Dricon® FRTW has been specified for interior applications for more than 40 years and now, with the addition of Dricon® Tempus® fire retardant treaters have their pick of formulations.
During its proven years on the market, Dricon® FR has always been offered as a solid. Now, with our introduction of Dricon® Tempus® FR, it is also available in an easy-to-use liquid concentrate with all the performance features of our longstanding products. Whether choosing Dricon® Tempus®, or Dricon® FS, have the confidence to know they both protect wood by reducing flame spread and smoke development, the #1 killer in fires.
Innovated to reduce flame spread and smoke development in exterior applications, FRX® fire retardant treated wood provides tested fire protection for applications directly exposed to weather.
The 2021 IBC states in section 2303.2.2 that “The use of paints, coatings, stains or other surface treatments is not an approved method of protection.”
Dricon® and FRX® pressure treated wood products are suitable for your 2021 code-compliant project!
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SURPRISED AT MYSELF
------------ BY PATRICK ADAMS
I’VE SPENT MUCH of my life consumed with “what if” scenarios. Part survival mechanism, part goal setting, part dreaming—it’s how my mind works.
Anyone who knows me eventually says, usually with a laugh, “I feel sorry for your daughter.” They’re half-joking, but fully aware of how protective I am of my family—especially her. My standard reply? Something about having a big backyard, plenty of shovels, and a few friends who never ask questions when I call for a favor.
Next week, my daughter starts high school. Her life— and ours—feels like a whirlwind of volleyball and endless activities. This summer was barely a week long: club volleyball ended in mid-June, high school tryouts came in July, followed by club tryouts, then straight into daily practices. But strangely, that’s not what has me surprised.
Over the summer, she started “talking” (the teenage code for something beyond friendship) with a boy she’s known for years. And today, I dropped her off with 400 other freshmen for her school’s two-day mountain retreat. Friends keep checking in on me, and even my wife is giving me curious looks—waiting for me to snap into full “dad in war mode.”
But to my own surprise, the opposite happened.
At 14, she’s not perfect—she’s made mistakes and had her share of disappointments. Yet each time, I’ve found myself responding with calm, recognizing that it’s part of growing up. I think often of something my wife’s father once told me. I had asked how on earth he allowed her to date me when I showed up for our first official date. His answer stunned me: it had nothing to do with me. He said he trusted his daughter because he knew how she was
raised, who she had become, and that she would make good choices. Simple.
I’ve carried that wisdom with me. I used to joke about the day my daughter’s version of “me” showed up at the door—friends placed bets, and my wife probably started a defense fund in secret. Yet when I dropped her off for that retreat, I smiled, told her to have fun, and drove away without stress, fear or tears.
Even when I learned she was “talking” to that boy, I wasn’t angry. I was happy. Not because I’ve forgotten what 14-year-old boys are like, but because he’s genuinely a good young man, and I’m glad they chose each other to “talk” to—whatever that means.
This doesn’t mean I don’t worry. I do, and always will. I still run through plenty of “what ifs.” But now, they’re less about fear and more about excitement—excitement to see how she applies the lessons we’ve tried to teach her. She’s an amazing young woman, and like every proud father, I believe she’ll change the world. Still, the world should know—her dad is right behind her, with more than enough shovels.
And to those of you reading, I know many of you smile remembering your own journeys. I’ve met your nowgrown children, and they are nothing short of incredible. Thank you for letting me serve you and this great industry—and for the wisdom and advice you’ve shared with this still-“young” parent along the way.
PATRICK S. ADAMS, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com
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.
INNOVATIONS IN OSB AND PLYWOOD
ADDING VALUE BENEFITS THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN
------------ BY DAVID KOENIG
OSB AND PLYWOOD have long been viewed as basic commodities—structural panels hidden behind walls, under flooring, or beneath roofs. But in recent years, a major shift has been taking place. Manufacturers are adding performance features that offer real, tangible value to homeowners, builders, architects and dealers.
For dealers and manufacturers, these newer value-added products generate higher margins than basic commodities. But they also pass benefits down the line. These enhanced panels may carry a higher upfront cost, but they often reduce labor time, eliminate the need for additional materials, help meet more stringent building code requirements, generate less waste, and allow for creative new design possibilities.
All of this translates into additional benefits for dealers. According to Ryan Wolters, CMPC’s vice president of sales, “We believe the rise of valueadded wood products like our Selex plywood line offers significant advantages for lumberyards and home centers. These products, with their enhanced quality and specialized features, improve customer satisfaction and reduce jobsite issues for builders. This leads to increased profits and stronger customer relationships for our supply chain partners. To capitalize on this, retailers should highlight the superior benefits of these advanced offerings to help differentiate their inventory and attract new market opportunities.”
Parry Healy, director of brand and segment marketing for LP, agreed: “Value-added products
WEATHER-RESISTANT barriers, including TuffStrand-WRB from RoyOMartin, help eliminate the need for extra layers of protection to keep air and moisture out of a structure.
come armed with advanced features that can benefit pros, and lumberyards and home centers can take advantage by positioning themselves as a solutions provider rather than just a raw materials provider.”
Among the more impactful innovations:
1. Integrated Weather-Resistant Barriers
One of the most popular advancements is the integration of weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) directly into OSB and plywood panels. Instead of requiring housewrap or additional layers of protection to keep water and air out, many sheathing products now come affixed or coated with an overlay that restricts air and moisture flow.
Products include the ZIP System Sheathing from Huber; ForceField Weather Barrier System and DryGuard Enhanced OSB, and WRB-coated DryPly Plywood Sturd-I-Floor from Georgia-Pacific; TuffStrandWRB from RoyOMartin; and LP WeatherLogic Air & Water Barrier.
2. Energy-Efficient Enhancements
Another popular group of value-added panel products offer thermal insulation features. Radiant barriers typically consist of OSB or plywood backed with a specially designed metalized film/Kraft paper laminate. Panels are installed foil-side down facing into the attic space, to reflect the vast majority of radiant heat into a home.
Products include Eclipse OSB Radiant Barrier from RoyOMartin, RBS from Weyerhaeuser, Thermostat Radiant Barrier OSB from Georgia-Pacific, Boise Cascade SolarPly, West Fraser Solarbord, and LP TechShield Radiant Barrier.
3. Enhanced Fire-Rated Panels
With growing concern over fire safety in both residential and commercial construction, manufacturers are offering fire-rated versions of OSB and plywood that meet stringent code requirements. These panels incorporate fire-retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process, allowing them to perform better under high temperatures without compromising structural integrity.
Products include LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated OSB Sheathing and MagTech Fire Retardant OSB Sheathing.
Wood preservative manufacturers also offer fireretardant treatments that can be impregnated into plywood, including FlamePRO from Koppers, D-Blaze from Viance, PyroGuard and ExteriorFireX from Hoover Treated Wood Products, and Dricon FS and FRX from Arxada.
4. Larger Panels
Several manufacturers are producing longer length OSB panels (beyond the traditional 8') particularly for use with tall ceilings, so the sheathing can span from sill plate to top plate, eliminating horizontal seams and the need for blocking between panels, as well as reducing air leakage, installation time, and waste. The longer panels also come in handy for high-wind zones.
Products include WindBrace OSB Wall Sheathing from RoyOMartin and LP LongLength OSB and LongLength XL from LP.
Expect continuing upgrades in what OSB and plywood panels can do—and realize that distributors and dealers play an important role in their success.
“As with many new products in the building industry, it is a good distributor’s role in the supply chain that has helped facilitate the rise of products like value-added OSB,” noted Roger Fossett, director of commodity procurement for Boise Cascade Building Materials Distribution. “Most of these product lines are multi-SKU’ed and require a great amount of education at both the dealer and builder level. A good two-step distributor’s role in the supply chain is to have local inventory available, as well as provide the education necessary to give dealers the confidence to stock and promote these products downstream.” BPD
PLYWOOD and OSB can offer fire resistance through pressure treatment (as in the pictured FlamePRO-treated plywood from Culpeper Wood Preservers) or with the addition of a non-combustible surface layer.
RADIANT BARRIER panels, such as RBS from Weyerhaeuser, are backed with heat-reflecting foil.
DEMAND, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WESTERN RED CEDAR
------------ BY BRAD KIRKBRIDE
WESTERN RED CEDAR has been widely used and highly popular for centuries. Valued for its beauty, versatility and natural resistance to decay, the wood species is a sought-after material for decking, siding, fencing and outdoor structures.
At the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, we see firsthand how interest in WRC and yellow cedar is growing, despite an increasingly competitive marketplace from non-wood substitute products. Due in part to a growing awareness of the damaging environmental effects of non-wood products and a trend to return to natural materials like wood for their health benefits and sustainability, organic traffic (traffic that is not from paid advertising) to realcedar.com has trended upwards year over year, as have searches for Real Cedar retailers. This interest is noted in global markets which have experienced year over year increases, with particular interest from markets in Asia, Europe and Oceania.
Despite this growth however, sourcing and purchasing western red cedar and yellow cedar have become increasingly difficult due to a combination of political and economic factors. Stricter environmental regulations,
land use disputes and harvest restrictions in the Pacific Northwest have all had their effect on supply. Additionally, trade tensions and tariffs, coupled with rising transportation and labor costs, have further complicated the market and created challenges for both suppliers and consumers.
What it all boils down to is a clear dichotomy between Real Cedar’s enduring appeal and the growing obstacles to its availability.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce has signaled intentions to further increase tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, potentially exceeding 50% at some TRADE TENSIONS
Certainly the biggest challenge facing the industry today is the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have led to punishing tariffs on WRC. As I’m sure most readers are aware, earlier this year the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, which, when combined with existing duties, brought the total tariff on Canadian softwood lumber to approximately 39.5%. As organizations like Reuters and NHBA have noted, this has raised serious concerns among Canadian producers about competitiveness and market access.
point. This uncertainty surrounding trade policies has also made long-term planning challenging for businesses in the WRC supply chain, which has further complicated meeting consumer demand for WRC.
What makes the dichotomy between interest versus new challenges in sourcing so dire is that western red cedar and yellow cedar are products that we need; not just ones that we want. They are far more environmentally friendly than non-wood composites, and their role in sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change is crucial to our future well-being. Natural wood products have known health benefits and studies show they reduce stress and stress-related disease. The softwood industry also creates a significant number of jobs in North America and supports numerous rural and Indigenous communities.
Given its importance and demand, it’s essential we adapt to navigate the challenges ahead to continue to succeed in this changing market. Fortunately, we can do just that.
Industry associations play a crucial role in supporting the sectors they represent. We can work to engage with policymakers to advocate for fair trade practices and to highlight the unique qualities of materials like WRC that make it a needed choice in the construction and repair and renovation sectors. Efforts can also include participating in trade negotiations, providing market intelligence to members, and promoting the benefits of products like Real Cedar through advertising and marketing campaigns.
In addition to advocating for the WRC and yellow cedar industries, the WRCLA is also instrumental in ed-
ucating consumers and professionals about the benefits of using these products. Workshops, training sessions, industry accredited educational courses and events like our recent annual Cedar School and Cedar Summit all work to grow awareness and demand for WRC products. Recently, the WRCLA has also taken a proactive approach to developing new avenues of opportunity. We are exploring international markets to reduce our dependence on the U.S. New value-added products including engineered cedar and prefinished products can fill niche markets and command premium prices. Additionally, operational efficiencies such as investing in new technologies and processes can significantly add to our competitive advantage. For every challenge, there’s an opportunity.
Historically, the WRC market has been characterized by uncertainty and challenges. But the recent resurgence in demand for WRC, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable and healthier building materials warrants we meet these challenges with strategic planning, innovation and collaboration within the industry. By leveraging the support of our industry and adopting adaptive business strategies, manufacturers and distributors can navigate these challenges and continue to thrive in this evolving market landscape. BPD
– Brad Kirkbride is managing director of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (www.wrcla.org). Established in 1954, WRCLA is the voice of the cedar industry and has members in 145 locations throughout North America.
NEW VALUE-ADDED products like engineered western red cedar are creating new opportunities in the market.
HUMBOLDT SAWMILL CO., Ukiah, Ca., recently launched a new line of premium redwood products, as well as an eye-catching new ad campaign to promote them. The “Let’s Build Something Beautiful” campaign focuses on the many ways redwood can be used to make the built environment more beautiful, as well as the benefits that can accrue for stocking redwood dealers in terms of relationship building with their key customers.
The new campaign is launching in trade print media, including in The Merchant and BPD magazines, and in digital format as well. Simultaneously, Humboldt Sawmill Co. sales representatives are reaching out to new and existing customers to highlight recent product innovations the company is bringing to the market.
“Redwood is the right product for right now,” states Jason Faulkner, VP, mill sales. “We have developed new product lines that combine the properties redwood is already known for, including beauty and durability, and enhanced those properties to create new products to meet growing market demand.”
Exterior Class A FRT Redwood Decking & Siding
The devastating fires in Los Angeles earlier this year sparked intense interest in Class A decking and siding products. And while untreated redwood already meets California Building Code Chapter 7A for use in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, some homeowners and builders across the Western U.S. are looking for fire-retardant treated (FRT) wood options for decking and siding applications.
HUMBOLDT SAWMILL CO. is now stocking a new line of Exterior Class A fire retardant-treated redwood decking and siding products that are code compliant in WUI areas.
“Ipé and other tropical woods meet Class A but with high costs and challenging availability. Those products aren’t always a great option, particularly for homeowners who prefer to build with locally grown Forest Stewardship Council certified products,” states Faulkner.
Humboldt Sawmill Co. has partnered with Hoover Treated Wood Products to treat redwood decking and siding with Hoover’s clear ExteriorFireX formulation. These products meet the highest standards for performance under fire conditions, have been tested in accordance with ASTM E84, and are code compliant with respect to both California Building Code Chapter 7A and IWUIC.
“The combination of redwood with a Class A FRT formulation is a game changer,” adds Faulkner. “Untreated redwood is already code compliant in California’s WUI areas, but for those wanting to install a Class A product, they can now do that and still use redwood.” Whether untreated or Class A FRT, redwood decking and siding will be fully compliant with the new 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) which becomes effective January 1, 2026.
Pattern Stock Potential
The continuing popularity of natural wood siding and pattern products makes Humboldt Sawmill Co. a perfect fit with its diverse mix of heartwood and sapwood grades. From premium Heart Clear VG and B Grade to economical Superior Heart and Common, there are many choices for discerning customers looking for timeless beauty and longevity.
Timbers for Outdoor Living
The importance of outdoor living to homeowners shows no sign of letting up. Shade structures and pergolas allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces in the hot summer months and provide a focused gathering area year-round. A naturally durable wood species such as redwood is ideal for outdoor structures featuring post and beam construction. To this end, Humboldt Sawmill Co. manufactures freeof-heart-center (FOHC) redwood timbers in Construction Heart grade in 3", 4", 6", and 8" thicknesses, widths from 6" to 12", and lengths
from 10 to 24 ft. Boxed Heart timbers are available by special order in dimensions from 8x8 to 24x24. All timbers are available in rough and S4S finishes.
Jason Faulkner summarizes, “With our vertical integration and owning our forestlands, to our manufacturing centers and strong
distribution network, it makes sense for us to branch out with new product lines. Demand for premium natural wood is strong, and we are in a great place to capitalize on that with redwood.” BPD
– For more information, please visit www.getredwood.com.
THE BEAUTY and warmth of redwood pattern stock is evident in the 19,000-sq. ft. Turn 11 hospitality facility at Sonoma Raceway.
REDWOOD TIMBERS from Humboldt Sawmill Co. are naturally durable and ideal for outdoor living areas that feature pergolas or other shade structures.
FOR RUSTIC AND MODERN LOOKS, SOUTHERN CYPRESS SELLS
------------ BY IAN FAIGHT
THE NATURAL LOOK of real wood can add aesthetic warmth and character to any residential or commercial project. It’s no wonder why so many wood-look products can be found in the marketplace. Imitation is flattery after all, but as architects and designers know, the rustic charm and modern appeal of real wood can never truly be duplicated. And as lumber dealers and distributors are finding out, one species stands out: cypress. Not only does cypress offer good looks and dependable performance, it’s also readily available and competitively priced.
“Cypress is a unique and versatile wood species,” says Truss Beasley, Beasley Forest Products, Hazlehurst, Ga. “It’s technically a softwood, but grows alongside hardwoods and is processed with them as well. Cypress products can be used indoors for what are traditionally hardwood applications—from cabinetry to millwork and everything in between. They also have the added benefit of being used for outdoor applications, such as siding, fencing, porch floors and ceilings, soffits and even structural projects utilizing timbers.”
Unlike common softwoods that need to be pressure-treated for outdoor use, cypress is naturally resistant to the elements, decay, and insects thanks to an oil that’s produced in its heartwood that acts as a preservative. These qualities have long made cypress siding and other products architectural fixtures for coastal homes and commercial buildings in its native Southern region, and more recently, across the country in various climates. Those trends look to continue.
“Given its natural attributes, as well as economic and en-
vironmental conditions, demand for cypress is poised to see an uptick,” says Mike Shook, Norcross Supply Co., Norcross, Ga. “With all the tariff talk impacting Canadian imports and wildfire season affecting logging out West, costs and availability for certain species will have a dramatic impact on the market, leading to increased sourcing of alternatives, such as cypress, for both commercial and residential projects.
“We recently supplied 1x6 tongue-and-groove cypress for an office project. The rustic look of the wood gives the building’s facade a distinctive look and helps it stand out— which is especially true when you look at the cypress and alternative materials side by side.”
There’s also the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the housing market. There seems to be a wait-and-see attitude, especially when it comes to interest rates and taking on renovation projects and buying homes.
“This year, remodeling has not picked up dramatically, but houses also are not selling,” Shook adds. “As inventory builds, sellers will need to differentiate their homes to get them sold. That creates opportunities for interior projects like accent walls and ceilings. Shiplap and tongue-andgroove patterns in narrower, one-by-four widths are popular in our area and there’s a steady supply. Add in cypress’ warm, honey-like hues and attractive grain pattern, and a relatively low-cost upgrade can create a striking visual appearance and modern look on an otherwise boring wall or ceiling that can sway a buyer’s decision.” BPD
– Ian Faight is the managing director of the Southern Cypress Manufactures Association (www.cypressinfo.org).
GEORGIA OFFICE project features cladding made from rustic 1x6 T&G cypress. (Photo by Norcross Supply)
WHAT ARE WE PROJECTING?
I WORK WITH salespeople every day who are letting their personal feelings get in the way of selling.
What do I mean? Are there times when we have a bad day? Fight with our spouses? Have a death in the family? Aren’t selling enough? Yes. Should we share these feelings and negative experiences with our customers? Absolutely not! We may have that one “customer for life” who has turned into a friend and confidant with whom we may share some of our interior battles, but in most cases, sharing our problems (personal or business) with customers does not lead to more business.
Our customers are not our personal cry-towel and they don’t want to be. If anyone is going to be crying on anyone’s shoulder, our customers should be crying on ours.
Not bringing up our problems is just the first step. Just because we don’t talk about our problems, doesn’t mean we aren’t projecting negativity into our sales calls. Sulking, pouting, being “down in the dumps,” sales calls without energy and (heaven forbid!) some pizzazz are just as bad as bringing up our personal problems.
Part of our jobs as salespeople is acting. Our customers do not (and will not) want to jump off a bridge with us. They want to buy from someone who is up, confident and has some energy. Our customers have problems of their own and, in many cases, are looking for inspiration to make it through their day.
Did Your Kid Score a Goal This Weekend?
Almost more irritating than the salesperson who wants to talk about how tough they have it is the salesper-
BY JAMES OLSEN
son who wants to brag about their personal, their company, or their family’s victories. Talking non-stop about our kid’s goal this weekend can also leave our customers cold. If our customer doesn’t have kids, they aren’t going to want to spend much time talking about kids. If our customers do have kids, they are going to want to talk about their kids, not ours.
Am I saying we can’t talk about ourselves? No. I am saying that many of us are overdoing it. 70/30 is a good rule when talking with customers. Our customers should be talking 70% of the time we interact with them. If we hear ourselves talking too much, a little alarm should go off in our heads that says, “Ask a question!”
Use the Turn-Around
When a customer asks us about our weekend, business or our family, let’s use the “Turn-Around” to get our customers talking about themselves, their business or their family.
Customer: “How was your weekend, John?”
Self-indulgent Salesperson: “Blah, blah, blah, with too much detail and for too long.”
Pro Salesperson: “We had a great time. Went to a couple soccer games with my kids, played a little golf, how about you?”
Our customer will then tell us about their weekend, their family, and their business. While they are talking about their life, we listen for the opportunity to ask a follow-up question, which will lead us deeper into their psyche, life and business. These kinds of conversations lead to deeper relationships with customers.
Stay Positive
If we want to sell more, we need to project a positive attitude and ask our customers about themselves. If we are not selling as much as we want, we can always answer the question, “How’s it going?” with “Busy! Working hard!” This answer will put us in the top 20% of sellers. Many salespeople commiserate with their customers, but not the salespeople that are selling!
Our customers are looking for upbeat salespeople who will listen to their problems and come up with solutions for them, not the other way around.
Self Talk
Convincing ourselves to be positive is step #1. We will not convince anyone else if we cannot first convince ourselves. I have worked with many successful salespeople who use self-talk.
Try this: the next time you are going into a tough call, whether on the phone or in person, tell yourself how well the call is going to go. Tell yourself you are going to get the order. Really convince yourself. If you can convince yourself, your sales calls will go better. This may seem a simple solution to a big problem, but simple solutions are usually the best. If you want to project a better image, convince yourself first! BPD
JAMES OLSEN
PAY TRANSPARENCY
------------ NICHOLAS RITCHIE
THE PAY TRANSPARENCY trend is no longer a trend; it’s a reality. Across the United States, many state-level laws and local ordinances are being enacted to increase transparency in salary negotiations and in the overall hiring process. Just this year, five states have added new text and regulations relating to pay transparency requirements. On a local level, many large cities and industrial centers have additional requirements (New York City, Jersey City, Cleveland, to name a few). The management and execution of these changes, especially in areas where both state and local requirements are in effect, can be challenging. Arguably more complex are remote/hybrid roles and territory-based positions where an employee will be based outside of the organization’s “home state.”
What is pay transparency?
In general, pay transparency is the practice of openly sharing compensation and benefits information with candidates in the hiring process—the goal is to promote wage equity and trust. Each state’s pay transparency legislation varies in scope and requirements, particularly regarding salary and benefits disclosures in job postings. There is also an inconsistency in how remote and territory-based roles are treated. While pay transparency supports the broader goal of pay equity, the two are different. Pay equity focuses on ensuring employees are paid fairly and consistently for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other protected characteristics. Transparency aims to help achieve equity by reducing the reliance on prior salary history in compensation negotiations, instead focusing on role-based compensation.
How does this legislation impact my organization, its employees, its operations, and hiring practices?
These state laws and local ordinances set the standard for what and how much information you must include in your external and internal job postings. Each state and locality is unique in both what information is required
and the timeline of the dissemination of that information to candidates and employees. For example, Washington, D.C., requires all employers, including those with remote roles, to disclose all relevant compensation and benefits information to the candidate before an interview takes place, regardless of the company’s size. On the other hand, Vermont requires compensation and benefits information only upon a conditional offer, and it does not apply to remote roles. And some states require this information on job postings. Pay transparency is a complex issue that will continue to evolve as we move forward.
The Pay History Ban
With all the minutiae of each state’s requirements, one commonality remains—the Pay History Ban. As best practice, you should never ask an employee about their previous pay history, regardless of location and applicable legislation. It comes down to how the question is framedany explicit question related to a candidate’s or employee’s previous compensation is not acceptable and can both diminish trust and, in severe cases, lead to legal exposure, as it may reinforce existing pay disparities and violate laws aimed at promoting pay transparency.
Pay transparency in remote/territory-based roles
Managing pay transparency requirements becomes increasingly complex when companies employ remote workers or territory-based employees. Legislation varies widely, particularly in how it addresses these remote roles and positions based outside of a company’s home state.
Take, for example, a company headquartered in New York, with traveling sales representatives based in Illinois. The company must comply with both states’ pay transparency laws. New York legislation applies to remote roles, meaning that any job that can be performed in the state is subject to these requirements. Additionally, if the role is or can be performed in Illinois, regardless of the company’s home state, Illinois regulations also apply.
The primary challenge in complying with multi-state requirements lies in the legislative gray areas. Many state-level laws lack explicit coverage of remote roles, territory-based employees, and the definition of a true “job posting.” While the basis for some pay transparency legislation is the Pay History Ban and the requirement for salary ranges to be included in job postings, others leave much to interpretation. As mentioned, questions have emerged about what qualifies as a job posting, whether internal promotions are subject to the same requirements, and how salary and benefits information must be communicated.
The technicalities of these laws can be challenging to interpret and apply consistently, particularly for organizations operating across multiple states or jurisdictions. As the push for increased pay transparency continues, legislation will likely become more standardized and explicit, helping employers navigate the requirements with consistency and confidence.
Common misconceptions of pay transparency
With the rise of pay transparency legislation comes confusion that can ultimately lead to an improper approach to the topic. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions about pay transparency and what they mean for you in practice.
1. Pay transparency means full disclosure. Pay transparency is not the same as full disclosure. One of the most common misconceptions is that pay transparency
Q. We want our next hire to speak a specific language or multiple languages. Can we ask them during the hiring process?
A. What you can and cannot require depends on the essential requirements of the position. This includes any aspect of the job. Federal, state and local laws prohibit discrimination against a person for numerous protected characteristics, so any requirement must have a legitimate business reason or else a company could face a discrimination claim.
For example, if the employee needs to speak two languages to perform their job as a translator, you can ask if they are proficient in those languages. You can also ask about their proficiency to ensure they can work at the level you need them to. You might also consider testing them to confirm this proficiency.
You can also require employees to understand a specific language if needed for safety purposes.
For example, if your employees work with dangerous chemicals, you can require that they read and understand instructions and warning labels for safety reasons, but you cannot require that they be fluent beyond that understanding.
However, if you just want someone to speak a specific language because it would “make things easier,” then you probably cannot hire for it specifically. You also cannot require an employee to speak a specific language during personal conversations at work, so that you can understand what they are saying.
You can—and should—have different requirements for each position based on what that person needs to do, and then tailor your hiring process to find the right person to meet those needs.
requires a disclosure of each employee’s exact salary. In practice, this level of detail is not required, as most states with active legislation require only a salary range, benefits information, and an application deadline on job postings.
2. It makes salary negotiations harder for the employer. There are concerns that transparency surrounding salary and compensation decisions may limit negotiations or tie your hands in the hiring process. In reality, pay transparency can help to frame negotiations rather than restrict them. Candidates and employees can enter discussions with a clearer understanding of expectations. As an employer, you can still negotiate within the listed range, accounting for factors like location, job responsibilities, experience, and internal equity. If you find during the hiring process that you need to offer a higher salary to attract qualified candidates, then you can adjust your pay range accordingly.
3. It will lead to conflict and discontent amongst employees. It’s understandable to think that increased transparency around compensation and related decisions may cause internal tension among employees. But hiding compensation information doesn’t limit dissatisfaction; it creates room for assumptions and suspicion. Plus, current law already allows employees to discuss their wages without reprisal. A transparent compensation framework can help employees understand the “why” behind compensation decisions, enabling them to better understand individual differences.
4. It’s just a compliance issue. Pay transparency is not just a legal checkbox. While pay transparency begins with compliance, the legislation intends to foster greater fairness and accountability for all parties involved. Transparent compensation and hiring practices can build organizational credibility and reputation, helping to create a competitive advantage in the hiring and retention areas. How to navigate pay transparency with confidence
• Avoid prior pay history questions. Regardless of local or state laws, it is best practice to avoid questions related to a candidate’s compensation history to ensure future compensation is based on what the role is worth to the company.
• Document salary and benefits. Prepare standardized compensation materials for external job postings and internal use.
• Audit current compensation practices. Ensure all roles have defined salary ranges that align with both internal pay equity and market benchmarks.
• Train your hiring teams. Educate recruiters and managers on how to communicate salary expectations and legal boundaries, including what not to ask. BPD
NICHOLAS RITCHIE
Nicholas Ritchie is recruiting coordinator with The Workplace Advisors. Reach him at (contact@theworkplaceadvisors.com.
EASTERN WHITE PINE HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE!
YOU'VE HEARD US talk about eastern white pine (EWP) many times in this space, but other than in the pages of Building Products Digest, where can you see this wonderful wood in action?
It’s a trick question. Eastern white pine is everywhere.
As one of the most beautiful, versatile, workable, strong, durable, and historically important softwood species in North America, eastern white pine is loved and valued for its straight grain, ease of use, and overwhelming aesthetic appeal. Throw in the highest level of sustainability—wood is the original green building product—and it’s no wonder eastern white pine is the belle of the ball.
Here’s a short list of everywhere the species is making a difference. What would you add?
Building & Construction
Starting from the inside out, there’s timber framing in barns/cabins/historical projects, post and beam construction and much more.
Interior millwork is where eastern white pine shines: mouldings, window and door trim, wainscoting, paneling –all of it is made more beautiful with the addition of eastern pine. Next time you’re walking upstairs, look down: those stair parts just might be EWP!
While you’re looking down, is your beautiful wood flooring eastern white pine? Wide plank is super popular these days, as are painted, stained, or distressed accent walls.
Headed to the kitchen for a snack? Your cabinets, builtins, and maybe even a den bookcase just might be EWP!
Moving to the outside of the home, there’s paneling, siding, tongue-and-groove wall and ceiling boards, bead board, and even board-and-batten siding. Look up for EWP soffits, fascias, and those fancy brackets and corbels.
Eastern White Pine Makes History
Across New England, it’s not uncommon to find beautiful historic buildings—some more than 400 years old—originally constructed with eastern pine that are still standing strong. When it comes to historical renovation projects, eastern white pine is often the species of choice, because it closely matches materials used in colonial American architecture (because it was used in colonial American architecture!).
Today, it’s widely used to restore original finishes in 18th and 19th century homes, historically registered structures, and more.
Industrial Options
Crates, pallets, and boxes are long-time popular uses for eastern white pine, whether they be heavy, lightweight, or specialty shipments.
I'm Ready for My Close-up
In addition to the multiple uses of eastern pine throughout interior construction, exterior construction, and history itself, there’s another place you’ve most likely seen EWP used: in home improvement projects on TV!
For about eight years, NELMA has had a wonderful working relationship with the Maine Cabin Masters, as seen on Magnolia Network. The show, an ongoing popular hit, features a family of Mainers and their team as they cross the state, renovating and building camps of all shapes and sizes.
While the specifics of the camps and projects may vary from show to show, what doesn’t change is the strong, steadfast presence of eastern white pine. From accent walls to flooring to fun projects specific to each camp, EWP is present. The beautiful, warm glow of the wood adds beauty to every camp and elevates the overall look to something not just pretty to look at, but practical and durable.
Just a few years ago, the team at This Old House took on the renovation of a gorgeous Cape Ann Gambrel house in Ipswich, Ma. The house dated back to 1720, predating the American Revolution, and many of the original pine timbers were present and still holding strong. Throughout the scope of the project, the original eastern white pine used in the home was left in place, replaced with new EWP, or repurposed somewhere else in the home. The entire outside of the house was resided with eastern white pine, just as it was about 300 years ago.
How to Sell More Eastern White Pine
Next time a customer approaches with questions about eastern white pine, show them the NELMA website (www. nelma.org), as it’s chock full of uses, specs, and inspirational photos. Let that customer know that not only is choosing eastern white pine the green choice, but it’s also the beautiful, strong, historically accurate choice as well. BPD
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HAMMOND LUMBER ACQUIRES WARE-BUTLER
Hammond Lumber Co. acquired the Ware-Butler Building Supply chain of Maine, expanding Hammond’s retail footprint from 22 to 34 locations throughout Maine and New Hampshire.
The transaction includes WareButler’s 15 retail locations, wall panel manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Me., and two metal roofing production lines under the Peak Metals brand, located in Stillwater and Palmyra. These assets will expand Hammond’s in-house manufacturing capabilities, particularly for framing packages and custom roofing systems, aligning with customer demand for high-quality, prefabricated building components.
Ware-Butler Building Supply was founded in 1925 and acquired by
Pleasant River Lumber in 2020. Ware-Butler grew rapidly under Pleasant River’s ownership through acquisitions including Crescent Lumber, Phinney Lumber, Jordan Lumber, Campbell’s Building Supply, Puiia Building Supply, Twin Rivers Building Supply, Webber Hardware, Morrell’s Hardware, and Thompson’s Hardware.
Pleasant River Lumber will continue to operate its two spruce sawmills in Dover-Foxcroft and Enfield. The sale does not include Pleasant River Lumber’s two sawmills, AA Brochu Inc., Moosehead Cedar Log Homes, and the Woodsmith’s Cabinetry manufacturing facility—all of which will continue to be operated independently by Pleasant River Lumber.
WEEKES PARENT BUYS SPRENGER MIDWEST WHOLESALE
MacArthur Co., parent company of distributor Weekes Forest Products, Oakdale, Mn., has acquired Sprenger Midwest Wholesale, a well-established wholesale distributor serving the Upper Midwest.
The strategic acquisition strengthens Weekes Forest Products’ footprint in the region and enhances its product offering, service capabilities, and distribution network. The integration of Sprenger Midwest Wholesale’s experienced team and deep-rooted customer relationships further supports Weekes’ commitment to providing best-in-class service, quality products, and innovative solutions to its customers.
“Sprenger Midwest Wholesale has built a strong legacy of reliability, industry expertise, and customer focus,” said Scott Gardner, president of Weekes Forest Products. “We are excited to welcome their team into the Weekes family. This move is a natural fit, aligning with our growth strategy and shared values of integrity, service, and long-term partnerships.”
Sprenger Midwest Wholesale, headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., has been a trusted name in the industry for over 40 years, with multiple distribution centers and a broad portfolio of commodity and specialty
wood products and building materials. The company will continue to operate under its existing name for the foreseeable future as integration planning moves forward.
“We look forward to partnering with Weekes Forest Products, said Steve Sprenger, president of Sprenger Midwest Wholesale. “Both companies have the same values of honesty, along with high levels of customer service and trust. We do what we say we are going to do. I am proud of what we have built at Sprenger Midwest Wholesale and pleased to see the legacy continue in partnership with Weekes for the benefit of our customer and suppliers.”
SNAVELY SELLING TJ EWP IN EAST
Snavely Forest Products has forged a strategic partnership with Weyerhaeuser to distribute its Trus Joist engineered wood products in the East.
Snavely will stock and distribute Trus Joist branded products—including TJI joists, TimberStrand LSL rim board, Microllam LVL, and Parallam PSL—through its distribution centers in Westminster, Md.; Liberty, N.C.; and Pittsburgh, Pa. The addition of Trus Joist EWPs strengthens Snavely’s product portfolio and reinforces its commitment to quality, innovation and client value.
USLBM shuttered its Parker’s Building Supply location in Jasper, Tx., on Aug. 29.
Ferguson Lumber, Veedersburg, In., opened a 9,000-sq. ft. Do it Best hardware store in Coatesville, In., with an additional 2,000 sq. ft. for service, office and storeroom space.
RP Lumber moved its Dixon, Il., store to a “higher-traffic” location.
Milligan Farm & Lumber, Samantha, Al., opened a sister hardware store, Milligan's Home Improvement, early last month in Northport, Al.
Varney & Smith Lumber Co., Littleton, N.H., lost a warehouse in June 29 blaze.
Lincoln Davies Building Supply added a design showroom in New Hartford, N.Y.—its 3rd location.
Johnny’s True Value Hardware, Arlingen, Tx., suffered “a total loss” from an early morning fire on July 22.
Krueger’s True Value, Neenah, Wi., is liquidating after 159 years, with the coming retirement of co-owners Brian and Jim Webb.
Crown Hardware & Plumbing Supply, Bronzeville, Wi., has been purchased by Brian, Tyler and Dwaine Relph after 70 years of Edelstein family ownership.
Elk Supply Ace Hardware, Woodward, Ok., opened a new lumberyard on July 2.
Peter’s True Value Hardware, South Lyon, Mi., is closing this month after 40 years.
Westlake Ace Hardware is holding grand opening festivities Sept. 25-28 at its recently relocated store in Omaha, Ne. The new 16,000-sq. ft. location at Westgate Plaza replaces a 40+-year-old unit on West Center Rd.
Builders FirstSource, Irving, Tx., began listing its common stock on the newly launched electronic equities exchange NYSE Texas. Its primary listing remains on the New York Stock Exchange, under same “BLDR” ticker symbol.
Home Depot opened a new store in Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 28 and is shuttering its distribution center in Mexico, Mo., on Oct. 26.
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.
ACE HARDWARE OPENS NEW DC IN KC
Ace Hardware Corp., the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has opened a new Retail Support Center (RSC) in Kansas City, Mo.
The new facility measures a half mile from end to end. It represents a major investment in Ace’s continued growth and commitment to supporting its network of independent retailers through best-in-class logistics and supply chain efficiency.
“This new 1.5 million-sq. ft. facility in Kansas City is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of what hard work, purpose, and servant-hearted teamwork can accomplish,” said CEO John Venhuizen. “It exists for one reason only: to help our locally owned stores serve their neighbors with excellence that has made Ace famous.”
U.S. Department of Commerce set countervailing duties for most Canadian softwood imports at 14.63%, weeks after establishing an anti-dumping duty rate of 20.56%, bringing the total rate to more than 35%.
Canfor Southern Pine permanently closed its sawmills in Estill and Darlington, S.C., last month due to weak market conditions and sustained financial losses. About 290 workers were affected and Canfor’s annual U.S. lumber capacity was reduced by 350 million bd. ft.
Boise Cascade held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 21 at its new DC in Hondo, Tx.
Tru-Cut, Inc., Anderson, In., has been acquired by Lexington Manufacturing, Coon Rapids, Mn.
ABMDA has forged distribution agreements with Superior Aluminum Products and the Edge division of UFP
Rex Lumber, Acton, Ma., is now distributing Kebony modified wood throughout the Northeast.
BPWood is expanding its distribution network to accelerate availability of LDCwood ThermoWood from coast to coast. New distributors include American Lumber, Walden, N.Y.; Edmund Allen Lumber, Momence, Il.; Excelsior Wood, Kingston, N.Y.; NOLTCO (Northern Ohio Lumber), Cleveland, Oh.; and Westwood Lumber Sales, Newhaven, In., and Kalamazoo, Mi.
Wholesale Millwork, Seaford, De., is now distributing Eva-Last products throughout the midAtlantic and Northeast regions from its six locations, supplying Infinity IS, Apex Plus, and Pioneer composite decking to Delaware Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Aurora Timberland Wholesale Hardwood Lumber is now servicing New York and Pennsylvania from Alexandria Moulding’s distribution center in Pittston, Pa.
Union Pacific Railroad celebrated the opening of its new intermodal terminal in Kansas City, Ks.
Global Forest LBM, the wholesale division of GMX Group, Aventura, Fl., is now distributing Accsys’ Accoya modified wood under the Maximo brand in North America, primarily in Florida and Georgia.
PrimeSource Building Products is introducing Keylink aluminum railing systems into Florida.
Do it Best and True Value now offer Broil King and Napoleon grills as part of their warehouse and drop ship programs serving nearly 9,000 dealers. The move comes in the aftermath of Weber deciding to sell exclusively to Ace Hardware and its wholesale subsidiary, Emery Jensen, starting in January.
MasterBrand, Inc. and American Woodmark Corp. have agreed to an all-stock merger.
American Wood Council has released a new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for U.S. softwood lumber in the Northern region, joining earlier completed EPDs for the Pacific Coast, Inland Northwest, and Southern regions.
Weyerhaeuser Co., Seattle, Wa., is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
ACE HARDWARE Corp. unveiled a 15-million-sq. ft. distribution center in Kansas City, Mo.
Swanson Group,*.\ SUPERIOR SIDING
TELL ME A STORY ABOUT EASTERN WHITE PINE
IN A WORLD of sales, storytelling is a powerful tool that can connect future buyers to a product in a deeply personal, intriguing way. Many times, customers will choose a product based on how they feel about it: does it evoke memories? Remind them of a happy time in their lives? Speak to their creative side?
If you want to continue to be successful in selling wood, or maybe even raise the bar a little, don’t be afraid to tap into creativity and storytelling to make the sale. Wood is more than a building material: it’s part of a living legacy and it’s part of the history of this country. We are shaped by forests, craftsmanship, tradition—all these things come together to tell the story of where wood comes from and how it can be used. Whether it’s a sustainably managed forest in Maine or a family-owned mill that’s been in operation for generations, it’s easy to
BY NELMA
recognize the emotional value of wood that extends far beyond technical specifications.
Your customer doesn’t want to buy a stick of wood; they want quality, sustainability, and a sense of heritage. They want a gorgeous eastern white pine floor that reflects the bright sunlight of winter and the evening shadows of summer. They want beadboard that little hands will touch, and pets will snooze against. They want golden wood ceilings that change the looks of a room from average to exceptional.
How to differentiate your eastern white pine products in a crowded market yelling for attention? Focus on authenticity, care and craftsmanship. Invite your homeowners, architects, builders and contractors to be part of something bigger; invite them to invest in a legacy of working with nature, respecting resources, and
building for the future.
True stories of eastern white pine success—from shaping early New England homes to supporting local communities—create trust and resonance. In an industry where relationships matter, good storytelling and good selling build connections, inspire loyalty, and add lasting meaning to every board and plank.
NELMA Gives You the Storytelling Tools
For decades, NELMA has talked with and listened to lumber dealers like you to determine what you need to be successful in selling more wood, and how the association can help.
In a world that is increasingly video-focused, NELMA has spent the better part of a decade building a solid informational and instructional video library on YouTube, chock full of easy-to-consume videos to help sell a stick of lumber. Let’s dive in and learn more about the resources available on NELMAtv.
Consumer How-To: Installing Exterior Siding
Next time a consumer customer walks into your lumberyard looking for wood exterior siding, send them to this watchable series featuring the team from Magnolia Network’s long-running Maine Cabin Masters
This series is new to NELMAtv, but response has been strong and positive. Enjoy a five-part series detailing exterior eastern white pine siding installation, featuring a shed in need of help at NELMA’s headquarters in Cumberland, Me. After the Cabin Masters team was done, we were left with a gorgeous new storage shed with beautiful new siding that added voluminous curb appeal to the property. And you, the lumber dealer and your customers, were left with six entertaining new videos to help you sell more wood.
The video series includes one overall piece telling the story and showcasing the entire process, with the rest of the build broken down into five separate videos addressing key parts of the process: trim removal; new trim install; new siding install; new door install; and a finished shed reveal.
Watch them all together or parse out the individual videos to meet specific customer needs; no matter
what you need, these videos are free for your use 24/7.
Video Swatches: Eastern White Pine and SPFs
To you, it might be a board out in the lumberyard. But NELMA has brought eastern white pine and SPFs to life via video!
The eastern white pine swatch is
easily one of NELMA’s most popular and successful marketing tools. Designed to illustrate the various grades of eastern white pine available, color photographs are used to bring the wood to life and spark inspiration and imagination. Designed to mimic a paint sample swatch, our (Continued on next page)
NELMA HAS rolled out a series of videos that can help dealers sell more eastern white pine.
eastern white pine swatch is easy to carry and reference.
Back in 2018, NELMA decided to bring the swatch to life and help retailers sell more wood by creating a video version of the eastern white pine swatch. The result: a video titled A Video Guide to the 5 Grades of Eastern White Pine. It showcases the important variation of characteristics permitted within each of the five grades of eastern white pine and is available in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Chinese).
For each grade, the viewer will see a layer of boards straight off of a unit of lumber roll down the screen, then pause as call-outs are displayed that explain specific wood characteristics important to that particular grade. A total of eight layers are shown for each grade, creating a video representation of what customers could expect within their specific grade purchase.
The video is an exceptional way to illustrate what an order would look like if you were to purchase a load of eastern white pine, and it brings the wood to life in a unique way not seen before. For those who watch the video, be they wholesaler, retailer, builder or consumer, this is the perfect tool because it presents a real-time visualization of the variations within the lumber grades.
A few years later, in 2021, NELMA followed up with a video swatch for SPFs, offering a brand-new way to look at this framing and construction lumber.
A Video Guide to Four Grades of SPFs, developed as a companion piece to the existing eastern white pine grades video, completed NELMA’s offering of visual catalogs of all products manufactured by our members.
Just as easy-to-understand as the eastern white pine grade swatch video, the SPFs video offers a video representation of SPFs 2x4 lumber, with full explanations of what customers can expect within each grade. Rather than one or two examples of what the lumber should look like, the video offers real-life representations within the major grades of SPFs.
Presented from a bird’s-eye lumber grader’s view, the video shows real pieces of finished lumber coming down a conveyor belt. As each board slowly passes by on screen, digital cal-outs indicate what they’re seeing with each board. All defining characteristics within SPFs grading are represented visually to share the entire story. Characteristics within each grade are explained and visually shown so the informational connection can be made. The video can be stopped and replayed at will, bringing the interaction to life at the speed and level of each viewer.
The point of these two grade swatch videos? Customer product knowledge and correct product representation. The videos mimic what is found in layers within a unit of lumber and share this visual with the viewer, bringing a depth of wood understanding not shared in the industry before.
A bonus? This level of knowledge just might reduce callbacks. Ever had someone purchase lumber from you, only to have them attempt to return it because it “doesn’t look right” or it’s “not what they were expecting?” Teach them, show them what to expect with this video; as their understanding and knowledge rises, your callbacks will hopefully decrease.
Employing storytelling to enhance your wood sales and create deeper customer relationships doesn’t have to be a struggle. Visit www.nelma.org and see what we have to offer. In addition to the videos, the website is full of tips, tricks, and informational ideas to help you increase both knowledge and sales.
Happy selling! BPD
A VIDEO GUIDE to the 5 Grades of Eastern White Pine from NELMA presents all grades of eastern white pine in an informative, easy-to-understand video swatch.
We source our wood primarly from New Hampshire and Vermont, and the majority come within a 50-mile radius,
Dual Weinig Powermat 2500 Moulders
Customizable Moisture Detection
Nelma grades and patterns
Specialized Dry Kilns
Enhance™ by Durgin and Crowell is our line of pre-coated, cured Eastern White Pine paneling product.
At Durgin and Crowell, we promise to be dedicated to offering our customers the personal service that is essential to delivering the highest quality, fully sustainable Eastern White Pine, on time, and to the specs desired. We provide hands-on solutions because we are Pine Passionate.
EASTERN WHITE PINE: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
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THE LOVE OF history runs deep throughout New England. This is where the foundation of the United States was first laid; it’s home to some of the earliest settlements, Revolutionary War sites, and centuries-old institutions that shaped American government, education, and industry. From Plymouth Rock and Boston’s Freedom Trail to historic lumber mill towns and Native American heritage, New England’s past is deeply woven into its identity.
A big part of this history: eastern white pine. This beautiful species has played a pivotal role in the history of New England, serving as both an economic driver and a symbol of the region’s identity. Prized for its tall, straight trunks and versatile, workable wood, the species was heavily harvested during the Colonial area for ship
BY KIM DREW
masts and construction. The eastern white pine even draws attention for its part in the Pine Tree Riot, a leadup to the American Revolution.
Eastern white pine has been the heart, soul, and building blocks of New England. And now, it’s earned a spotlight on a very different stage: the soccer field.
New England Revolution
About 90 minutes down the road from Portland, Me., is the booming city of Boston. Unarguably the center of American history (that whole tea-in-the-harbor thing), Boston first welcomed a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to the area in 1996 as one of the original 10 charter teams launched across the country (the Revolution play in the MLS Eastern Conference).
The name, quite obviously, refers directly to the region’s significant involvement in the American Revolution from 1775-1783.
In February 2025, the Revs introduced an eastern white pine community kit to be worn during the 20252026 MLS season. Its design pays homage to the original flag of New England flown by the Colonies 250 years ago. The kit (fancy/proper name for the soccer uniform) focuses on the eastern white pine with vibrant tree-suggesting graphics and leads with a forest green paired with the club’s Heritage Blue.
Adam Klionsky, director of communications for the New England Revolution, shares a bit more history: “The inspiration for the eastern white pine kit is the flag flown by the Revolutionary colonists up to and during the Revolutionary War. Over the last several years, this flag, featuring the eastern white pine tree, has been adopted by our fans and supporters groups as their own: they bring it to games and proudly wave it throughout the stands during home matches.”
Klionsky went on to share how the team then embraced the flag as their unofficial secondary flag. When the eastern white pine kit was introduced, it was not the first one from the team to pay homage to the flag, but it was the first to feature the color green as its primary color.
“We’ve regularly featured the flag of New England as a minor accent on past jerseys, but the new kit design fo-
NEW FOR the 2025-2026 Major League Soccer season, the community kit from the New England Revolution features two firsts: the first time the color green has been used as a primary color (as seen in the stylized eastern white pine tree pattern on the jersey), and the Revolution’s first time to feature new partner Gillette on a uniform.
cuses on the eastern white pine itself as a strong symbol of the history and resilience of New England.”
Anecdotally, the Heritage Tree kit is one of the best received in a long time, with fans loving the fresh look of the green design and the celebration of such a beloved symbol across New England. The striking kit made its debut with the team during a February 2025 match.
Is there a chance for eastern white pine to reach an even larger stage? Perhaps in an ancillary way. The Revs are excited to celebrate their 30th season and are preparing for both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup teams to play in Boston in the coming year. For the 2025 season, there’s still time for a playoff spot for the Revs, so get out there and get a Heritage Tree kit and keep your fingers crossed!
Fans are a passionate, vocal group, as you would expect for a strong team like the Revs. They love their history, they love their team, and nothing can touch that. Supporters groups include the Midnight Riders and the Rebellion, easily the best-named fan groups in MLS and take great pride in leading the stadium in cheers and chants.
In 2021, the team underwent a rebrand with a new crest and fresh visuals—but the name never changed. Fans made clear their love of the name, the team, and the history.
Portland Hearts of Pine
With a mission and vision to rally the community and culture of Maine around soccer and to create a purpose-driven club representing all who have their hearts in Maine, the Portland Hearts of Pine played their first game in March 2025. Their team logo features an eastern white pine, not only the state tree of Maine, but a proud symbol across the state.
As Maine’s only professional soccer club, the Hearts embody the spirit of Maine while driving economic, cultural, and community impact. The team is a reflection of Maine’s diverse communities and landscapes, from the Highlands to Downeast, Casco Bay to Acadia, and Aroostook to the Forest City.
The club motto is Dirigo, Latin for “I lead,” and the player uniforms center on the heart as a symbol of strength, unity, and hope.
When the inaugural home kit was revealed in November 2024, it piqued the interest of John Rooks, owner of a Maine-based marketing firm. “The eastern white pine in the crest on the upper left chest of the uniform was an interesting introduction into soccer storytelling,” said Rooks. “The eastern white pine is an integral part of the history of Maine, and to see it represented in such a fun, new way is intriguing.”
Rooks and his family went on to be season ticket holders for the Hearts’ inaugural season and have enjoyed attending the games. He shares how it wasn’t love of soccer that drove the purchase decision; it was interest in becoming part of the entire fan experience, being a part of something new and cool in Maine.
“The atmosphere is incredible,” continued Rooks. “There’s a good kid zone where my 5-year old son can kick soccer balls and run around, the supporter sections are an incredible part of each game day, local food trucks
are involved—it’s an insane level of family and community engagement from the first whistle to the last, from one game to the next.”
Rooks concluded, “That’s the magic of Maine: we’ve managed to introduce something new and cool and exciting to the state but tie it back to our centuries-old history with a symbol like the eastern white pine.”
From Maine to Boston to the Great Lakes area, eastern white pine is known, loved, and supported. For more information on the depth of history surrounding eastern white pine, please visit www.nelma.org. BPD
– Kim Drew, APR, is a longtime communications consultant in the building products and construction industry. She can be reached at kimdrewpr@gmail.com.
BASED IN Portland, Me., the Hearts of Pine soccer team jersey features the eastern white pine on its crest.
WOOD MARKETING SOLUTIONS
EACH YEAR, the onslaught increases of marketing programs aimed at discrediting wood as the most renewable, greenest building product on the market. To combat this misinformation with the truth, wood-focused marketing programs are more important than they’ve ever been.
How can you do your part and help spread the truth about wood—and as a result, potentially sell more wood? The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA) offers a wide range of useful tools, materials, programs, and much more designed to educate, promote, and serve as a selling tool to help raise your numbers. Here are a few of the most popular options and how to access them (please visit www.nelma.org) for a complete overview of everything offered by the association.
YouTube: NELMAtv
Take a peek at NELMAtv on YouTube and you’ll find a treasure trove of wood information to help you sell a stick of lumber. We have DIY videos, installation videos, informational pieces on trending industry topics, and plenty of fun content from our friends, the Maine Cabin Masters. We promise there’s something here for everyone, no matter if you’re a retailer, a builder, a contractor, or a homeowner. We’ve got you covered!
Social Media
Find inspirational photos, case studies, and industry facts and figures throughout NELMA’s social media channels. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Go out there and give us a like/follow/connect!
BY NELMA
Education: SPFs vs. SPF
The confusion between SPFs and SPF lumber is something we’ve talked about before, but it’s important to get the correct information out there. Some are still confused!
SPFs (Spruce-Pine-Fir south) is a grouping of commercially important species (red, black and white spruce; Norway spruce; balsam fir; jack pine; red pine; Engelmann spruce; Sitka spruce; and lodgepole pine). The “s” for south indicates that the SPFs lumber was produced from logs harvested in the United States (south of the Canada border). This helps delineate home-grown wood from foreign imported wood.
As you navigate this information and make recommendations for your customers, be sure to navigate to the Retailers tab at nelma.org, then to the About SprucePine-Fir south. There you’ll find everything you need for education and clarification.
Join the Grader Academy
When NELMA launched the interactive Grader Academy program on their website, the hope was that the industry would embrace the opportunity to learn more about lumber grading in a fun format. What was once a laborious learning process—learning the grades of lumber—was offered in an educational, multi-faceted, online, visual education-focused way… and it’s taken off.
The Grader Academy offers four series of quick, online classes to learn about eastern white pine: Level 100 –Characteristic; Level 200 – Grade Application; Level 300 – General Definitions & Instructions; and Level 400 – Ad-
NAVIGATE the Retailers tab at nelma.org for help in discerning the age-old question of SPFs vs. SPF.
NELMATV on YouTube stores a treasure trove of advice to help dealers sell more lumber.
vanced Learning: Making the Grade.
The Grader Academy is free and would be perfect for retailers and their employees, mill employees, dealers, and anyone interested in learning more about lumber grading.
For a fun little add-on: You can host an interactive tournament among your staff. If you want to host one, let us know at info@nelma.org!
Peer Reviews
A strong way to share the gospel about wood: peer reviews. NELMA created the idea of Wood Geeks several years ago to draw attention to and celebrate the good people among us who work with wood on a regular basis and love it. Let’s let our Wood Geeks speak for themselves:
“All you have to do is look at old public buildings; look at a piece of furniture that’s been passed from one generation to the next. Some of my most prized possessions are pieces of beautiful wood furniture that have been passed down through my family to me.”
– Bob Vail, builder
“What’s not to like? I like the feel, smell, look and workability of wood. Wood will never go away… in fact, it’s coming back in popularity with architects and designers.”
– Rob Robillard, carpenter/remodeler
“My work crew built a beautiful timber frame house a couple of years ago. It was a very unique design that included a Doug fir frame along with eastern white pine tongue-andgroove ceilings and walls. Using a local supplier for the pine felt like such an important step in helping promote
the use of local products.”
– Todd Fratzel, construction engineer
“The familiarity of working with real wood (feels) very natural and it’s helped me be more creative with uses and design in my work. The great thing about wood is that every part of it can be used.”
– Chase Morrill, Maine Cabin Masters
“ … I’ve been intrigued that we can help mitigate climate change by using, then regrowing, a lot more wood. Fancy term… carbon sequestration. Sequester comes from the Latin word to kidnap. Kidnapping carbon… I like the concept.”
“Consistency and depth of information is the key,” noted Jeff Easterling, president of NELMA. “Our goal with all of the programs we offer is to develop and maintain a steady stream of helpful content so there’s always NELMA information out there for the finding.”
If there’s something special you’d like us to create to help you learn and educate, reach out. We’d love to know! BPD
Before the ink was even dry on their latest land purchase, Carter Lumber knew exactly who to call to bring their new lumberyard to life. The result? A fully operational yard with five new buildings and rack systems—designed, supplied, and constructed by CT Darnell and Sunbelt Rack from the ground up.
HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY TO THE LUMBER INDUSTRY’S FIRST CARTOON!
SKIP & WANE are celebrating their 10th anniversary as the forest products industry’s first-ever cartoon!
Originally introduced in 2015, the wood industry hasn’t been the same since. Set in a softwood lumber mill located somewhere in the Northeast, cartoon brothers Skip & Wane embark upon industry-related adventures, with mishaps and inside jokes aimed at the funny bone of the wood industry.
Each strip to date has focused on a key industry topic, often sharing information via sly asides and inside-joke humor. The boys don’t hesitate to take a jab at the competition, maximizing character traits for the classic payoff giggle.
Just like real lumber mill employees, Skip & Wane don’t go through the world alone! Joining them in their adventures over the past decades have been a small cast of characters
------------ BY KIM DREW
(like Dolly Varden) and a dog named Spike Knot.
When the strip was introduced in 2015, eyebrows were raised. In the ensuing 10 years, comments have remained consistently positive, according to Jeff Easterling, president of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA).
“The entertainment value and laughs resulting from each strip have resulted in a small but powerful fan club of Skip & Wane, with readers clamoring to know what they’re up to and what will happen next,” said Easterling. “NELMA is about employing unique educational marketing vehicles in original ways to spark interest and challenge the wood industry to see things differently than before. Cartoons have been shown to be a popular and effective marketing tool… and we enjoy using them to ed-
ucate and share key messages with the industry.”
Enjoy our 10th anniversary comic strip of Skip & Wane, and let us know what you’d like to boys to get up to next! BPD
FOLLOW THIS QR code to discover more adventures of Skip & Wane.
------------| MOVERS & SHAKERS
Brenda Carhart was promoted to president of Carhart Lumber Co., Wayne, Ne.
B.L. Johnson is a new buyer, and Randy Williams and Justin Smothers are new lumber trader with Matheus Lumber, Valdosta, Ga. All three were previously with Bridgewell Resources.
Bret Cornett, ex-Heritage Design + Supply, has joined Goldsboro Building Supply, Goldsboro, N.C., as market president of divisions Wendell Builders Supply, Wendell, N.C., and Mebane Builders Supply, Mebane, N.C.
Harris Gant, ex-ECMD, has joined Claymark USA, as North Carolina-based director of product development.
Tony Frias, ex-Koopman Lumber, is the new sales mgr. at Concord Building & Design Center, Littleton, Ma.
Ashley Clemmons, ex-Swift Supply, is now a product mgr. with Boise Cascade, Pensacola, Fl. Savonte Rountree is new to inside sales at Boise Cascade in Tulsa, Ok.
Larry Seal, ex-84 Lumber, is new to outside sales for Carter Lumber, Columbia, S.C. Marke Wismer is now a territory mgr. with Carter in Lancaster, Pa.
Hill White has joined the sales team at 84 Lumber, Milton, Fl. Matthew Tonkovich is now operations mgr. at 84 in Canonsburg, Pa., and Michael Stegall is a new mgr. trainee in Cleves, Oh.
Jay Varnell, ex-House-Hasson Hardware, joined the sales staff of Consolidated Forest Products, Knoxville, Tn.
New Look, Same Quality.
At Western Forest Products, we’re proud to reveal our refreshed brand identity, a look that reflects our values, respects our history, and supports where we’re headed next.
While our visual presence has changed, we continue to uphold the same high standards of quality and an unwavering commitment to forest stewardship. Every step forward is guided by the trust you place in us, and the responsibility we proudly uphold.
Christian Fischer will retire next month as president and CEO of Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, Ga. He has begun transitioning responsibilities to his successor, Mark Luetters, currently executive VP of parent Koch, Inc.
Jaime Ross has moved to outside sales with Frisco Wholesale Lumber, Frisco, Tx.
Bryan Hamlet has been named president of Keysville Building Supply, Keysville, Va.
Pete Rasmusen has been promoted to assistant general mgr. of Tibbetts Lumber Co., Spring Hill, Fl.
Juan Roldan, ex-Wurth Wood Group, has been appointed product mgr.-cedar & specialty lumber with BlueLinx, Lawrenceville, Ga. Josef Steinhilber is new to inside sales at BlueLinx in Wausau, Wi.
Brian Birkbeck is new to sales at Peter Lumber Co., Pleasantville, N.J.
Dan Ritter, Woodgrain, St. Louis, Mo., has been promoted to vice president of the Central Region. Bob Furio, who left Huttig Building Products as COO three years ago when it was acquired by Woodgrain, has now joined Woodgrain as VP of the West Region.
William Corbo, MJB Group, Cedar Hill, Tx., was promoted to president of MJB Imports.
Channing Doughtry, ex-Ox Engineered Products, is a new technical sales rep with RedBuilt, serving Nashville, Tn. Other new reps include: Kent Cloninger, covering the Carolinas; Andrew Pasos, Dallas/Fort Worth/Austin, Tx.; and Chris Fleming, North Dallas/Houston, San Antonio, Tx.
Photo: Bruno Jakobsen Jakob Lerche Architect: Bruno Jakobsen Design
Dale Falkowski, ex-North Georgia Truss Systems, has moved to sales at Builders FirstSource, Roswell, Ga. Kylie Plummer has rejoined BFS in Dallas, Tx., as national sales coordinator.
Mike Haas, ex-Marvin, is a new millwork specialist with Riverhead Building Supply, North Kingstown, R.I.
Bill Ryan, ex-TimberHP, has joined Duration Moulding & Millwork, Hamilton, N.J., as Portland, Me.based regional sales representative for New England.
Keegan Frazier, ex-Lansing Building Products, is now Houston, Tx., territory sales mgr. with MI Windows & Doors.
Scott Bodendorfer, ex-Beacon, has joined the sales force at ABC Supply, Tulsa, Ok.
Matthew Spinks has been promoted to store mgr. at Lumber King, Danville, Ky.
Mark Gunnells, ex-Scissortail Building Supply, rejoined BlueLinx, San Antonio, Tx., as a territory mgr.
Lynn Cobb, ex-MasterBrand, has been appointed vice president of marketing for LP Building Solutions, Nashville, Tn.
Megan Haley, ex-Pella, is new to inside sales at Crosslin Building Supply, Springfield, Tn.
Nico Del Monaco has been appointed president of the Owens Corning’s roofing business and Jose Canovas president of its insulation business.
Julie Albrecht, ex-Jeld-Wen, is the new executive vice president and chief financial officer of Orgill, Collierville, Tn.
Renee Rice has been promoted to vice president of human resources & culture for Marvin, Warroad, Mn.
Eva Montibello has been named marketing director for Jackson Lumber & Millwork, Lawrence, Ma.
Jonathan Milewski, ex-84 Lumber, is new to inside sales at Glassboro Lumber & Kitchen, Glassboro, N.J.
Matt Dietz, ex-James Hardie, is a new Cincinnati, Oh., market mgr. for EWP with U.S. Lumber.
Stephanie Owen was appointed the new president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association.
Gunner Smith was named CEO of Cornerstone Building Brands, Cary, N.C.
John Murphy Jr., executive vice president of Murphy Co., Eugene, Or., has been elected vice chair of the APA board of trustees. He succeeds Chris Degnan, Weyerhaeuser, who has retired from the board after more than five years of service. New to the APA board are Jon Rashleigh, VP of panels at Weyerhaeuser, and Rob Johnson, senior VP of manufacturing operations at Boise Cascade.
Anna Morgan Skipper is the new director of external affairs at the Alabama Forestry Association.
Matt Kaufman, VP of sales, PalmerDonavin, Grove City, Oh., was elected to the ABMDA board.
Paul Mackie, “Mr. Cedar,” is retiring after nearly 30 years with Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.
Anna Prentice has been hired as executive assistant at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.
TIMBER PRODUCTS ADDS NEW COMPONENT PLANT IN MICHIGAN
Timber Products, Springfield, Or., has started up a new hardwood component facility at the site of its hardwood veneer and lumber mill in Munising, Mi.
The new facility, Munising Components, enables Timber Products to produce ready-to-use hardwood components at scale on one central site. The components made at this facility will serve the cabinetry, flooring, and millwork industries by significantly reducing waste for the customer, improving their yield, and elevating product quality.
The project, five years in the making, is the product of a strong partnership between TP and Eagle Machinery & Supply, Inc. “Eagle has more than 25 years of experience
with continuous improvement and development in the industrial woodworking and automation industry,” said Jon Johnson, manager of Timber Products’ Michigan operations, “Their willingness to work with us from the raw conceptual phase, and support the project along the way is what made them stand out as the clear partner for the job.”
Timber Products’ new mill is powered by an array of advanced systems including Eagle’s highspeed hogging movable blade ripsaw, Eagle’s Talon 3000 high-speed crosscut saws, MiCROTEC’s Woodeye rip and Woodeye crosscut scanners, and Eagle’s newly patented automation for the palletizing of finished goods parts with custom-designed material handling equipment, vision and software. The fully integrated
system collects available data from all machines, producing comprehensive production and performance reports for both TP and Eagle in real time via a SQL database. Eagle analyzes the data continuously through machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to provide ongoing performance and reliability, in a user-friendly format.
“The Woodeye scanners allow for defects to be detected that could go unnoticed by a human,” said Jerrod Allen, lumber Inspector, “We can do just about anything now.”
With high-speed automation and robotics, the new facility processes 30 boards per minute.
MOLPUS BUYS SOUTHEAST LANDS, LAND MANAGEMENT BUSINESS
Greif, Inc., a leader in industrial packaging products and services, has agreed to sell its Soterra land management business to Molpus Woodlands Group, Ridgeland, Ms., for $462 million.
This transaction, which includes over 173,000 acres of timberlands across the Southeastern United States, follows Greif’s previously announced intent to divest the business as part of its strategic portfolio optimization.
“The sale of the Soterra timberlands aligns with our strategy to focus our portfolio on opportunities where Greif can be an industry leader,” said Ole Rosgaard, president and CEO of Greif. “This transaction enhances our ability to invest in higher-margin, less cyclical markets, and positions Greif for further longterm success and value creation.”
“These timberlands seamlessly complement our existing portfolio, offering diverse, highly productive assets strategically located near robust timber markets with strong, competitive pricing,” said Terrell Winstead, president and CEO of Molpus. “With our long history of creating value for similar properties in these areas, we believe this opportunity fits well within our long-term investment strategy and sustainable forest management approach.”
Patrick Lumber Company
Over 100 Years in Business
With a legacy dating back to 1905, Molpus Woodlands Group is a leading timberland investment management organization, currently managing over 1.7 million acres of timberland investments in 15 states.
Re Reddwwood i ood is o
It thrives 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.
BEACON ADDS 5 MORE LOCATIONS
Beacon opened five new locations during the final weeks of last year, bringing to 26 the number of branches it added in 2023. Beacon also made nine acquisitions during the year.
Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.
Little, and its senior leadership team will continue to lead the business under the Kamco brand.
National Hardwood Lumber Association – Sept. 6-8, intro to hardwood grading course, Memphis, Tn.; www.nhla.com.
BC Wood – Sept. 7-9, Global Buyers Mission, Whistler, B.C.; bcwood.com.
New locations are in Austell, Ga.; Marquette Heights, Il.; Des Moines, Ia.; North Charleston, S.C.; and Bastrop, Tx.
Do it Best – Sept. 8-11, fall market, Indianapolis, In.; www.doitbest.com.
Hoo-Hoo International – Sept. 8-11, international convention, hosted by Cowichan Valley Club, Vancouver, B.C.; www.hoohoo.org.
GMS TO ACQUIRE KAMCO SUPPLY
GMS expects to capitalize on cross-selling opportunities with Kamco and GMS’s other operations in the region, including the recently acquired Tanner Bolt and Nut, Inc. business.
North American Wholesale Lumber Association – Sept. 11-15, Fall Wood Basics Course, Peachtree City, Ga.; www.nawla.org.
GMS Inc., Tucker, Ga., has agreed to acquire Kamco Supply Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y., and affiliates. The deal is expected to close this spring.
Northwestern Lumber Association – Sept. 12-13, Legacy Group 2 roundtable, Jordan, Mn.; www.nlassn.org.
True Value – Sept. 13-16, Fall Reunion show, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tx.; www.truevaluecompany.com.
DIGGING IN at the recent groundbreaking for Fortress Truss plant in Fredericksburg, Va., were (l-r) assistant county administrator Wanda Parrish, Lester Group VP Jeff Faircloth, Johnson Realty Advisors’ Fitzhugh Johnson III, and Lester Group president Dana Cowart.
bilities and support the growing needs of professional builders, contractors, and homeowners. The Fortress Truss plant is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026, bringing state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and valuable resources to the region.
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau – Sept. 26-27, planer operator course, Hilton, Pensacola Beach, Fl.; www.spib.org.
Serenity Porch, Wolf Perspective Decking, Fiberon Decking & Railing, Benjamin Obdyke, UFP-Edge, KeyLink, and fasteners.
Wallace Distribution Co. – Sept. 26-27, fall market, Sevierville Convention Center, Sevierville, Tn.; www.wallacedist.com.
Construction Suppliers Association – Sept. 27-29, annual conference & show, Lodge at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Al.; www.gocsa.com.
Founded in 1971, GMS operates a network of over 300 distribution centers with extensive product offerings of wallboard, ceilings, steel framing and complementary products, plus more than 100 tool sales, rental and service centers.
Florida Building Material Alliance – Sept. 27-29, annual convention, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Fl.; www.fbma.org.
The event welcomed notable individuals, including Dana Cowart, president of The Lester Group; Jeff Faircloth, vice president of The Lester Group Building Supply Division; and Wanda Parrish, assistant county administrator for Spotsylvania County. Their presence highlights the strong relationship between The Lester Group, its leadership, and the local community.
United Hardware – Sept. 27-29, fall buying market, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Mn.; www.unitedhardware.com.
Midwest Building Suppliers Association – Sept. 28, annual MBSA Connect, Electric Works, Fort Wayne, In.; www.thembsa.org.
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau – Oct. 3-4, intro to lumber grading, Hilton, Pensacola Beach, Fl.; www.spib.org.
“We’re thrilled to expand our geographical reach to service dealers in Michigan, empowering building professionals with access to our exceptional products and support,” said Jeremy Sellers, senior VP of sales at Wolf Home Products, “This expansion provides dealers a wider range of product choices with a streamlined ordering and delivery process to facilitate business growth.”
“The Fortress Truss plant is a significant step forward for our company and allows us to evolve with the changing landscape of the building industry,” Cowart said.
PELLA ACQUIRES WEATHER SHIELD
WOLF EXPANDS TO MICHIGAN
Blish-Mize – Sept. 15-16, fall market, Overland Park, Ks.; blishmize.com.
American Wood Protection Association – Sept. 17-21, fall technical committee meetings, Le Meridien Downtown, Denver, Co.; awpa.com.
Wolf Home Products, York, Pa., is expanding its distribution reach to service building product dealers in Michigan.
Lumbermen’s Association of Texas – Sept. 18-20, annual convention & expo, Live! By Lowe’s, Arlington, Tx.; www.lat.org.
NEW FORTRESS TRUSS PLANT COMING TO FREDERICKSBURG
North American Wholesale Lumber Association – Sept. 18, Texas regional meeting, Arlington, Tx.; Sept. 20, Northeast regional meeting, Samoset Resort, Rockport, Me.; www.nawla.org.
The Lester Group has broken ground on a new Fortress Truss plant in Fredericksburg, Va.
Founded in 1939 by the Swerdlick family, Kamco is a leading supplier of ceilings, wallboard, steel, lumber, and other related construction products. The company operates five distribution facilities in the Greater New York City area and services the New York metro and tri-state area. During the last fiscal year, Kamco recorded revenues of approximately $245 million.
Kentucky Building Materials Assn. – Sept. 19-20, blueprint reading & material take-off class, Belterra Resort, Florence, In.; www.kbma.net.
Following the close of the deal, Kamco’s current president, Scott
The new facility will be located on an existing parcel in the Spotsylvania Industrial Park. Developed by Henderson Construction and built by CT Darnell Construction, it is designed to enhance manufacturing capa-
Ace Hardware – Sept. 19-21, fall convention, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fl.; www.acehardware.com.
• Stain, scratch and fade resistant
• made of 95% recycled materials
Pella Corp. has acquired Weather Shield, a premium manufacturer of architectural wood and aluminum window and door solutions based in Medford, Wi.
Window & Door Manufacturers Association – Oct. 4-5, executive management conference, Cambridge, Ma.; www.wdma.com.
National Hardwood Lumber Association – Oct. 4-6, annual convention & show, Omni Hotel, Louisville, Ky.; www.nhla.com.
Michigan dealers will be serviced out of Wolf’s state-of-the-art, 1 million-sq. ft. distribution center in Wilmington, Il.
Construction Suppliers Association – Oct. 8-10, roundtables, Jesup, Ga.; Oct. 15-17, Andover, N.J.; www.gocsa.com.
In addition to its comprehensive portfolio, Wolf Home Products also brings a team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to providing continued support and reliable service to the Michigan market.
GAINS IN CONSTRUCTION SPENDING TO SPUR WOOD MILLWORK DEMAND
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau – Oct. 12-13, quality control course; Oct. 17-18, dry kiln operator course, Hilton, Pensacola Beach, Fl.; www.spib.org.
Dealers in the Michigan market now have access to Wolf’s expansive portfolio, including: Wolf Trim, Wolf Mouldings, Wolf Railing, Wolf
NEWTECHWOOD COMPOSITE DECKING & SIDING
• capped all 4 sides for maximum protection
• decking is dual-sided unlike most composites
• 25 year transferrable warranty
“With 70 years of experience in the window and door industry, Weather Shield has demonstrated an outstanding understanding of architectural design and consistently delivers on quality and customer expectations,” said Tim Yaggi, CEO of Pella Corp. “Their reputation for innovation and precision engineering makes them a natural strategic fit. Together, we’ll build on our complementary strengths to create even more compelling solutions for the customers we serve.”
U.S. demand for wood millwork is forecast to increase 1.9% yearly through 2027, according to a new Freedonia report.
Based in Pella, Ia., Pella employs more than 10,000 team members across 20 manufacturing locations.
Processing Technologies for the Forest & Biobased Products Industries Conference – Oct. 30-Nov. 1, King & Prince Bach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island, Ga.; www.ptfbpi.com.
Lee Roy Jordan Lumber Company
Lee Roy Jordan Lumber
SPOTLIGHT ON THE FUTURE OF LUMBER
NAWLA is proud to introduce the 2025 class of Young Emerging Lumber Professionals (YELP), a bold, brilliant group of 21 high-potential leaders reshaping the future of the lumber and building materials supply chain.
Why YELP Matters
• Cultivates next-gen leadership
• Strengthens industry networks
• Delivers tailored professional development
Through NAWLA’s yearlong YELP program, these professionals engage in exclusive virtual workshops, mentorships and a leadership retreat designed to elevate their industry impact.
Meet the 2025 YELP Class
• Blake Boudreau, FCTG - Seaboard International Forest Products, LLC
• Joseph Buttice, Swanson Group
• Alison Coughlin, CME Group
• Tom Crane, CME Group
• Dion Dorazio, West Bay Forest Products Ltd.
• Kirsten Finley, FCTG-Olympic Industries ULC
• Edward Gaiennie, Gaiennie Lumber Company
• Joshua Hick, Union Pacific Railroad
• Lena Jacobson, Patrick Lumber Company
• Ben Jordan, Nicholson and Cates Limited
• Pierce Kauth, FCTG - Richmond International Forest Products
• Anna McNally, Western Forest Products Inc.
• Jon Muehlbauer, Snavely Forest Products
• Paul Odomirok, Great Lakes Forest Products
• Konstantin Posherstnik, Forest Products Distributors, Inc.
• Emma Pretorius, FCTG - Seaboard International Forest Products, LLC
• Ryan Rotondo, Russin Lumber Corp.
• Nicholas Sebellin, Westminster Industries
• Andrew Skerlec, Western Forest Products Inc.
• Micah Sutfin, Nova USA Wood Products
• Brian Thomas, TrimJoist Corporation
Learn more about the YELP program and how NAWLA is investing in the future of the lumber and building materials supply chain at nawla.org/Network/YELP
OPTIMIZATION/CUTTING SOFTWARE
Maximize utilization, minimize waste, and increase profit with isOptimize from Simpson Strong-Tie. This material optimization and cutting solution allows you to manage inventory and create optimized cutting lists for engineered wood products.
Produce a single job or combine jobs for better results. Manually edit your import list, or add and delete materials along the way. isOptimize can run as a standalone module or fully integrated with isPlan and isWall, allowing you to directly input data for maximum ease and efficiency.
STRONGTIE.COM (800) 999-5099
DREAM DECK VISUALIZER
Deckorators has unveiled its new online Deck Visualizer, providing homeowners and contractors with an intuitive, interactive tool to help design their ideal outdoor space before a single board is installed. The free Deck Visualizer lets users quickly create next-level designs, starting with either their home’s layout or a design theme—such as Classic Craftsman, Suburban Sanctuary, Modern Farmhouse, or Timeless Traditional—making it easy to see their dream deck come to life with just a few clicks. The tool offers a variety of deck shapes, railing styles, privacy screen options, and over 35 deck width and color combinations to provide a realistic rendering of what the final project will look like using diverse Deckorators product lines.
DECKORATORS.COM (800) 556-8449
MATCHING CORTEX PLUGS
FastenMaster’s Cortex hidden fastening line is now available in 18 colors for TimberTech’s composite Fascia boards in the Legacy, Reserve, Terrain+, Prime+ and Premier lines.
Cortex plugs for composite fascia are engineered specifically for fascia applications and are designed to accommodate fascia expansion and contraction over time. Pros can now combine Cortex for Decking with Cortex for Fascia to complete an entire deck with the hidden fastening system.
The plugs are made from the same composite material as the fascia boards for a perfect color and texture match and are warrantied for the life of the project. They come in the Ashwood, Espresso, Mocha, Pecan, Tigerwood, Whitewash Cedar, Antique Leather, Dark Roast, Driftwood, Reclaimed Chestnut, Dark Oak, Natural White Oak, Weathered Oak, Sea Salt Gray, Dark Cocoa, Coconut Husk, Dark Teak, and Maritime Gray.
FASTENMASTER.COM (800) 518-3569
SERENE BLUE BEADBOARD
Westlake Royal Building Products has introduced Haint Blue, a new color for its 6” Reversible Beadboard/ V-Groove Profile. Inspired by the century-old Southern tradition of painting porch ceilings blue, Haint Blue blends timeless charm with long-lasting performance. The profile’s reversible design allows it to be installed as either classic beadboard or modern V-Groove planking, offering flexibility for a range of architectural styles.
ROYALBUILDINGPRODUCTS.COM (855) 769-2585
STREAMLINED ROOF BOARD
DensDeck ProFast Prime Roof Board from GeorgiaPacific is now commercially available nationwide.
The 3/8” cutting-edge gypsum-based cover board is engineered to enhance roofing installation efficiency. In testing, use of the boards in single ply (hybrid) assemblies demonstrated an average reduction of 25-75% in the number of fasteners required. The board is approximately 20% lighter than DensDeck Prime Roof Board, offering greater ease of handling and installation on the job site. To further improve logistics, you can also fit around 25% more on a truck.
BUILDGP.COM (800) 225-6119
SOPHISTICATED PAVERS
With its refined, minimalist look, Belgard’s November line of porcelain pavers offers a durable, low-maintenance option for elegant outdoor living spaces.
Its sophisticated design was inspired by nature to offer a clean, refined look that lends itself to modern, contemporary designs or a classic aesthetic.
The paver line comes in an efficient 24"x24" size for cost savings and faster installation time. It is stain- and scratch-resistant, non-slip and designed to retain its visual appeal through Colorfast Technology. It is available in four natural colors: Rain, Wind, Warm and Land.
BELGARD.COM (877) 235-4273
The new classic is here - Ambara® Thermally Modified Wood Ambara® is a thermally modified hardwood engineered for design-forward mindsarchitects, builders, and creatives - who won’t compromise on beauty or performance. Through a specialized heat treatment, Ambara® gains unmatched dimensional stability, resisting cupping, warping, and checking, even in the harshest climates. What remains? A rich golden hue. Clean lines. Lasting integrity. Ideal for soffits, post wraps, paneling, fencing, and sleek siding profiles, Ambara® delivers timeless appeal with every installation. novausawood.com | 503-419-6407
QUICK CHARGE
Milwaukee Tool is expanding its Top-Off lineup with the launch of the new M18 Top-Off Charger & Power Supply—the most compact M18 charger, up to 65% smaller than traditional kitted chargers.
Designed for users who charge on the go, the charger delivers simultaneous M18 battery and device charging. It features a 100w bi-directional USB-C PD port and a 15w USB-C port to deliver 115w of continuous power for faster charging of headlamps, phones, tablets and laptops.
The kit includes a 65w USB-C wall adapter and a 100w 3-ft. USB-C PD cable.
MILWAUKEETOOL.COM (800) 729-3878
INTERACTIVE RAILING DESIGN
The new Trex Deck Railing Designer simplifies the railing selection process by delivering real-time 3D visualization, instant material estimates, and seamless performance across devices.
Designed with speed, accuracy and efficiency in mind, the user-friendly digital platform allows pros and homeowners to visualize the numerous railing and decking pairings available from Trex.
With an intuitive, interactive interface, the tool supports the configuration of more than 2,000 railing combinations from Trex’s portfolio of 13 railing lines. Built with advanced 3D web technology, it loads instantly on desktops, tablets and mobile devices.
RAILINGDESIGNER.TREX.COM (800) 289-8739
CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND
W.R. Meadows has engineered a new premiumgrade, clear, water-based concrete curing compound to deliver outstanding performance while preserving the appearance of freshly placed concrete.
Cristallum is designed for use on both interior and exterior, vertical and horizontal surfaces where visual appearance is of critical importance during the curing process. Once applied, it forms a clear, premium-grade film that optimizes water retention, helping to create a harder, denser finished concrete surface while allowing the natural beauty of the concrete to remain visible throughout the curing period.
It offers improved resistance to cracking, abrasion and chemical attack; enhanced compressive and tensile strength; and minimal common surface defects such as thermal cracking, hairline checking, and shrinkage.
WRMEADOWS.COM (847) 214-2100
HEAVY-DUTY STACKERS
Raymond is introducing three new lithium-ion-powered heavy-duty stackers engineered to optimize throughput and storage space.
The 6310 Walkie Straddle Stacker, 6410 Walkie Reach Stacker, and 6510 Walkie Counterbalanced Stacker use iWarehouse software to provide smarter fleet management, enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces, and a lower cost per move than traditional stand-up counterbalanced forklifts.
RAYMONDCORP.COM (800) 235-7200
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
Rates : $1.20 per word (25 word minimum).
Column inch rate: $65 per inch Deadline: 10th of previous month. Questions? Call (714) 486-2735.
Building Material Suppliers Association – Sept. 25, Built to Lead workshop, Matthews, N.C.; Sept. 29-Oct. 1, roundtable, Des Moines, Ia.; www.mybmsa.org.
Construction Suppliers Assn. – Sept. 24-26, conference & show; Sept. 26-27, roundtable, Hilton Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Fl.; gocsa.com.
Wallace Distribution Co. – Oct. 1-2, fall dealer market, Sevierville, Tn.; www.wallacehardware.com.
National Hardwood Lumber Association – Oct. 1-3, annual convention & show, Marriott Rivercenter, San Antonio, Tx.; www.nhla.com.
Construction Suppliers Association – Oct. 8-10, roundtable, Boothbay Harbor, Me.; www.gocsa.com.
National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association – Oct. 8-10, industry summit, Louisville, Ky.; www.dealer.org.
Peak Auctions – Oct. 9-13, Midwest online auction; Oct. 11, live auctions, St. Charles, Il.; Oct. 18, Richmond, In.; www.peakauction.com.
Deck Expo/Pool Spa Patio Expo – Oct. 19-21, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.poolspapatio.com.
Construction Suppliers Assn. – Oct. 22-24, roundtable, Chattanooga, Tn.; www.gocsa.com.
New Jersey Building Material Dealers Assn. – Oct. 29, annual meeting, Raritan Valley Country Club, Bridgewater, N.J.; nrla.org.
LMC March – Nov. 3-5, LMC Expo, Philadelphia, Pa.; www.lmc.net.
North American Wholesale Lumber Association – Nov. 3-8, Traders Market, Kansas City, Mo.; www.nawla.org.
Gerard W. Moynihan, 84, co-owner of Moynihan Lumber, North Reading, Ma., passed away on July 28.
A 1963 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Gerard joined his uncle’s lumberyard in 1974 and, in time, took over the business with his brothers, Michael and Jack.
He was a former president of the Boston chapter of Hoo-Hoo International, and was honored by the Massachusetts Retail Lumber Dealers Association as Lumber Person of the Year in 1999 and with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
One. Stop. Shop.
Thomas Jay Weiss, 80, retired Minnesota lumberyard operator, died on July 20.
During his 38 years in the business, Tom managed and had ownership in Elk River Lumber, Standard Lumber, and River Valley Lumber, Elk River, Mn.; Voyageur Lumber, Ely, Mn.; and Sawtooth Lumber, Grand Marais, Mn.
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Gerald Alfred “Jerry” Fehr, 83, founder of Kirksville Lumber Co., Kirksville, Mo., died on Aug. 9.
A graduate of Truman State University, Jerry worked for Adair Lumber Co., Kirksville, before launching his own lumberyard in 1983.
Lionel Landry, former president of the Southern Forest Products Association and the longest-serving director of the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition, died on July 15. He was 85.
Lionel began his career with the Southern Pine Association (which became SFPA in 1970) in 1966 as office manager. He was promoted to corporate secretary and Expo director three years later. He directed 18 Expos from 1967 to 2001. He also served as chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) in 1973.
Lionel succeeded Karl Lindberg as SFPA president in 2003 and retired at the end of 2005.
FLASHBACK: SEMI-PROS
FORTY-FOUR years ago, in its September 1981 issue, Building Products Digest sister publication The Merchant Magazine identified a burgeoning group of LBM customers seemingly ignored by dealers: the part-time, semi-professional. This under-served market had different needs than fulltime builders/contractors and compared to weekend DIYers. Columnist Bill Fishman shared ideas on how to reach them:
“Researchers in the home center industry are overlooking a market segment that should be more independently identified.
Most consumer research classifies in two broad categories: (a) the contractor/builder and (b) the do-ityourselfer (sometimes tagged the “consumer,” “homeowner” or the
“cash customer. ”) In the metropolitan markets, these broad categories are probably sufficient to determine a retailer’s marketing position, merchandise mix, and most appealing operational policies.
However, in the rural areas a threeway split would be more meaningful: (1) builder/contractor, (2) do-it-yourselfer, and (3) the cash customer buying to do a home improvement project for someone else.
This third group is comprised of semi-professionals, building or installing for profit. They operate without offices, business stationery, business banking accounts, or licensing. Many are the moonlighting policemen and firemen types picking up their second income doing home repair/home improvement jobs for friends and neighbors.
With housing starts down, my office is receiving more and more calls to work with building material dealers who want to change their ratio of contractor to retail business. The reasons are obvious. The new construction industry is seasonal, greatly dependent upon fluctuating interest rates, and highly susceptible to bad debts. On the other hand, the trade papers boast about the higher margins and a more consistent cash flow in the do-it-yourself business.
Step one in capturing more DIY business is the taking of a mail, telephone and in-store survey to determine the retailer’s positioning in the marketplace. Heretofore we accepted management’s typical estimates of a 70/30 or 60/40 “retail” to contractor ratio. They establish these ratios by assuming all charge sales are contractor/ builder and all cash sales are retail.
The September 1981 front cover promoted redwood from GeorgiaPacific’s mill in Fort Bragg, Ca. The facility, originally built by Union Lumber, spent more than a century as the world’s second largest redwood mill before closing in 2002.
But when we dig deep, we find that an extremely large percentage of the cash sales business falls into the semi-professional category. Recently we’ve altered our consumer surveys to attempt to determine how much of the clientele really buy for resale. (Not an easy task in those states where the moonlighters are theoretically violating state licensing laws.)
Ironically, the home center industry almost totally neglects this market segment. They do a poor job of identifying them, acknowledging them, and promoting to their needs. By necessity, this group must buy sharper—and they have an understandable need for larger-than-typical, short-term-butfrequent financing.
Slowly, retailers are seeing a need to develop separate direct mail programs to this specialized market. The retailer’s goal should be to keep these big ticket semi-professional buyers as captured accounts, and to eliminate their need to shop around town for the lowest bid on each commodity item. But first, they must be identified. It requires the alertness, tact and cooperation of the building material dealer’s retail countermen. They know who these customers are. Ask ’em!” BPD
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That includes not going behind it. The YellaWood® brand not only prioritizes our dealer relationships, but we prove it through our actions. We take great pride in our fifty-plus year history of only selling to dealers and not directly to their customers. See all the other ways the YellaWood® brand has your back. Visit yellawood.com/for-dealers
