innovative trading strategies. Soon after taking the helm of AIFP in 2011, he successfully led the merger of Western International Forest Products and AIFP and has since provided steadfast leadership and direction that has left a lasting impact on FCTG and AIFP. Although Vranizan is retiring from his role as president at AIFP, he will continue to be an advisor to Vaughan and will work on
special projects.
According to FCTG, Vaughan’s dynamic leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to the company’s values make him the ideal choice to lead AIFP and AR into their next phase of growth and innovation. Both AIFP and Affiliated Resources will continue to trade independently as separate companies but will consolidate certain back-office functions to streamline operations and optimize trading.
Founded in 1964, American International Forest Products was the first operating company of Forest City Trading Group.
Affiliated Resources was founded in 1995 by Mike Wilkins and was acquired by FCTG in 2021. Affiliated Resources specializes in products that are developed to meet specific customer end use requirements in the boating, technology, RV manufacturing, agricultural, and home building segments.
NATION’S BEST BUYS NM’S BURNS DO IT CENTER
Continuing its rapid growth, Nation’s Best, Dallas, Tx., has acquired Burns Do it Center in Clovis, N.M., bringing its total location count to 64, and its second in the state.
“Burns Do it Center is known for its friendly and knowledgeable customer service, catering to both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors,” says Tina Green, regional VP of operations at Nation’s Best. “This beautiful, 30,000-sq. ft. store boasts a diverse product mix with broad appeal, as well as High Plains, an on-site gun shop. We couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the Nation’s Best family.”
Originally founded in 1888, Burns Do it Center is a one-stop shop serving a community of 40,000 people. Known as “so much more than a hardware store,” their extensive plumbing department has experts ready to help. With a wide array of products across multiple categories, they’re able to assist customers with any type of project. Their design center features top flooring brands and a wide selection of cabinetry to complete a bath or kitchen remodel.
“When it comes to a culture fit, the Burns family and the Burns Do it Center staff are directly aligned with the Nation’s Best philosophy of ‘Amaze, Every Time.’ The store’s staff gives each of their customers an amazing customer experience, along with giving their associates just as much attention and dedication to their growth and success. We are confident our partnership with Burns Do It Center will carry this commitment forward,” said Chris Miller, CEO of Nation’s Best.
James Burns, the current owner and an industry veteran, will stay on, along with the dedicated teams at Burns Do it Center and High Plains gun shop staff. As part of Nation’s Best strategy, Burns Do it Center and High Plains will maintain operations under their existing names and their teams will continue overseeing operations alongside Nation’s Best, providing the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability. Nation’s Best will also lease back the real estate from Burns, an approach they both favor.
NEWS BRIEFS
Pullman Building Supply, Pullman, Wa., closed its doors Nov. 2 after 28 years.
International Wood Products, Clackamas, Or., is expanding its partnership with LP Building Solutions into eastern Washington and the Idaho panhandle. Starting in 2025, IWP’s Post Falls, Id., location will begin stocking LP’s full line.
BMD (Building Materials Distributors), Galt, Ca., longtime distributor of Oldcastle APG’s RDI Railings, is now offering sister brand MoistureShield composite decking throughout California, southern Oregon, and Reno and Las Vegas, Nv.
Blazzard Lumber Co., Kamas, Ut., was severely damaged by a Nov. 13 blaze.
Ace City Hardware, California City, Ca., held a grand reopening on Nov. 3.
Premier Ace Hardware, Corona, Ca., staged a grand opening event on Dec. 7.
Buck’s Ace Hardware held a Nov. 7 opening for its larger new store in Hurricane, Ut.
Oldcastle APG has acquired the online landscape design platform Yardzen.
Oldcastle Infrastructure has acquired Cook Concrete Products, Redding, Ca.
Cornerstone Building Brands is permanently shuttering its location in Tualatin, Or.
Rayonier has sold a combined 200,000 acres of timberland in four separate transactions totalling $495 million, including 91,000 acres in southeast Oklahoma and 109,000 acres in northwest Washington.
Knauf’s residential lines of batts, rolls and premium blowing wool insulation have been certified as asthma & allergy friendly and Verified Healthier Air.
US LBM Foundation raised more than $2.75 million at the eighth edition of its charity golf tournament held Oct. 22 at the Omni PGA Frisco, Tx.
American International Forest Products, Portland, Or., is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
BLOEDORN LUMBER NOW “BLOEDORNS”
After 105 years, Bloedorn Lumber, Torrington, Wy., has rebranded as simply Bloedorns. The company says, “The change reflects our commitment to growing with our communities and adding value to our customers.”
Its new tagline, “Products you need. People you trust,” emphasizes the chain’s dedication to delivering quality products and expert advice—showing they are more than just a lumber store; they’re customers’ trusted partner in every project. The line is also meant to highlight its employee ownership, which makes their success possible.
Honoring its history, they have reimagined the familiar “B” from the BLC monogram into a bold, standalone icon that symbolizes the high standards they uphold.
Bloedorns has approximately 425 associates, 22 retail stores, three truss-manufacturing plants, and one door-manufacturing plant located throughout Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska and Colorado.
YUBA RIVER ENDING MILLWORK BUSINESS
Yuba River Moulding and Millwork will wind down its moulding and millwork operations in early 2025 at its facility in Plumas Lake, Ca.
Yuba River Moulding will continue to operate its Commercial Real Estate division.
The Plumas Lake facility is on 15 acres with approximately 240,000 sq. ft. under roof with 17 separate buildings. The facility is capable of producing fingerjoint, solid lineal, and MDF mouldings as well as other millwork items. The company has a vast variety of wood working machinery as well as three fully functioning prime lines.
The company is looking to sell the facility either as a turnkey operation or as a separate real estate deal.
BLUELINX OPENS PORTLAND DC
BlueLinx Holdings Inc., a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of building products based, has opened a new greenfield distribution center in Portland, Or.
This strategic opening in the Pacific Northwest expands BlueLinx’s geographic presence in a vital growth region. It also enhances BlueLinx’s ability to leverage the company’s scale to strengthen its service proposition to customers in the region and drive growth in untapped markets.
“Our new Portland distribution center reflects our commitment to expanding our geographic footprint through greenfield distribution centers,” said Shyam Reddy, CEO of BlueLinx. “This strategically positioned
operation will help us meet increasing demand in the Pacific Northwest by efficiently delivering building products where and when our customers need them in Portland and nearby cities, while furthering our desire to be the industry’s two-step building products distributor of choice in more markets across the country.”
The Portland distribution center also enables BlueLinx to expand its product offering with faster delivery times across the Pacific Northwest.
The new branch in Portland will distribute a range of specialty products and complementary structural products that support the company’s profitable sales growth strategy. It will also complement BlueLinx’s prior acquisition and integration of Vandermeer Forest Products in October 2022.
COLVILLE BUILDERS SUPPLY CHAIN EXPANDS IN WASHINGTON
Builders Supply & Home Center has opened a new 64,506-sq. ft. location in Airway Heights (Spokane), Wa., on land leased from the Colville Indian Tribe.
Owner Aman Sood also operates a Builders Supply & Home Center in Colville, Wa., and Kettle Falls True Value in Kettle Falls, Wa.
The new hardware store offers a wide range of products, including paint, cabinets, insulation, roofing, flooring, windows, electrical and plumbing supplies. It also has a drive-thru lumberyard, plus an expanded fencing and ranch department, metal and pole building kits, lawn, garden and pet supplies.
Sood anticipates employing 65 to 70 people at the new location.
FSC HONORS GREEN DIAMOND, ELK CREEK
Green Diamond Resource Company’s California Timberlands operations received the coveted Forest Stewardship Council-US 2024 Leadership Award last month.
In addition, Elk Creek Forest Products, McMinnville, Or., was honored with a 2024 2024 FSC Leadership Award for being the largest and longest-standing supplier of FSC-certified Douglas fir construction products in the Pacific Northwest.
Elk Creek was founded in 2007 and became FSC certified the following year.
Green Diamond’s Korbel, Ca.-based operations were recognized for producing over 1 billion bd. ft. of FSC-certified logs since obtaining certification in 2013 on 440,662 acres of predominately redwood and Douglas fir forests in California.
“Everyone on our team, from across regions and divisions, is honored to be included in a list of FSC Leadership Award winners who exemplify forward-thinking, innovation-driven forest management practices,” said Douglas Reed, president of Green Diamond, Seattle, Wa. “Our decade-long focus on the science of modern forest management demonstrates Green Diamond’s consistency in producing sustainable wood-products used in homes across the world. As a sixth-generation, family-owned business, this award truly encapsulates our commitment to long-term forest management that benefits wildlife, fish and communities.”
Re Reddwwood i ood is
in some of the most productive timberlands in the world. Redwood is known for its timeless durability without the use of chemicals. Due to its flawless formation, there has never been a Redwood recall. There is a grade of Redwood for every application, every budget, 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.
------------| MOVERS & SHAKERS
Krista Chambers has been promoted to lumber sales mgr. at Herbert Lumber, Riddle, Or.
Gaven Gregory has been named vice president of operations–East for TAL Building Centers, Vancouver, Wa., heading operations in eastern Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
David Johnson has been promoted to general mgr. at BlueLinx, Denver, Co.
Tyson Jerman is a new product mgr. at Capital Lumber, Salt Lake City, Ut. Randahl Wilson, ex-Lumber Liquidators, is now inside sales mgr. for Capital in Tacoma, Wa.
Tony Geiger, ex-Boise Cascade, has joined Western Lumber Co., Medford, Or., as industrial lumber sales mgr.
Brian Jeffery, ex-ABC Supply, is new to Healdsburg Lumber, Healdsburg, Ca., as yard purchasing agent.
Charles Bryant has moved into outside sales at 84 Lumber, Manteca, Ca.
Blair Raymond has been named millwork mgr. for Boise Cascade, Boise, Id. Coby Caruso was promoted to millwork product mgr. Kalei Gallarde, ex-Trex, is a new account mgr. with Boise in Lodi, Ca.
Nolan Guthrie has been named regional inside sales coordinator with UFP-Universal Truss, Nampa, Id.
Randy McMurray, ex-BMD, has joined the outside sales team at Dixieline Lumber & Home Centers, San Diego, Ca.
Justin Fox, ex-Simpson Strong-Tie, is now with RedBuilt, Boise, Id., as Mountain region mgr. Nick Tatro is now factory built sales mgr.
Nicholas Kirt, ex-CertainTeed, is a new national account mgr. with LP Building Solutions, Denver, Co.
Brad Seamons has been appointed VP of sales for Ready Made Trusses and Builders’ Supply, Salt Lake City, Ut.
Jacob Wiggins has been promoted to senior account mgr. at Alpine Lumber, Erie, Co.
Nathan Anderson, ex-Lighthouse Windows South, has been named California sales mgr. for Avanti Windows & Doors, El Mirage, Az.
Andrew Montoya, ex-ABC Supply, has joined the outside sales team at Direct Lumber & Door, Denver, Co.
Paul Hossain has been named senior vice president and chief development officer for Weyerhaeuser Co., Seattle, Wa., effective Jan. 1. He will be taking over for Russell Hagen, who is retiring at the end of 2024 but will serve as a strategic advisor to support the leadership transition. Jason Medeiros, ex-Sound Building Supply, is now inventory mgr. distribution West division for Weyerhaeuser.
Damien Willems has been appointed general mgr. of Kolbe Windows & Doors’ Phoenix, Az., branch.
Robert Mansour is now a trade sales rep at Pella Windows & Doors of Denver & Northern Colorado, Lafayette, Co.
Eric Gu has been named vice president of the Technical Service Division of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, Tacoma, Wa., succeeding B.J. Yeh, who is retiring in February.
Andrea Foust has been appointed marketing & branding mgr. for Zena Forest Products, Salem, Or.
Jeff Koeppel, senior vice president of operations, GeorgiaPacific, Atlanta, Ga., will retire in the first quarter of 2025. He will be succeeded by Hudson Pope, currently senior VP for manufacturing.
Corey Lovett has joined SPAX Engineered Fasteners as Grand Prairie, Tx.-based territory rep for the Southwest and Southeast, covering Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Tennessee.
Brett Hanson, owner, Tri-State Building Center, Sisseton, S.D., and Roger Dankel, executive VP of North American sales, Simpson Strong-Tie, were presented the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association’s Chairman’s Award during the group’s annual Industry Summit in Savannah, Ga. Lynn Schwarz, president, Building Material Suppliers Association, received the Distinguished Service Award.
Curtis Smith has been appointed executive director of the Do it Best Foundation.
Tish Hughes is out with the sniffles at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.
C&E LUMBER COMPANY
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.
CAPITAL SWITCHES TO AZEK/TIMBERTECH
Capital Lumber is discontinuing distribution of Trex composite decking and will begin instead carrying AZEK products at its 10 locations across eight western states.
The move comes on the heels of Trex’s announcement that it would begin requiring Trex distributors to be brand exclusive, resulting in the termination of its partnership with Capital.
Commenting on distributor exclusivity for Trex products, Bryan Fairbanks, Trex president and CEO, noted, “We have been working with our distribution partners over the past year to drive exclusivity in both decking and railing. These efforts are now in the execution phase, launching new railing products, changing existing distribution territories, and updating commercial agreements. With the further implementation of this strategy, we anticipate that all North American distribution partners will be exclusive to Trex in both decking and railing. This sets the stage for Trex to significantly increase our penetration of the highly fragmented $3.3 billion residential railing market by doubling our share from 6% to
12% over the next five years.”
Fairbanks added, “Trex has long sought to have either dual or triple distribution in our sales territories. This ensures healthy market competition and safeguards against disruptions while guaranteeing product availability. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to further strengthen distribution in the western U.S. markets.”
Boise Cascade Building Material Distribution and Snavely Forest Products recently agreed to swap out lines at certain branches to ensure all of their locations nationwide carry only decking and railing produced by Trex.
The changeover coincides with Trex’s expansion into new types of railing, including steel, aluminum, cable and glass, and enhancements to its Trex Select composite railing system.
Phoenix, Az.-based Capital is now marketing TimberTech decking and railing, AZEK Exteriors trim and siding, and Intex railing and millwork solutions throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Capital will also join and support
AZEK’s Full-Circle PVC Recycling program, expanding access for contractors and builders across the region and helping to divert more materials from landfills.
“We are thrilled to partner with Capital to bring our products to more customers across the western United States. This partnership complements our nationwide network of trusted distributors, further strengthening our ability to deliver premium products and exceptional service,” said Jonathan Skelly, president of residential & commercial for AZEK. “By leveraging Capital’s extensive distribution network and dedicated sales team, we are poised to strengthen our momentum and enhance brand awareness.”
“Capital is thrilled to partner with The AZEK Co., a market leader in innovation, sustainability, and manufacturer of outdoor building products,” said Scott Gaskin, president of Capital. “AZEK has built a culture that aligns with Capital, and this partnership provides us the opportunity to distribute best-in-class products with a sales and service model acutely focused on our customers. We’re very excited about the future prospects for everyone involved.”
MONTANA PRODUCER TO BEGIN THERMAL MODIFICATION
Tech Woods USA, Ronan, Mt., is adding a complete turnkey plant for thermal modification of both softwoods and hardwoods.
After working with thermally modified timber for a number of years, Tech Woods USA successfully tested their wood at Moldrup Multiple Purpose Hyrdrothermal TMT plant for gunstock, cladding and decking—persuading them to add their own equipment.
The plant’s capacity is 8,500 bd. ft. per charge and up to 2.5 million bd. ft. per year. Softwood species like ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, as well as hardwood species such as hard maple will be processed.
A key feature of the project is the use of a wood burner to reduce the possible CO2 emissions from plant operation, combined with the low energy consumption of the plant, which requires only half the energy required of most other processes.
The plant has an emission control system to prevent gas from escaping to the environment, since the gasses from the thermal modification are being burned in a closed loop.
The system is manufactured by Innovative Wood Technology IWT-Moldrup and sold in North America by AWT-American Wood Technology.
MONTANA PRODUCER Tech Woods USA is installing its own Moldrup thermal modification plant.
REMODELING COMEBACK ANTICIPATED
After a mild pullback over the previous year, spending for improvements and repairs on owner-occupied homes is set to expand once again by the middle of next year, according to the latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
The LIRA projects that annual expenditures for home renovation and maintenance will grow by 1.2% through the third quarter of 2025.
“A continued thaw in new home construction and sales of existing homes bodes well for an uptick in residential improvement and repairs next year,” says Carlos Martín, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Center. “Additionally, stronger gains in home values and thus home equity levels should boost both discretionary and ‘needto-do’ replacement projects for owners staying in place.”
“Annual spending for home improvements and maintenance is projected to grow from $472 billion today to $477 billion through the third quarter of 2025,” says Abbe Will, associate director of the Remodeling Futures Program. “A quick return to growth after a fairly modest downturn ultimately means that residential remodeling and repair expenditures are expected to approach past peak levels moving forward.”
Column and line chart providing quarterly historical estimates and projections of homeowner improvement and repair spending from
2021-Q4 to 2025-Q3 as four-quarter moving sums and rates of change. Year-over-year spending growth accelerated from 12.0% in 2021-Q4 to a peak of 17.2% in 2022-Q3 before softening steadily down to 2.1% by 2023-Q4. Year-over-year spending declines in 2024 are estimated to have reached a bottom at a rate of -3.2% in 2024-Q3. Annual spending levels are expected to increase by 1.2% from $472 billion in 2024-Q3 to $477 billion in 2025-Q3.
USNR EQUIPS ROSBORO PROJECT
USNR is supplying Rosboro, Springfield, Or., with a new planer mill, complete with a Hydraulic Continuous Tilt Hoist, a 4200 planer, a multi-saw clamshell trimmer, low-profile stacker, and sorter top with 36 bins.
The project also includes converting four of their dry kilns to USNR’s Uniflow Dry Kiln design with KilnBoss controls. The installations are designed to support Rosboro’s new glulam production facility with higher output and higher-quality results.
The kilns being installed at Rosboro are the first of their kind on the West Coast, meeting the most stringent emissions restrictions and designed to achieve higher throughput using an existing heat source with no loss of lumber quality.
PPG TO SELL ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS BUSINESS
PPG, a global leader in paints, coatings and specialty materials, has reached a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its architectural
coatings business in the U.S. and Canada at a value of $550 million to American Industrial Partners (AIP), an industrials investor.
PPG’s architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada, which operates within the company’s Performance Coatings segment, is an industry leader in residential and commercial architectural coatings through its well-known portfolio of brands, including Glidden, Olympic, Liquid Nails, Homax, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains, Manor Hall, Flood, Dulux (in Canada), and Sico, among others. The business manufactures and sells interior and exterior paints, stains, caulks, repair products, adhesives, and sealants for homeowners and professionals. It also includes certain light-duty protective coatings products that are primarily sold through company-owned stores and manufactured through a common factory footprint.
The deal, which is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025, is the result of PPG’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for the business, which was first announced in February.
The architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada represented approximately $2 billion of PPG’s 2023 total net sales. The transaction includes the following Architectural Coatings facilities:
• Manufacturing: East Point and Oakwood, Ga.; Louisville, Ky.; Huron, Oh.; Reno, Nv.; Carrollton and Temple, Tx.; Delta, B.C.; and Vaughan, Ontario.
• Distribution centers: Huron, Oh.; Oakwood, Ga.; Reno, Nv.; Aurora, Il.; Flower Mound, Tx.; Riverside, Ca.; Reading, Pa.; Carolina, Puerto Rico; Calgary, Alberta; Delta, B.C.; Toronto, Ontario; and Moncton, New Brunswick.
• More than 15,000 points of sale, including 750 company-owned stores, 6,600 independent dealer locations, and 8,100 major home improvement centers and retailer locations across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Leased headquarter offices for leadership and administrative teams located in Cranberry, Pa.; Vaughan, Ont.; and Boucherville, Quebec.
AIP is an industrials investor with approximately $16 billion in assets under management.
framing.
Introducing the Simpson Strong-Tie ® EasyFrame automated marking system. A combination saw and printer, EasyFrame cuts detailed wall panel framing members that are pre-marked for fast, accurate assembly. Designed for efficiency, EasyFrame prints framing plans directly onto lumber, including locations of boards, connectors, wiring and more. It can be paired with a manual or automated saw, and features a blade enclosure for safety. Powerful software also lets you ensure precision and optimize material use. EasyFrame is supported by our installation and onboarding services, training and technical expertise. It’s a smart way to equip customers for wall panel jobs while setting your business apart. Add EasyFrame to your lumber sales area. To learn more, visit easyframesaw.com or call (800) 999-5099.
DO IT BEST COMPLETES TRUE VALUE DEAL
With its purchase agreement officially signed, Do it Best announces the successful acquisition of a longtime competitor True Value.
The acquisition brings significant assets to Do it Best, including inventory, brand rights, and paint manufacturing facilities. By acquiring these key resources, Do it Best is poised for substantial growth and increased capability to support independent retailers.
“This has been a challenging process,” said Do it Best CEO Dan Starr. “However, the shared commitment from our team and the True Value team has made today possible. We are now proud to be the world’s largest cooperative in our space, and that positions us to make a real difference for all our store owners.”
Starr confirmed that True Value will operate as a separate subsidiary for now, allowing Do it Best to maintain high-quality service while carefully integrating True Value’s operations. He emphasized that this approach will ensure a smooth transition and continued reliability for both Do it Best members and the newly welcomed True Value retailers.
To support the transformation, Do it Best has established a new leadership team dedicated to stabilizing and growing the True Value business, while maintaining a focus on Do it Best member growth. Starr appointed Nick Talarico as president of Do it Best and Dent Johnson as president of True Value. Johnson’s True Value team also includes: Bill Habegger, VP of IT; Justin Hanford, VP of merchandising; Eric Lane, senior VP of marketing; Tim Miller, senior VP of logistics & distribution; Chris Okapal, VP of sales & business development; Steve Rose, VP of distribution; Matt Saines, VP of finance; Rob Schmiedel, VP of operations & sales enablement; Ken Sorg, VP of supply chain; Celeste Stevens, VP of human resources; John Vanderpool, senior VP of manufacturing; Jenna Grannan, director of marketing; and Randy Rusk, director of communications.
The acquisition is expected to be transformational for Do it Best, with a long-term vision that goes beyond growth for its own sake. By leveraging new efficiencies, deepening vendor relationships, and integrating key assets, Do it Best aims to position the cooperative for long-term success.
NAWLA INTRODUCES ON-DEMAND EDUCATION
The North American Wholesale Lumber Association has rolled out NAWLA Academy—virtual home for the latest education in the wholesale lumber industry.
The online platform (academy.nawla.org) provides on-demand access to resources and training designed to deepen your team’s knowledge of the lumber industry and strengthen their professional skills. NAWLA members can access recorded content including on-demand webinars for free as part of their membership in the association. There, they can browse NAWLA’s catalog of over 50 products, including webinars and on-demand education.
and posts.
PANHANDLE ADDING TREATING PLANT TO COPE WITH NEW CCA RULES
Panhandle Forest Products, Priest River, Id., is installing a state-of-the-art CCA pressure treating plant at its Big Sky Forest Products facility in St. Regis, Mt.
The large, modern plant utilizes the most advanced technology for automated industrial wood treating of poles and posts. It will help Panhandle cope with new regulations for CCA treated timbers that go into effect in 2025.
Manufactured by Innovative Wood Technology
IWT-Moldrup, Panhandle’s new plant is designed to work with hands-off operation with no contact between the plant operator and freshly treated timber. It is prepared for hold-down clamps to prevent the wood from floating during the process and to avoid lashing of the timber. The plant set-up will accommodate working with several types of incompatible preservatives, such as CA-C and boron, in the same cylinder for both roundwood and sawn timber.
The facility’s capacity will exceed 15,000 bd. ft. of roundwood per charge and is capable of handling poles up to 50 ft. in length. The main species to be treated are ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine. Using smaller trees will help thin regional forests, supporting forest health and reducing the risk of wildfires.
Based in Europe and Asia, Innovative Wood Technology IWT-Moldrup is the leading supplier of industrial wood treating plants worldwide, with more than 1,200 units sold over the past 40 years. Systems are sold in North America by AWT-American Wood Technology.
PANHANDLE Forest Products’ new automated wood preserving facility in St. Regis, Mt., represents the latest in treating of poles
Introducing NAWLA Academy
This brand-new offering from NAWLA provides a database of webinars and educational content focused on the following tracks:
NAWLA members receive complimentary access to all on-demand NAWLA webinars. Access them at your leisure and gain the skills you need to grow your career as a lumber professional!
MOST INNOVATIVE TOOLS & FASTENERS OF THE YEAR
FOR 12 YEARS, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards have highlighted the most innovative top products from the construction, automotive and landscaping industries. This year, the awards had a record number of submissions from manufacturers. Among the winners:
Accessories & Fasteners
Circular Saw Blades: CMT USA Xtreme Framing 7-1/4” 24T Zero Gravity Saw Blade
Multi-Tool Blades: DeWalt DWA4283 3-Sided General Purpose Oscillating Blade
Metal Drill Bits: Drill America GSC Series Gold Stepped Point Cobalt Drill Bits
Drill Guides: Visa Tools Hole Troll
Drills/Drivers Attachments: DeWalt DWalraft FlexTorq Lighted Modular Right Angle Attachment
Drills/Drivers, Kits: GripEdge Tools 132-PC RPT Multi-Bit set (MBS132)
Nut Drivers: Stanley Pass-Through Hollow Core Nut Driver
Multi-Bit Screwdrivers: Klein Tools 32517HD 17-in-1
Impact Hybrid Driver
T-Handle Screwdrivers: GripEdge RPT T-Handles
Squares: Kapro Tools 449-7 Protractor Square
Stud Finders: Klein Tools ESF150LL Electronic Stud Finder with Lasers
Vises: Work IQ Tools IQ Vise System
(Continued on page 49)
HONORED AS the year’s best new structural screw, SPAX PowerLags speed up the construction process, allowing builders to complete projects faster and with less effort.
WIDE WORLD OF RAILINGS
Trex Co. is vastly expanding its railing portfolio, intent on providing “the right railings for every preference and project.”
New are Trex Enhance Steel Railing, Trex Select Aluminum Railing, Trex Select Steel Mesh Panels & Railing Kits, Trex Signature X-Series Cable and Frameless Glass Railing Systems, Trex Select and Trex Enhance All-in-one Railing Post Kits, and a new Charcoal Black color for Trex Select Classic Railing.
TREX.COM
(800) 289-8739
DRIVING AID
Affordable and easy to install on nearly any cordless drill or driver, Simpson Strong-Tie’s new Quik Drive Project Pro is an ideal screw driving tool that enables advanced DIYers to build or repair decks, fences, porches and flooring up to four times faster.
Though a lower-cost option, it uses some of the same designs, patents and manufacturing channels as Quik Drive pro-grade solutions. The auto-feed technology drives screws repeatedly—just squeeze the trigger and apply pressure to drive—with no worry about fumbling or dropping screws.
Lightweight, it installs on almost any driver motor the user may own without an adapter: simply insert it into the drill/driver chuck, adjust and tighten the support arm, and tighten the battery strap. Once the unit is attached, the user can insert the collated fastener strip.
The Quik Drive Project Pro fastening tool is designed for use with 1-5/8” – 2-1/2” Strong-Drive WSV and DeckDrive DSV Wood screws collated for Quik Drive systems.
STRONGTIE.COM/PROJECTPRO
(800) 999-5099
WATERPROOF IN A FLASH
FrogTape Pro Grade Flashing and Waterproofing Tape from Shurtape creates an airtight seal around windows, doors and building openings.
The tape utilizes a high-performance acrylic adhesive specifically formulated for building envelope applications to help it adhere to a variety of surfaces in wide ranging weather conditions.
It’s ideal for residential and construction applications, including the flashing of windows, doors, deck ledgers, and weatherproofing for skylights, dryer vents, roofs and other building openings.
SHURTAPETECH.COM (800) 321-0253
SAND AND DELIVER
Milwaukee Tool’s new M18 FUEL 5” Random Orbital Sander offers less vibration and the power to sand the toughest materials.
Providing an orbital sanding motion with a 3/32” diameter, the tool features a five-mode speed control ranging from 12,000 OPMs to 6,000 OPMs, VacLink Bluetooth Technology, and PowerState Brushless Motor.
MILWAUKEETOOL.COM (800) 729-3878
WOOD ROT REPAIR KIT
DAP’s new Plastic Wood Wood Rot Repair Kit combines two advanced products: a fast-drying wood hardener that strengthens soft, damaged wood and a heavy-duty epoxy filler with a self-mixing nozzle that resists shrinking and cracking.
With the comprehensive kit, repairing wood damage is quick and simple in just five steps: remove the rotted wood, apply the wood hardener, fill with epoxy, then sand and paint for a flawless finish.
DAP.COM (888) 327-8477
Ace Offers Extra Mile Guarantee
Ace Hardware is rolling out its Extra Mile Promise, a guarantee that Ace has the expert advice and supplies needed to help consumers successfully tackle any paint project with just one trip to the store.
Available at participating stores nationwide, the vow was created to address and relieve the frustration consumers deal with when faced with the proposition of yet another trip to the store as a result of forgotten items or not enough paint. Ace is so confident in its one-trip guarantee that it will provide free delivery to consumers who may be in need of additional paint supplies.
Housewraps, Weather Barriers Trending in Residential Market
“While it hurt our pride to learn this, the truth is that while consumers trust Ace as the Helpful Place, far too many of them believed that our speedy sized stores didn’t have enough product to complete their paint project,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO. “We know this isn’t the case, so to assuage these misperceptions, we decided to stand behind our large paint assortment with the Extra Mile Promise. Our objective is simple: to be known as the #1, best, most convenient, most helpful and most credible store for paint in the neighborhood.”
AtWeyco Recalls Coated I-Joists
Housewrap preferences are gradually evolving, according to a recent presentation at the Housewrap 2019 conference on builder and consumer practices by Ed Hudson, Home Innovation Research Labs.
Reel Lumber Service, we supply domestic and foreign hardwoods. Our products and services include:
Milgard Windows and Doors’ new VX350 Vinyl Moving Glass Wall makes incredible views and aweinspiring doors available to an even wider audience.
The product is offered in up to four-panel configurations that stack or slide into pockets, with max panel sizes of 5’x8’ and openings that span widths up to 20’.
The door boasts narrow sightlines that provide sweeping views of the outside while bringing in copious amounts of natural light. It comes with white, almond or black capstock finish and warm-edge spacer system.
Traditional make up materials
Hudson shared that about 60% of all housewrap and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) material is installed on new homes; the remainder is installed primarily on homes being re-sided.
• Hardwood Plywood & Veneers
• Melamine Plywood
Weyerhaeuser is recalling a batch of TJI Joists with Flak Jacket Protection, after linking an odor in certain newly constructed homes to a recent formula change in the coating that included formaldehyde-based resin. The issue is isolated to Flak Jacket product made after Dec. 1, 2016, and does not affect any of the company’s other products.
DuPont’s Tyvek continues to dominate with nearly half the housewrap and WRB installations in new homes. DuPont established leadership in technology and education early and have maintained that leadership for decades.
Ace Offers Extra Mile Guarantee
• Hardwood Moulding (alder, cherry, mahogany, MDF, maple, red oak, paint grade, pecan hickory, white oak, walnut, beech)
Ace Hardware is rolling out its Extra Mile Promise, a guarantee that Ace has the expert advice and supplies needed to help consumers successfully tackle any paint project with just one trip to the store.
• Woodworking Supplies (deft finishes, color putty, adhesives, etc.)
Available at participating stores nationwide, the vow was created to address and relieve the frustration consumers deal with when faced with the proposition of yet another trip to the store as a result of forgotten items or not enough paint. Ace is so confident in its one-trip guarantee that it will provide free delivery to consumers who may be in need of additional paint supplies.
Housewraps, Weather Barriers Trending in Residential Market
Our products are widely used in interior finish carpentry, furniture, cabinetry and hundreds of industrial and manufacturing applications. We stock a complete line of complementary products to complete virtually any woodworking or millwork project.
“While it hurt our pride to learn this, the truth is that while consumers trust Ace as the Helpful Place, far too many of them believed that our speedy sized stores didn’t have enough product to complete their paint project,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO. “We know this isn’t the case, so to assuage these misperceptions, we decided to stand behind our large paint assortment with the Extra Mile Promise. Our objective is simple: to be known as the #1, best, most convenient, most helpful and most credible store for paint in the neighborhood.”
TO MARK Hayward Lumber’s centennial, CEO Bill Hayward sliced the birthday cake Hayward style—with a chain saw—during a Sept. 7 celebration in San Luis Obispo, Ca., that was attended by nearly 1,000.
Combination as Huber’s now make Self-adhered market, as about 3%
Weyerhaeuser replace affected shipments from customers.
Approximately since December $60 million
Alternatives extensively
Windows
Ace Rebranding
Residential amounting the nation. increase in 2019
Door Manufacturers
In 2016, by 6.1% ing any between annual growth before declining Architectural decline the nearly 2.9 continued ly 0.44 million is forecast 2019. Stile 2017 and
Ace Hardware Handyman and improvement Early Ace Handyman subsidiary Handyman of locally locations trained to larger projects. businesses painting collectively 121 territories Andy will continue for Ace Denver. Integration underway
Flak Jacket Protection is a coating applied to I-joists to enhance fire resistance, and it is not widely in use. The product is in various of the houses
Traditional make up materials
product is in various of the houses
Weyerhaeuser replace affected shipments from customers.
Approximately since December $60 million
Combination as Huber’s now make Self-adhered market, as about 3% Alternatives extensively
Windows
Ace Rebranding
Ace Hardware Handyman and improvement
Weyco Recalls Coated I-Joists
Housewrap preferences are gradually evolving, according to a recent presentation at the Housewrap 2019 conference on builder and consumer practices by Ed Hudson, Home Innovation Research Labs.
MILGARD.COM (800) 645-4273 1321 N. Kraemer Blvd. (Box 879), Anaheim, Ca. 92806 Fax 714-630-3190 (714) 632-1988 • (800) 675-REEL 3518 Chicago Ave., Riverside, Ca. 92507 (951) 781-0564
Weyerhaeuser is recalling a batch of TJI Joists with Flak Jacket Protection, after linking an odor in certain newly constructed homes to a recent formula change in the coating that included formaldehyde-based resin. The issue is isolated to Flak Jacket product made after Dec. 1, 2016, and does not affect any of the company’s other products.
Hudson shared that about 60% of all housewrap and weather-resistant barrier (WRB) material is installed on new homes; the remainder is installed primarily on homes being re-sided.
DuPont’s Tyvek continues to dominate with nearly half the housewrap and WRB installations in new homes. DuPont established leadership in technology and education early and have maintained that leadership for decades.
Flak Jacket Protection is a coating applied to I-joists to enhance fire resistance, and it is not widely in use. The
www.reellumber.com
Residential amounting the nation. increase in 2019 Door Manufacturers In 2016, by 6.1% ing any between annual growth before declining Architectural decline the nearly 2.9 continued ly 0.44 million is forecast 2019. Stile 2017 and
Early Ace Handyman subsidiary Handyman of locally locations trained to larger projects. businesses painting collectively 121 territories Andy will continue for Ace Denver. Integration underway
TO MARK Hayward Lumber’s centennial, CEO Bill Hayward sliced the birthday cake Hayward style—with a chain saw—during a Sept. 7 celebration in San Luis Obispo, Ca., that was attended by nearly 1,000.
FRESHEN UP FENCES
Seal-Once is introducing Fence Guard Stain Concentrate, an eco-friendly, water-based wood stain that offers the same superior performance as traditional oil-based stains.
Specifically formulated to protect wood fences from water damage, this innovative product provides ultra-low VOC, excellent penetration, and uniform coverage—all while being safe to use around pets, plants and people. It resists cracking, peeling and mildew for long-lasting performance.
Colors include Coastal Gray, Espresso, Sierra Cedar, and Western Redwood.
UCCOATINGS.COM (888) 363-2628
MORE COLOR ON DECK
Two new colors with heat-mitigating technology have been added to Trex Enhance composite decking: Honey Grove, a mix of browns, grays and onyx black streaks that evoke the bounty of the natural world, and Tide Pool, a misty gray that draws inspiration from the tides.
Trex also added new hues to Lineage: Hatteras, a neutral brown inspired by windswept dunes, and Salt Flat, a symphony of silvers, whites and grays.
TREX.COM (800) 289-8739
METAL MESH INFILL
Digger Specialties Inc. is adding a 3-5/8” mesh infill option to its Westbury Sorrento Mesh Railing. Designed to provide a sophisticated, contemporary style that enhances the visual appeal of decks, balconies and porches, the railing features unmatched longterm durability and resistance to the elements.
The new 3-5/8” stainless steel mesh railing is now available as a second option along with earlier introduced, smaller 2-3/8” stainless steel mesh infill railing.
DIGGERSPECIALTIES.COM (800) 446-7659
ACOUSTIC PLASTER
CertainTeed’s new Ecophon FADE Duo acoustic plastering system absorbs unwanted noise to achieve a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.75 to 0.85. A two-stage acoustical plaster (primer + top) is spray-applied to a fiberglass coreboard, which can be mounted to ceilings and walls. It comes with a smooth or fine textured surface, in white and six other standard colors that can be easily mixed into the plaster.
CERTAINTEED.COM (800) 233-8990
MODERN MATTE COAT
Sto Corp. is adding a flat sheen to its high-performance StoColor Acryl Plus coating line. It joins an existing eggshell sheen.
Flat coatings provide virtually no sheen and reflect less light— ideal for hiding imperfections, easy touch up, and recoating EIFS and stucco. The acrylic-based coatings deliver excellent adhesion, weather resistance, and color stability in new construction and restoration.
STOCORP.COM (800) 221-2397
LIGHT SHOW
TimberTech is introducing several new lighting innovations.
The new LED Lantern Post Cap Light is meticulously designed and color-matched to complement TimberTech’s Classic Composite Series and Impression Rail Express, casting a soft halo of light that defines any space. The Reversible LED Accent Light adds subtle illumination to posts, transition points, and stairs, enhancing safety and visibility. Recessed LED Riser Lights provide gentle, discreet lighting for stairs.
TIMBERTECH.COM (877) 275-2935
POCKET FRAME PLYWOOD CLIP SET
Johnson Hardware’s 1515-PLY Pocket Door Frame Plywood Clip Set delivers a solid inner structure, providing triple the strength to hang cabinets, towel racks, tiles and other heavy materials to pocket door walls.
Quick and easy to install, the clip set anchors plywood panels to the pocket door frame split studs and the wall studs. It’s compatible with all Johnson pocket door frames and comes with all mounting screws and clips. Installers just provide the 5/8” thick plywood. It can be used in 2”x4” or 2”x6” stud walls and with doors weighing up to 400 lbs.
JOHNSONHARDWARE.COM (574) 293-5664
, VIBRANT SHINGLES
IKO has expanded its Dynasty Cool Colors Plus shingle line with the introduction of five new striking colors: Dual Brown, Graphite Black, Pebble Grey, Bayshore and Coastal Sands.
The shingles are designed to exceed the minimum reflectivity standards by 25%. Their vibrant color blends and specially designed granules minimize heat transmission into attics, achieving high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) ratings.
IKO.COM (888) 456-7663
NAWLA TRADERS MARKET
SHOW STOPPER: [1] During the event, Humboldt Sawmill gave away a truckload of redwood timbers. [2] Winner was (in green vest) Brad Gabriel, OrePac Building Products, Denver,
The North American Wholesale Lumber Associ ation held its annual Traders Market Nov. 13-15 in Phoenix, Az.
In addition to the always-packed show floor and countless networking opportunities, other highlights included speakers Mike Rayburn, who inspired attendees with three powerful tools to unlock their potential, and Stefanie Couch, who explored the power of AI, building a personal brand, and developing the next generation of leaders.
During the event, NAWLA finalized its 2025 directors, who will begin their terms on Jan. 1. New chair is Kyle Little, Sherwood Lumber; 1st vice chair Judy Haney, Boise Cascade; 2nd vice chair Warren Reeves, Wholesale Wood Products; secretary-treasurer Derek Cone, Capital; executive committee at-large Thomas Mende, Binderholz; and immediate past chair Clark Spitzer, Snavely Forest
Products. They will be joined on the board by Kent Beveridge, Skana; Bryan Boyd, MRS; Lori Byrd, RoyOMartin; Harris Gant, ECMD; Gavy Gosal, Terminal Forest Products; KayCee Hallstrom, Zip-O-Log; Carl Lamb, Snavely; Paul Odomirok, Lumin Forest Products; Grant Phillips, Wildwood Trading Group; Alden Robbins, Robbins Lumber; Steve Rustja, Weston Forest; Curt Stuckey, Wholesale Wood Products; and Morgan Wellens, Nicholson & Cates.
Co. [3] Jessica Hewitt, Matthew Slack. [4] Mikey Goodman, Andy Goodman, Natalie Heacock, Josh Goodman, Alyson McLaughlin. [5] Peter Crowell, Alex Darrah. [6] Rob Rowe, Emily Beckley (More photos on next pages)
NAWLA TRADERS MARKET (continued): [7] Dion Dorazio, Kyle Jones, Curt Stuckey, Darren Barker, Chad Findlay. [8] Steve Firko, Susan Cho. [9] Scott Elston, Gerry Pankratz. [10] Craig Combs, William Ramos. [11] James Olsen,
Jake Olsen. [12] Paul Quandt, Tatiana Larson. [13] Joe Honochick, Natalie Heacock. [14] Roelif Loveland, Chuck Casey. [15] Kalayna Crook, Ryan Hagen. [16] Kirk Todish, Jim Vandegrift. (More photos on next three pages)
NAWLA (continued): [17] Tricia Dauzat, Connie Baker, Kelly Matthews, Spencer Martin, Patrick Price, Kristie McCurdy, John Morrison. [18] Nick Matute, Brad Schneider. [19] Mike Watkins, Lauren Pruett, Philip Barter. [20] Emily Russ, Raven Garrett. [21] Garrett Mahigan, Emily Bachand, Jonny Wilford, Jeff Wiesner. [22] Kris Long, Hal Mitchell, Mike Mooney. [23] Keaton Smith,
Steve Getsiv, Jason Benford, Bill Christou. [24] Joe Buttice, Terri Adair, Greg Johnson. [25] Geoffrey Richson, Rob Dennison. [26] Chris Boyts, Larry Boyts. [27] Janet Pimentel, Bobby Byrd, Nestor Pimentel. [28] Leslie Southwick, Terry Rasmussen, Aaron Fleming, Tyler Robitaille. [29] Mark Rutledge, Sean Coughlin, Jordan Murphy. (More photos on next two pages)
TRADERS MARKET (continued): [30] Rob Parisotto, Paul Johnson, Kati Walton, Robert Hettinger. [31] Max Yarbrough, Mark Scott, Dave Patch. [32] Steve Bernardi, Chad Gomon, Hanna Smith, Tony Bonansea, Kent Bond. [33] Amy Vitek, Len Moscowitz, Brenda Collons. [34] Archie Rafter, Brian Hawrysh, Ken Kalesnikoff. [35] Stacy Patterson, Darren Richardson. [36] Joel Lambert, James Sedlack. [37] Chip Brittain, Jeff Jackman, Mike Mischke, Steve & Jenny
Culbertson, Andy Faircloth, Ben Sluder. [38] Brandon Crosier. [39] Wade Buick, Terry Blanton, Bill Sweeney, Todd Lindsey. [40] Lee Daugherty, Mark Pennington. [41] Hank Delesandro, Bill Price. [42] Mark Romano, Andrew Romano. [43] Kaylee Dorris, Greg Wells. [44] Chase Darnell, Clint Darnell. (More photos on next page)
NAWLA (continued): [45] Dina Fuller, Harris Gant, Lori Baines. [46] Joe La Berge, Tyler Freres, Dean Johnson. [47] Rick Mueller, Elijah Dela Cruz. [48] Mike McInnes, Jack Romano. [49] David Hanson. [50] Patrick Adams, Jeff Easterling. [51] Mason Fuller, Will Anderson. [52] Bobby Lewis, Laurence Newton, Tony Strange. [53] Tyson Sands, Ryan Kline. [54] Charles Nwoye,
Stefan Lyren, Blake Moran. [55] Charley Melkonian, Karim Bedran. [56] David Conner, David Jones. [57] Ryan Brunner, Bob Uglow, Michael Krider. [58] Manuel Kohler, Daniela Contreras, Patricio Diaz-Valdes. [59] Mark Stewart, Anthony Muck, Jason Bolstad. [60] Noah Macy, Cassidy Bowers, Cecil Higby, Jeff Bowers.
DECK EXPO DOES DALLAS
DECK EXPO stormed Dallas Nov. 12-14. [1] Elizabeth Rajs, Sam Sao, Mo Shearer, Angie Mathews. [2] Nick Brennan, Ronald Blok, Ashley Bennett, Alex Paleewong, Ryan Guidry. [3] Joseph Pass, Jeff Wilkins, Scott Menefee. [4] Tony Braida, Levi Tippetts, Tom McMahon. [5] Chadd Furley, Steve Thurber. [6] Joel Delacruz. [7] Dave Ellerbee, Greg Groenhout, Madelyn Velting, Chris Case, Arun Venkatesan. [8] Ana Kuzmina, Jono Gross. [9] Team Digger (front) Tom Harley, Loren
“Digger” Graber, Mary Gearheart, Charlie Klimkowski, Josh Peizer; (back) Gerry Lieder, Jason Lewis, Steve Lonsway, Matt Koble, Mike Lambert, Steve Gress. [10] Chris Johnson, Bill Laughlin [11] Marta & Andrew Schmitt, Bobby Parks, Mike Kunard, Pat & Julie Noonan, Mark Behnecke [12] Brad Mrozinski, Mark Stover [13] Mike Hopson, Joe Jacklin, Jason Russell, Wes Kain, Quinton Weber [14] Kiyokazu Yoshioka, Chris Flynn, Takanobu Imaya. (More photos on next page)
DECK EXPO (continued from previous page): [15] Scott Sproat, Ryan Adamson, Brett Kelly, Gwladys Petit. [16] Ryan Collison, Haylie Babl, Al Collison, Todd Hendrix. [17] John Ross, Jonathan Freeman, Scott Fischer. [18] Kalvin Eden, Jeff Patrick, Jaime Valencia. [19] Todd Sargent, Carey Hicks. [20] Gabriel Kinslow, Andres Turriago, Ron Beacham, Daniel Polanco. [21] Rich Kost, Richard Bergman. [22] Tanner Cannon, Anna Shineflew, Trevor Johnson. [23] Ethan
Margolis, Tim Simkins, Joe Thielen, Bryan Hoexum, John Brantley, Chris Berg, Mara Allen, Michelle Hendricks, Jeff Falke, Chad Zschiesche, Taylor Robida. [24] Lainie Sleppin, Stephen Lerman, Melissa DeSola. [25] Shaun Jennings, Gavin Pedrotti, Rob Thornbladh. [26] Nick Shell, Stephanie Van Tiegham, Dave Berninger. [27] Warren Orsted, Ken Scott, Brent & Anne Gwatney, Michael Beaudry. [28] Sara Graves, April Edwards. [29] Chuck Casey, Andrew Pantelides.
Photos
Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.
West Coast Lumber & Building Material Assn. – Dec. 5, 2nd Growth holiday meeting, Anaheim, Ca.; www.lumberassociation.org.
American Fence Association – Jan. 24-28, FenceTech, Salt Lake City, Ut.; www.americanfenceassociation.com.
Western Pallet Association – Jan. 25-27, annual meeting, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage, Ca.; www.westernpallet.org.
National Association of Wholesale Distributors – Jan. 27-29, executive summit, Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.; www.naw.org
International Surface Event – Jan. 27-30, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.intlsurfaceevent.com.
starting with two stores in Atlanta and kicking off the big-box home center craze. He served as the chain’s first CEO, and was chairman until retiring in 2002. It is currently the world’s largest home improvement retailer, with a half-million employees, more than 2,300 stores in North America, and annual sales exceeding $150 billion.
In 1989, Bernie and his wife, Billi, established The Marcus Foundation, which has since handed out more than 3,500 grants totalling over $2.7 billion. They were recently named the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year by Forbes and received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.
He authored two books—Built from Scratch: How a Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion (with Blank) and Kick Up Some Dust: Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back, and Doing It Yourself.
Larry Stevens, 71, vice president of Kelleher Corp., San Rafael, Ca., passed away on Oct. 18.
A graduate of UC Berkeley, Larry worked for Sequoia Supply and OrePac Building Products before beginning his 39-year career with Kelleher.
BURTON ACQUIRES OREGON INDUSTRIAL
Burton Mill Solutions, Woodland, Wa., has acquired Oregon Industrial, Eugene, Or. Oregon Industrial is a leading bandsaw blade weld center, specializing in precision tooth matching for nearly 90 years.
The acquisition expands Burton Mill Solutions’ ability to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in custom cutting tools.
The continued use of the same state-of-the-art equipment and the same experienced Oregon Industrial professionals will ensure the same exceptional quality and service.
According to senior VP Chuck Wert, “We are delighted to join forces with Oregon Industrial Bandsaw. The addition of the narrow band welding service, and all the employees that have contributed to its success, will allow us to better serve to the secondary markets in the U.S. West.”
As part of the transition, Oregon Industrial will be relocating to the Burton facility across town in Springfield, Or., where it will be integrated into existing operations.
Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., died on Nov. 4 at the age of 95. A 1954 graduate of Rutgers University, he began climbing the corporate ladder at Two Guys, Daylin and Handy Dan, which fired him in 1978. He promptly teamed with Arthur Blank and Ken Langone to launch Home Depot,
Burton Mill Solutions is the leading North American manufacturer of industrial saw blades, machine knives, filing room equipment, cutting tool reconditioning services, and vocational training to the lumber, pulp and wood biomass industries, with a history dating back to 1832. Its brands include Simonds International, BGR Saws, The Knife Source, Wright Machine, Armstrong and U.S. Blades, plus sister companies USNR, a global leader in sawmill and panel machinery, and Mid-South Engineering, North America’s oldest and largest professional engineering services firm exclusively serving the wood products industry.
Sellick Equipment, manufacturer of rough terrain forklifts for more than 50 years.
FLASHBACK: DOING THEIR PART
EIGHTY-ONE YEARS AGO, in December of 1943, the raging World War was on everyone’s mind—including the advertisers in The California Lumber Merchant
Among those that mixed Christmas greetings with ties to the war effort:
California Panel & Veneer Co. saluted the ladies who took over “men’s jobs” when the boys went off to war.
J.E. Higgins Lumber doffed its cap to the nation’s paratroopers.
The Red River Lumber Co. celebrated the importance of domestic workers in the lumber industry.
Schumacher Wall Board noted how much product was going into the war effort—and how equally important it would prove back home.
Southern California distributor George E. Ream Co. encouraged the industry to give war bonds for Christmas in its ad on the cover of the December 1943 edition.
Wendling-Nathan Co. noted the vital role of wood in the fight.
And, E.J. Stanton & Son closed the issue wishing “Season’s Greetings to all old friends… Victory and Peace to all mankind.”
REDWOOD
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.
