The Merchant Magazine - March 2024

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams

padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Alan Oakes

MANAGING EDITOR

David Koenig

dkoenig@526mediagroup.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Sara Graves

sgraves@526mediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS

James Olsen, Claudia St. John, Dave Kahle

CONTRIBUTORS

Simon Cameron, Charles Jourdain, Brad Kirkbride, Paige McAllister

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Alek Olson • aolson@526mediagroup.com

CHANGE

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

FRIENDS JOKE that because the first half of my life was so guarded, that I now live as an open book to balance things out in the end. It’s true that I try to be open with my thoughts, feelings and mistakes. I’m not sure whether it’s a sign that I’ve finally gotten “old,” or perhaps my mind is so full of things kept locked up that there’s no longer room to store anything else.

In light of being “open,” I will share a struggle that I seem to have lately. I have always been a person that loves change. I thought this was normal, but as I’ve grown older, I have realized that it’s almost a human condition to avoid change. We are creatures of habit. In that routine, we find reassurance and comfort. It’s a survival mechanism and although a lot of people claim to like change, their idea of change is the excitement of trying something new at a favorite restaurant. However, I never had stability, or routine, or predictability and therefore, became comfortable in settings that others would find unsettling.

It seems though that I have been “domesticated.” I now have a very blessed life, an amazing family, and a team so skilled at what they do that it humbles me. It is a bit routine, and I find myself now struggling with the changes that are being forced upon me.

My best friend, who I have mentioned several times in my stories, recently made a life decision to take on a new role with a police department in Texas. We spent a long time discussing this and his desire to take his family somewhere that closer aligns with their values while providing his kids with a greater opportunity for the future. Although this buildup of visits, vacations and applications has spanned a couple years, the day recently came where they pulled away from our neighborhood en route to their new chapter. I’ve had many chapters in my life that have ended for one reason or another, but this one felt different.

Also lately, my once “little girl,” my tomboy, and pal daughter has started to grow up. She’s 13 now and all that they say about the “teen years” has landed in our home

with a thud. She is an outside hitter on a club volleyball team, has a heavy school schedule, and now her friends and social time are VERY important to her. Our talks on drives have gotten shorter and the times she just comes out to join in on a house project have gotten fewer. Camping has taken a back burner to the volleyball schedule and most discussions center around how she is the ONLY kid in school, or volleyball that doesn’t have her own phone and still has restrictions on “tech time.”

With my son now turning 7, he too is developing a schedule of demands that now has my wife and me literally passing each other heading different directions on the highway. It’s work, her extensive time working with our kid’s school or a variety of charities, picking up kids or dropping off kids at a variety of school, sports, training, tutoring or social events. By the time we see each other, a tired smile and an “I love you” is about all we muster before collapsing into bed for the evening. Once-impulsive things like a date night dinner now have to be planned weeks in advance.

I remember a wise older man who was a mentor to me in my early 20s telling me, “Adams, be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.” It’s true. I prayed for, worked for, and built this life that we have. And a lot of times, it is exhausting, thankless and routine. It involves sacrifice, compromise and hard decisions. It requires as much thought, strategy and perseverance as anything I’ve tackled in my life.

And… I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s another saying that he shared with me: “Nothing worthwhile comes easily.” That is also true. And while change is sometimes hard, it is only hard when things matter to you. So, I hope as you go through changes that you too can remember behind every change is an opportunity.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and this great industry.

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

Real Cedar’s beauty speaks for itself.

Nothing looks, or lasts, like real Western Red Cedar. It possesses a rich, deep, natural lustre that no composite material can match. What’s more, Real Cedar is naturally resistant to the elements, so your home will retain its natural beauty for decades. No wonder it’s the choice of the world’s best architects. With credentials like these, what more needs to be said?

Image Courtesy of BCV Architects.

Photo by Bruce Damonte Photography

WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT... AND WESTERN RED CEDAR CAN PROVIDE

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

BY BRAD KIRKBRIDE

MOST RETAIL strategies involve three key elements that factor directly into value for customers: location, pricing and product. (Communication with channel partners is also important, but that will be a topic for another article).

Location and pricing are obviously dependent on a vast number of variables, such as proximity to competitors, how far customers are willing to drive to reach you, and, as far as pricing in the softwood lumber business goes, suffice it to say there are really too many market forces at play to list here to adequately cover that. Which brings us to the product.

Knowing what a customer wants in a product seems like an obvious and over-simplified strategy. And it is: If you’re easily accessible, your price is competitive and you’re selling what a customer wants, you are pretty much guaranteed a sale—and lots of them. The hard

part, of course, is knowing what customers want, and delivering on that preference.

The good news for those of us in the softwood business is that wood is making a resurgence. Yes, there are a lot of competitive non-wood substitutes in the market vying for customers’ attention, and market factors like availability during COVID frustrated many, but with prices returning to competitive levels and a growing focus on sustainability and renewable materials, wood species like western red cedar are seeing a surge in popularity as a building and finishing material.

As awareness of climate change continues to grow, so does the realization that we need to take actions to mitigate it. We need only to look at the rise in EV use and investment in charging infrastructure to see how our attitudes toward fossil fuels are changing and how this change is turning to action. The same is hap-

REAL CEDAR is readily available, and prices are competitive with non-wood substitutes. (Photo courtesy Maker Gray LLC. Photographer: Erin Longfellow)

pening with wood. The rise in tall wood buildings (no pun intended) is drawing unprecedented attention to wood’s role in carbon sequestration and is helping expand the narrative on how essential wood products are to the future health of the planet.

What’s fortunate for the softwood lumber business is that there really are no compromises when it comes to choosing natural wood products. Buying an EV in the early days meant limited range and a scarcity of chargers en route. Wood products like western red cedar have the environmental benefits that customers are looking for, but there are also a host of other advantages that come with choosing it over non-wood substitutes.

Price is often the deciding factor in any purchase decision, and WRC has seen large price fluctuations in past years, particularly around COVID. However, prices have since returned to expected levels and are now very competitive when compared to non-wood substitute products.

The same can be said for availability. The surge in the home building and renovation industry a few years ago led to a number of lumber mills temporarily closing, disruptions in commercial transportation, and ultimately a decrease in supply (and the increase in price). Last year, however, the building industry stabilized, lumber mills producing WRC were back in production, and transportation issues have, for the most part, been mitigated.

We know from consumer and market research that western red cedar’s most compelling feature for customers is its looks. The species has a highly sought after natural beauty that has yet to be imitated. It is interesting to note that a number of composite decking and siding companies market their products with claims that they (almost) look like real wood. Consider Coloradobased Trulog’s description that they’re a “wood alternative siding that looks like cedar” (trust me, they don’t); or TimberTech’s boast that their product has “Unrivaled Real Wood Looks.” I’m sure TimberTech makes a fine product, but I can think of a lot of decking and

siding made from real wood that rivals their “real wood look.”

Driven in a large part from its environmental benefits, customer interest in natural wood like WRC is swinging back. It’s highly versatile, smells good, feels good and creates a soothing atmosphere, and advances in engineered WRC products have created a host of new design possibilities.

Western red cedar also holds broad interest for customers in that it is used in such a wide variety of applications and in projects of virtually all sizes, from small to those involving thousands of board feet of material. Looking at current design trends, retailers may want to consider stocking narrow WRC boards, such as rough-textured 1”x2”, 1”x4” and narrow T&G products, for a renewed interest in trim, soffits and board and batten projects.

Another emerging area that’s growing interest in natural wood products is biophilic design: the use of natural materials to create a healthier and more pleasing and effective built environment. The area has been generating new attention since the pandemic, when we spent unprecedented amounts of time indoors. Studies are showing that being surrounded by natural

materials like WRC simulates our connection with nature and aids in stress reduction and stress-related illnesses, and improves physical and mental well-being. As our population continues to grow, and our cities and towns become increasingly crowded, incorporating products like ‘Real Cedar’ paneling, ceilings, timbers and trim into the design is expected to grow in homes, businesses and institutions.

Western red cedar has long been a highly popular and versatile material for decking, siding, trim and outdoor structures, among other applications. The growth of competitive non-wood substitutes, coupled with misinformation about the health of our forests and forestry practices, has eroded market share and changed the softwood industry. As we enter a new time of increased climate awareness, our choices and actions that affect the planet are also changing, and as a result environmentally friendly wood products are swinging back in demand. Fortunately, we have the products to meet that demand. MM

– Brad Kirkbride is managing director of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (www.realcedar.com). Established in 1954, the WRCLA is the voice of the cedar industry, with members in 131 locations throughout North America.

EMPLOYING WRC in biophilic design—the use of natural materials to create a healthier built environment—is growing in consumer interest. (Photographer: Erin Longfellow)

BEST PRACTICES FOR REDWOOD BEST PRACTICES FOR REDWOOD DECK INSTALLATION IN WUI LANDSCAPES

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

BY CHARLES JOURDAIN

REDWOOD IS AN ICONIC wood species used for exterior residential decking throughout California and much of the western U.S. Redwood lumber is highly valued for its natural decay and termite resistance; however, like all exterior wood applications, specific installation techniques can help mitigate the risk of wildfire exposure for wood decks situated in WildlandUrban Interface (WUI) areas. By following this guidance, consumers can help build wildfire resilience into their homes and outdoor structures.

Redwood has long been known as a species that will perform well under fire conditions. This is due to its Class B Flamespread rating (ASTM E-84) and its acceptance under Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure). Furthermore, a listing for redwood (No. 8110-2041:0002, Decking for Wildland Urban Interface)

can be found under the California Office of the State Fire Marshal Building Material Listing Service.

Consumers should feel confident that their choice of redwood decking is appropriate under these conditions. Numerous other factors should be considered to improve the survivability of residences throughout the fire-prone western U.S.

• Home and building loss during wildfires occur due to some part of the building igniting from one or more of the three basic wildfire exposures: (1) embers, (2) radiant heat, and (3) direct flame contact.

• Wildland fires spread by a combination of a moving flame front and the wind distribution of burning embers, which are light enough to be blown through the air and can result in the rapid spread of wildfire.

• You can significantly improve your home’s chanc-

(Courtesy Humboldt Sawmill Company, LLC)

es of surviving a future wildfire through material choices, design and installation options, and regular maintenance.

Defensible Space

Defensible space is the buffer between your structure and the surrounding area and is particularly important in WUI areas. Key considerations and defensible space zones are as follows:

Zone 0 (0-5’): Area closest to a home or building. Remove combustibles (woody plants, mulch, and stored items) surrounding any structure and under and around attached decks. Cut grass or install hardscaping. Keep area clear to prevent embers from igniting materials that can spread fire to the structure.

Zone 1 (5-30’): Eliminate the connectivity between islands of vegetation by increasing the spacing between trees, removing lower branches of trees and shrubs, and creating areas of irrigated and mowed grass or hardscape between lush vegetation islands.

HPM Celebrates Centennial

HPM Building Supply, Hawaii’s local, fifth-generation, family-founded building industry retailer, manufacturer, and supplier, is celebrating its 100th year anniversary in 2021.

HPM has a long, storied history in Hawaii’s building industry and is a leader in the community. The company has survived two devastating tsunamis, which wiped out whole facilities and inventory, each time rebuilding and reestablishing itself.

“HPM is grateful for the support of generations of customers who have chosen HPM as their main source for building supply materials over the last century,” said Jason Fujimoto, president and CEO, HPM Building Supply. “We look forward to continuing to grow and innovate our business to help others build and live better.”

Plants should be properly irrigated and maintained to remove dead/ dry material. These actions reduce potential fuels for fire.

After a century in business, HPM is now a statewide organization, with branches and services on every major Hawaiian Island and 14 locations across the state. HPM is also 100% employee-owned by their more than 400 owneremployees, who share in the company’s success.

and in honor on an even larger a commitment service, special thank professional giveaways—the winner with towards a home HPM Building Kametaro Fujimoto, CEO. HPM specializes tools, trusses, kitchen and HPM was one employee profi one of the first

Humboldt

and in honor of their centennial year, they are giving back on an even larger scale this year. Their celebration includes a commitment to accomplish 100 community acts of service, special centennial-related benefits and activities to thank professional partners and customers, and statewide giveaways—the most recent of which will award one lucky winner with $20,000 of building materials from HPM towards a home project of their choice.

HPM Celebrates Centennial

Zone 2 (30-100’+): Reduce the density of the trees, shrubs, plants,

HPM could not have accomplished this milestone without the support of its local communities. To show appreciation,

HPM Building Supply, Hawaii’s local, fifth-generation, family-founded building industry retailer, manufacturer, and supplier, is celebrating its 100th year anniversary in 2021.

and grasses to slow fire spread and reduce flame heights. Keep shrubs and trees well-spaced and pruned to eliminate fuel ladders, where fire can climb from the ground to the tops of the vegetation. 100 feet of

HPM has a long, storied history in Hawaii’s building industry and is a leader in the community. The company has survived two devastating tsunamis, which wiped out whole facilities and inventory, each time rebuilding and reestablishing itself.

WHOLESALE

“HPM is grateful for the support of generations of customers who have chosen HPM as their main source for building supply materials over the last century,” said Jason Fujimoto, president and CEO, HPM Building Supply.

“We look forward to continuing to grow and innovate our business to help others build and live better.”

HPM Building Supply was founded in Hilo in 1921 by Kametaro Fujimoto, the great-great-grandfather of the current CEO. HPM specializes in lumber, building materials, paint, tools, trusses, wall panels, metal and composite roofing, kitchen and bath design, and pre-designed house plans. HPM was one of Hawaii’s first businesses to establish an employee profit-sharing plan in 1959 and, in 1977, became one of the first companies in the state to be employee-owned.

Aspen Pacifi named the exclusive Sawmill and Humboldt and operates and Douglas manufacturer U.S. with annual Aspen Pacifi global exporter market a wide preservative-treated Pacific markets Asia, Japan, Taiwan,

DISTRIBUTOR OF A WIDE RANGE OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS,

After a century in business, HPM is now a statewide organization, with branches and services on every major Hawaiian Island and 14 locations across the state. HPM is also 100% employee-owned by their more than 400 owneremployees, who share in the company’s success.

HPM could not have accomplished this milestone without the support of its local communities. To show appreciation,

Humboldt Taps Global Sales Agent

Aspen Pacific Industries, Vancouver, B.C., has been named the exclusive international sales agent for Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood.

INCLUDING:

Humboldt Sawmill, located in Northern California, owns and operates three sawmills and 440,000 acres of redwood and Douglas fir timberland. Allweather Wood is the largest manufacturer of preservative treated lumber in the western U.S. with annual production of over 500 million bd. ft.

Aspen Pacific, a leading Canadian manufacturer and global exporter of softwood and hardwood lumber, will market a wide range of premium redwood, Douglas fir, and preservative-treated lumber products into Europe and PanPacific markets such as Vietnam, China, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Taiwan, French-Polynesia, and Guam.

Samples are available upon request

DEFENSIBLE SPACE the buffer between a structure and the surrounding area—is vitally important in WUI areas.

defensible space is required by law. Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291.

The California Office of the State Fire Marshal provides a wealth of additional information on defensible space.

Deck Construction & Maintenance

The following deck construction details have been shown to reduce the potential for ignition from embers and improve the survivability of a deck exposed to wildfire conditions.

• Space joists 24” on center. This creates fewer joists for embers to accumulate on.

• Application of a metal-faced, bitumen-backed flashing tape to the top edge of the joists. This type of flashing tape is available at home centers and hardware stores and is available in 4” and 6” widths. It should be wide enough to fold over the faces of the joists by 1” to 2”. The intent of this flashing is to minimize the damage and flame spread from ignition of the deck joists by accumulated embers. If the appearance of the metal-faced flashing is objectionable between the deck boards, it can be spray painted flat black prior to decking installation.

• Incorporation of a 1/4” deck board gap spacing. The recommended gap for redwood decking is 3/16” at installation, as the spacing will typically increase

to 1/4” or greater during the hot dry seasons when wildfire threat is the greatest. This size gap will allow embers to easily pass through to the boards to noncombustible space below the deck where they will typically self-extinguish (assuming that combustibles have been eliminated below the deck).

• Install metal flashing or grates along the deck edge where it joins the vertical wall of the structure. Metal flashing at this junction can minimize the chance that accumulated embers can ignite combustible siding and underlying sheathing. Use of these grates will allow embers to fall below the deck and extinguish as long as underdeck conditions do not include combustible items (e.g., grass, stored materials, mulch, etc.). Alternatively, if the siding on the building where the deck joins the wall is made of a noncombustible material, and the sheathing is not exposed, this may eliminate the need for flashing or grate installation.

• Regularly clear the gap between deck boards so that these gaps do not become clogged with dirt, leaves, pine needles, or other debris that may ignite if encountered by embers MM

– Charlie Jourdain is manager, business development for the Mendocino Companies, Santa Rosa, Ca., including Humboldt Sawmill, Mendocino Redwood Co., Mendocino Forest Products, and Allweather Wood. For more information, visit www.mendoco.com.

APPLICATION of a metal-faced, bitumen-backed flashing tape to the top edge of joists helps minimize the damage and flame spread from ignition of the deck joists by accumulated embers. (Photo courtesy Steve Quarles)

QUARTER-INCH OR GREATER gap between redwood deck boards should allow embers to easily pass through to noncombustible space below the deck. (Photo courtesy Steve Quarles)

NEXT-GENERATION STUD FINDERS ELIMINATE FALSE POSITIVES

FOR HARDWARE dealers and distributors looking to entice contractor and DIY sales, today’s most advanced stud finder technology is designed to essentially eliminate the false positives that have proliferated in recent years. Accurately locating studs within walls is crucial to cut safely and efficiently into drywall, mount fixtures, and reroute wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ductwork during installation or remodeling.

Pros and amateur handymen have long utilized stud finders based on unrefined capacitive technology. While this original technology can indicate the location of wood stud framing, it may also discover metal, plastic, wiring and other objects in walls and indicate them as studs. The potential for “false positive” indications is further

increased by brands with constantly active, hypersensitive “deep scanning” models. The result is that traditional stud finders may chirp or flash LED lights to indicate something was sensed, but it is not clear what that is.

Today, the challenge of accurately assessing what is behind walls is only increasing. There is more behind the drywall than ever, including network cabling, plastic pipes, and tubing. Complicating matters, not all construction follows standard stud spacing practices of 16” or 24” on-center, and there are often additional support beams, fire blocks, and other framing features that can further muddy the picture.

Now, newer and more refined technology is being introduced to the popular stud finder category, and it promises to redefine the standards

for stud finder performance at a mass market price that will spur retailer and distributor sales.

Zircon’s latest stud finders utilize multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing to help filter out false positives, minimizing the risk of misidentifying objects as studs. Its new Wood Stud SuperScan advanced stud finder with Target Control technology and FILTERz cancellation analyzes the complex data streams from multiple sensors and controls the result using sophisticated intelligence to filter out metallic objects, such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets, screws, protector plates, and ductwork behind the wall. The technology also alerts users to the presence of other low-density, non-metallic targets like plastic pipe and PEX tubing.

DeepScan mode locates the center of wood studs and metal up to 1-1/2” (38 mm) deep behind walls. A warning indicator will display when metal is detected. To minimize the risk of cutting into dangerous electrical wires, the device also provides WireWarning detection, which indicates the presence of live, unshielded AC electricity.

JAXWQ’s upgraded Stud Finder Wall Scanner 5-in-1 Stud Detector incorporates an intelligent micro-sensor chip with the highest sensitivity to accurately and quickly find edges and center of metal, studs, joists, pipes, and live AC wire behind walls, floors and ceilings. The device offers multiple scan modes, including stud scan, deep scan, and metal scan, to detect various materials and depths.

By providing solutions to the longstanding problem of proliferating false positives, retailers and distributors can bring contractors and DIYers in the door and boost their sales. MM

ADVANCED, second-generation stud finders, such as Zircon’s Wood Stud SuperScan, utilize multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing to help filter out false positives.

CONTROLLING THE CALL

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

WHEN WE SAY we need to “control the call,” it may sound adversarial. It is not. We are not at war with our customers. We bring them value and serve them—as a partner. We give great service, but we are not servants, we are partners.

I put myself through school waiting tables. Waiting tables and selling are kissing cousins. The man who trained me told me, “James, to give great service, you have to control your tables. If you don’t, not only one customer will get bad service, but your whole section will get bad service.”

The example he gave me: “You come up to a table of 10 to take their drink order before dinner. You go around the table getting everyone’s order, but two of your customers are in deep discussion. You have to say, ‘Excuse me, can I get you something to drink?’ This may seem like an interruption, but if you don’t, you are going to go stand in line at the service bar, get the other eight drinks, and when you come back to the table, the two who were in the deep discussion will now want to order. The extra 15 minutes it takes to get their drinks will put you behind with that table and all your tables for the rest of the evening.”

The same can be said of sales calls. The Master Seller knows how they want their calls to go and brings more value because of it. The struggling seller has no idea or is winging it, which wastes the customer’s time and brings much less (if any) value.

Controlling the Prospect Call

The purpose of the prospect (initial) call is to qualify the customer. We

need to find out: (1) what items they buy, (2) species, (3) grade, (4) tallies, (5) mill preference, and (6) volume.

Many sellers are not clear or jump from one item to the next without thoroughly qualifying each item—item by item. They get off the phone with a garbled understanding of what the customer buys. This creates a lot of poor, non-value second calls. Often the seller has to re-prospect the account or offers them the wrong species, tally or grade. This is frustrating to the buyer and gives a bad first impression, which is difficult to overcome in the competitive life of salespeople.

Often customers will ask, “So what’s your price on ------?” Many sellers scramble to give a price. The Master Seller says, “Susan, I’d love to sell you something today, but that really isn’t the purpose of this call. Let me ask you a couple more questions about you, your company, and the products you buy. When we are done with that if you want to give me an inquiry on something, I will work up a professional quote for you and we can start doing business.”

Controlling the Inquiry

Most sellers rush in too quickly to give a price when the customer asks for a quote on an item. The Master Seller pumps the brakes and takes a thorough inquiry before quoting a price. The Master Seller asks a series of questions before quoting a price:

1. How many do we need?

2. When do we need them to ship?

3. What kind of tally are we looking for?

4. Any stock we prefer/can’t use?

5. Do we have an idea on the price we want to pay?

6. When are we going to pull the trigger on these?

Once they have a clear picture of what the inquiry is about, then they quote a price and ask for the order.

Controlling the Closing

Most sellers tell the customer what the product is and then wait for the customer to buy:

Seller: “John, I’ve got a truckload of 2x4 16’s I can get to you at $450/ MBF…”

Master Sellers promote products. They tell their customer why something is a good deal, why they should buy it, then simply and directly ask for the order:

Master Seller: “John, I’ve got three truckloads of 2x4 16’s. They are out of ABC Sawmill, which is your preferred. The market is moving on 16’s, and I can work with you on the shipment. You want to put these together?”

Control your calls, control your sales life. MM

FROM SOURCING TO DELIVERY, WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

THAT’S SUCCESS BUILT TOGETHER.

At Western Woods, it is about more than selling lumber – it’s about delivering unparalleled value to our customers. And we don’t stop there: We work strategically with our logistics partners to get your order to you safely and efficiently anywhere on the West Coast. From plywood to fir, pressure-treated to WUI-certified, we have the products you need when you need them. Your success is our success, and you can count on us to help get you there.

Excellent products. Unrivaled service. It’s what we do.

WORKING WITH PROTECTED GROUPS

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

IT’S ONE OF the most dreaded parts of running a business: you overhear someone tell a discriminatory joke or an employee tells you they have been the victim of harassing behavior. What do you do?

It’s important to take the situation seriously, investigate promptly and thoroughly, and take impactful corrective action. If you ignore the complaint or allow the behavior to continue unchecked, one grievance can lead to the workplace becoming a hostile work environment, thereby exposing the whole company to additional liability while possibly increasing turnover and generating bad word-of-mouth.

While all employees deserve to feel comfortable at work, if any impacted employee belongs to one or more protected groups, the company’s exposure to a negative legal outcome and potential damages increases even more.

Protected characteristics or groups:

Federal, state, and local laws define the characteristics or groups which are protected. Employees who fall into any of these groups have the protections of the laws which define them. Characteristics protected under federal law include race, religion, age (40 or older), national origin, color, gender (including gender identity), sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), veteran status, genetic information, and disabilities. Some states, counties, and cities have passed laws which expand protections to other groups such as natural hair and protective hairstyles; being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or crime; use of sick time or medical leave; or familial or marital status.

What does that mean? If an employee who falls into one or more protected groups files a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, there may be an investigation by the regulatory agency which could result in penalties such as fines; back and/or front pay; compensatory, punitive, and liquidated damages; and attorneys’ fees and legal costs. In addition, employees who file a good-faith claim of or participate in an investigation

into a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment are protected from retaliation.

Create a safe workplace for your employees:

Employers must provide a safe, healthy workplace for all employees. Part of that is to create a space where they aren’t harassed and can bring concerns to you for fair investigation without reprisal. Some good practices include:

• Establish clear policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Define protected groups and prohibited behavior such as quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Include these policies in your handbook, having employees acknowledge their receipt and understanding. Update regularly.

• Train employees on acceptable behavior in the workplace and with co-workers. Train supervisors on being consistent in their duties, handling unacceptable behavior, and understanding that the vicarious liability of their actions on the company mean they’ll be held to a higher standard.

• Take any complaint seriously no matter how minor. The aggrieved employee may not be the direct recipient of the unacceptable behavior, but, rather, they could be a witness or someone otherwise impacted by the behavior. And what is funny or innocuous to one person could be offensive to another.

• Investigate thoroughly and quickly, putting other tasks on hold until it is resolved if needed. Protect the identity of the employee and participants as much as possible to reduce retaliation concerns. Take proper action based on what you discover and follow up with the accused and accuser to close the loop.

• Be consistent in your actions regardless of the person or role of the accuser or the accused. If the person is entry-level or upper management, a new hire or has been there 20 years, all complaints are to be taken seriously even if the specifics change from case-to-case. If a leader

is accused of inappropriate behavior, bring in an outside consultant for an unbiased investigation.

• Follow a similar process if the accused is a third-party such as a delivery person or an employee of a client. You may not be able to take disciplinary action against the accused, but you can take steps (i.e., reassigning the employee or terminating the relationship with the client) to protect your employee if needed.

• Never retaliate or allow others to retaliate. Retaliation claims should be more concerning as they are usually easier to prove and therefore more likely to be pursued in a legal setting.

Tips for investigating an internal complaint:

Having an employee file a complaint can be daunting since it is hopefully not something that happens often in your company. Whether the complaint is about a careless comment, offensive joke, or inappropriate touching, you should follow a clear, consistent process, documenting throughout. While not a comprehensive how-to, here are

some important tips to keep in mind while investigating:

• Protect employee privacy but do not promise confidentiality: If you learn about an incident, you need to investigate it. But try to keep conversations as general as possible to protect the privacy of the employees who complain or participate in the investigation to help shield them from retaliation. And once you’re done, respect the privacy of the accused employee by not sharing the actions you take as that is part of their confidential employee record.

• Document everything: Ask the accuser, accused, and witnesses to follow-up their interviews with written statements. Whether they do or don’t, be sure you thoroughly document all of the interviews, the outcome, and your thought process so you can review everything in the future if needed to respond to a complaint.

• Don’t unintentionally punish the employee: While a natural reaction may be to remove the employee from an uncomfortable situation, the accused may not want that. Instead, ask the employee how they would feel most

• Incense, just like Western Red, is non-resinous and decay-resistant, making it ideal for many outdoor applications, including decking and garden beds.

• Incense Cedar is less combustible than Western Red—a definite benefit in many regions. (Test Method ASTM E-84, according to the Western Wood Product Association Product Use Manual).

• Incense Cedar is highly durable under all weather conditions and in all climates. Plus, excellent thermal properties (comparable to Western Red), keep it from heating up. That’s appreciated by anyone walking on a deck barefoot on a summer day.

• Incense Cedar has a beautiful chocolate heart center and is not as red as Western Red. They both weather to an appealing driftwood gray with a silvery sheen.

• Both species are easy to work with. (The Forest Products Lab rated Incense Cedar in the top group of three in workability with hand tools.) They both machine easily, resulting in a smooth, silken surface.

• Both species offer the same dimensional stability: dried from a green state down to 12-15% moisture content, they both shrink 3.8% by volume.

comfortable during the investigation. You can give them options (i.e., stay at home with pay, work at another location with similar conditions and duties, work their usual job, or remove the accused temporarily). Understand that anything viewed by the employee as a negative employment action may be seen as retaliation.

• Be okay with only knowing part of the story: There are multiple sides to every story and the truth lies somewhere in the middle. After you talk with all parties, assess what you learned with other factors about those employees—seniority, performance, previous complaints, etc.—and then use that to balance all of the information you have. After reviewing everything, determine what most likely happened and then determine the best course of action.

• Termination is not your only option: After investigating, you feel the accused did something wrong. You may be right to consider terminating them. But if the accused told a joke or used a term that they did not know was offensive, then perhaps a written warning and sensitivity training is more appropriate.

Steps to protect the company:

Supreme Court decisions and other court rulings have outlined ways a company can help insulate itself from exposure to maximum damages. Often referred to as an “affirmative defense,” these actions include (this list may not be exhaustive):

• Draft, maintain, and publish comprehensive, compliant policies and include acceptable reporting procedures.

• Train employees and supervisors regularly in their protections and responsibilities.

• Make it easy for an employee to file a complaint by giving them multiple methods and people to contact to start the process.

• Investigate all complaints thoroughly and promptly and then take appropriate action.

One final thought:

Minimizing your exposure involves proactively implementing effective policies and procedures, reinforcing they are the expectation and culture of the company, and quickly taking mitigating action if/when it occurs. If any aspect goes unchecked, one minor issue could grow into a major one.

While a filed complaint does not automatically mean paying out damages, it does require time, money, and focus away from core business to respond and defend your case. And, even if a regulatory agency does not pursue the case, the employee may still be able to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages. MM

PAIGE McALLISTER

Q. We have an employee who does a March Madness bracket pool in the office. Do we have any liability by allowing that? Can we tell him it is not allowed?

A. Bracket pools for March Madness are growing in popularity given the easy management though online resources. Since these pools aren’t limited in size like Fantasy Football or other leagues, they can be a fun way to connect co-workers even if only for a few weeks.

However, there are some things to consider before officially allowing bracket pools or any similar event to be done through the company.

• Open it up to everyone: Don’t allow certain people to be included while others are excluded. That can create or strengthen cliques within the workplace or even appear as discriminatory depending on the make-up of the group not invited to join.

• Don’t allow money to be exchanged: Gambling is not legal everywhere but, even where it is, money being won or lost can create financial concerns, confrontation and intensified emotions and outbursts. If not properly handled, the company may become liable for financial losses.

• Be prepared for a dip in productivity: Before the first tip-off, employees will spend time analyzing the teams and making choices for their “perfect” bracket. Once the games start, they will be following the scores, many of which are played during the normal workweek.

• Protect your network security: Since brackets are often tracked using a third-party platform, be sure that it is legitimate and secure to reduce the chance of a malware or virus being downloaded into the system.

• Monitor the side “chatter”: If the site has a place for ongoing banter or “trash talking,” the company may be liable for any inappropriate or unacceptable behavior or language which is not addressed or investigated.

• Realize you will need to allow similar activities in the future: Any time an employee is allowed to use company resources (i.e., email) to coordinate a bracket or drawing, organize a fundraiser, or solicit donations, a precedence is set. This means the company must allow other employees to coordinate, organize or solicit for their causes (as long as they are legal and do not violate a policy), even if it is against the company’s best interest.

While bracket pools are fun, you may decide the downside is not worth it. In that case, tell the organizing employee the bracket must be handled using personal emails and be done when off-duty. And be consistent with future requests.

There are other ways to use March Madness as a teambuilding opportunity. Perhaps invite employees to wear jerseys of their favorite schools or watch part of the games during a company-sponsored lunch.

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

GO CLASSIC. NOT PLASTIC.

There’s a reason plastic deck companies try to look like 100% natural Western Red Cedar. Real Cedar creates a timeless, genuine look and feel that no other material can match. Completely sustainable, renewable and unrivaled in its versatility and ability to withstand the elements, Real Cedar is the ideal material for any outdoor project.

OWENS CORNING PURCHASING MASONITE

Owens Corning, Toledo, Oh., has agreed to acquire door manufacturing giant Masonite International, Tampa, Fl., for nearly $4 billion.

Founded in 1925, Masonite designs, manufactures and markets doors and door systems, with a vertically integrated manufacturing model serving both repair and remodel and new construction demand. Masonite operates 64 manufacturing and distribution facilities, primarily in North America, and has over 10,000 employees globally.

“We are excited by this opportunity to add a scalable new growth platform for our company,” said Brian Chambers, board chair and CEO of Owens Corning. “Masonite is a market leader that complements our existing residential interior and exterior product offering and has consistently demonstrated top-line growth and margin expansion. The combination of our commercial, operational, and innovation capabilities allows us to accelerate our long-term enterprise growth strategy with a clear line of sight to meaningful synergies and increased cash flow generation.”

The acquisition of Masonite and entry into doors adds a highly complementary line of innovative products and advances Owens Corning’s strategy to expand its building materials offering in residential applications. With the deal,

Owens Corning’s revenue generated from North American residential applications will grow to 60% of its total revenue.

Following the closing, Masonite will operate as a reportable segment and will maintain Masonite’s brands and a presence in Tampa.

HPM EXPANDING TO LANAI

HPM Building Supply is getting ready to move into a new store with drive-thru lumberyard on Lanai, Hi.

The 5,000-sq. ft. space was previously known as Lanai Hardware & Lumber store, which closed in 2023 when its former operators retired. The store is currently being renovated and is slated to open this April.

“The expansion to the beautiful island of Lanai marks an exciting new chapter for HPM as we introduce our company to the community of Lanai and serve their needs,” said Jason Fujimoto, HPM chairman and CEO. “This opportunity allows us to provide valuable resources, a wide range of products, and diverse materials to a unique market like Lanai, and we look forward to developing a collaborative relationship with its residents and businesses.”

Early plans for the new retail space include the addition of live plants sourced from landowner Palama Lanai’s nursery. HPM core

A PRIMARY PRODUCER OF PREMIUM WRC PRODUCTS.

products such as lumber, plywood, hardware, power tools, paint, plumbing and electrical supplies, as well as flooring will be in stock. New retail options include pet food and supplies and various seasonal products. Custom-ordering will also be available for Lanai customers who wish to purchase specialty lumber, windows, doors, cabinets, window coverings, and manufactured products, like HPM’s Custom Metal Roofing.

A fifth-generation local business, HPM is 100% employee-owned. It operates 19 locations across Hawai‘i Island, Maui, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Lanai and Washington state.

------------| NEWS BRIEFS

Picture Rocks Ace Hardware, Tucson, Az., held its grand opening Feb. 2-4.

Ace Hardware Prunedale, Salinas, Ca., held a grand reopening event Feb. 16-18.

RW America LLC, Denver, Co., completed the acquisition of All American Building Products, Tulsa, Ok.

AdvantageLumber.com is now selling New Castle Steel deck framing online nationally and from its warehouses in Santa Fe Springs, Ca.; Sarasota, Fl.; Buffalo, N.Y.; and Grover, N.C.

PWT, Burlington, Wa., has launched a new AIA-accredited online course, “A Brief History of Deck Substructure Materials & the Potential of Treated LVL.”

Partap Forest Products operates both sawmilling and reman facilities to produce the highest quality Western Red Cedar products available. We ensure the highest value is extracted from log to lumber, producing more than 110 million board feet annually.

Digger Specialties Inc., Bremen, In., launched a new contractor rewards program, Westbury Pro Rewards, providing cash, marketing support, job leads, and other benefits to professionals who buy Westbury aluminum railing systems.

TAMKO Building Products’

Titan XT shingle has been named the 2024 Product of the Year in the Home Protection category by Product of the Year USA.

Millboard’s Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak decking products achieved certification for use in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas across the country.

DOMAN BUILDING MATERIALS

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

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

CanWel Fiber will be rebranded as DOMAN Timber, and our Canadian and US West Coast wood treatment facilities will become DOMAN Treated Wood. CanWel Building Materials and California Cascade will unify under DOMAN Building Materials, and Hixson Lumber will become DOMAN Lumber. This strategic decision is driven by our commitment to enhancing the synergy of our activities, fostering unity, and strengthening our market presence.

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

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

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

ROSBORO PAUSES SPRINGFIELD STUD MILL

Rosboro Co. temporarily curtailed production at its commodity stud lumber mill in Springfield, Or.

The company attributed the closure to “an ongoing imbalance between local timber costs and market pricing for commodity lumber. Recently implemented regulations restricting timber harvest activities in Oregon have caused material harm to the competitiveness of much of our state’s wood products manufacturing segment, and 40 of our employees and their families will unfortunately suffer for it. Following the curtailment, the company will have a total of 295 employees located in Springfield.”

Operations at Rosboro’s lamstock mill, two planer mills, dry kilns, and three glulam manufacturing plants are ongoing.

Last year, Rosboro announced a $100-million investment in its operations—all of which will be on the glulam side. Included in the expenditures will be converting part of the recently curtailed stud mill to lamstock production and moving away from commodity products. Lamstock is a specialty lumber product Rosboro uses as a raw material in producing glulams.

The project will increase Rosboro’s vertically integrated glulam manufacturing capacity by 50%.

Rosboro plans to resume operations at the stud mill in conjunction with the completion of the expansion project, at the latest. In the meantime, if the log and/ or lumber markets normalize to a point where it is feasible to resume production of commodity lumber, the company is “prepared to jump back in.”

RESTORATION FOREST FILES CHAPTER 11

Restoration Forest Products, Bellemont, Az., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it seeks to reorganize.

In its filing, the company reported liabilities of $367 million and assets of at least $100 million. The firm says it already has struck a deal with stakeholders that will allow it to cut more than $300 million in debt. As part of the plan, Invesco agreed to supply $95 million in funding to get through the court process. Once Restoration Forest emerges from bankruptcy, Invesco would own the company along with its current equity holder, Lateral Investment Management.

The plan and financing are subject to court approval.

WOLF EXPANDING INTO COLORADO

Wolf Home Products, York, Pa., announced its expansion into Colorado, which will equip area building professionals with a comprehensive, high-quality kitchen & bath portfolio said to meet varying style preferences and budgets.

This move enhances the company’s ability to serve the greater Denver area and the I-25 corridor from

Cheyenne, Wy., to Colorado Springs, Co., providing dealers and contractors with efficient access to all Wolf branded products.

Products will have weekly shipping available, and be serviced out of Wolf Home Products’ new, state-of-theart, 1 million-sq. ft. warehouse and distribution center in Wilmington, Il.

Among some of the kitchen & bath products stocked in Wilmington include Wolf Surfaces and Wolf Classic and Builders Mark cabinets.

“Expanding our presence into Colorado marks a significant milestone, as it showcases our commitment to customer service and to business growth for our customers and suppliers in the Rocky Mountain region,” said Matt Keen, Wolf regional VP. “We strive to bring only the highest standards of excellence to everything we do—and that means not just providing quality products, but making sure our customers in the Colorado area are taken care of every step of the way with prompt delivery and proven reliability.”

FIRE DESTROYS ALASKA HARDWARE STORE

Chevak Company Corp. lost its Chevak, Ak., hardware store and second-story corporate headquarters in a massive fire on Jan. 29.

The ground-floor retail shop was stocked with propane, ammunition and other supplies that were so volatile, firefighters opted to let the blaze burn out.

The cause is under investigation. Chevak Company president Roy Atchak thinks the recent cold snap may have contributed, with the fire possibly starting around “the furnace or Toyo stove.”

He hopes to set up a temporary office for the corporation, which should be up and running in the coming months. Currently, however, there’s no timeline for a new hardware store.

BELEAGUERED SAN FRANCISCO HARDWARE STORE FIGHTS CRIME ONE SHOPPER AT A TIME

Desperate to curb rampant shoplifting, Fredericksen Hardware in San Francisco, Ca., now requires shoppers to be escorted by an employee during their visit.

Customers must wait at a table that blocks the entrance, where they must check any bags or backpacks, and wait for an escort.

Store manager Sam Black said the 128-year-old store had no choice but to implement a “one-on-one shopping experience” starting in early February due to the rise in brazen crime since the pandemic began—despite the entire floor covered by security cameras.

Now, for some more expensive merchandise, a single sample is on display—securely bolted down—with the rest in the back.

Black said he stopped reporting the thefts to police because the response was so slow—or nonexistent.

Other area hardware stores have recently given up completely. Pagano’s Hardware Mart in Alameda, Ca., closed in late January, and Hollywood Hardware in Sacramento locked its doors in early February.

Regarding the Hardware Mart’s closure, Black told The San Francisco Standard: “The theft was just nuts, just way worse than us.”

Heavy-duty fastening just got easier.

Introducing the Simpson Strong-Tie ® Timber Drive ™ structural screw fastening system. Timber Drive is the revolutionary tool designed for ergonomic, standup operation while driving structural screws. It’s ideal for heavy-duty jobs that require repetitive fastening, such as bridges, docks, boardwalks and mass timber. You can use Timber Drive with corded or cordless driver motors to install Strong-Drive ® structural screws in a wide variety of sizes, thread types and heads. Save time and effort on your next heavy-duty fastening job with Timber Drive.

To learn more about Timber Drive, visit go.strongtie.com/timberdrive or call (800) 999-5099.

Precision Placement™ nosepiece for connector fastening.

Craig Johnston has retired as CEO of Forest City Trading Group, Portland, Or., after 42 years with the company. He is succeeded by Derrick Coder. Mark Ingersoll has been appointed area mgr. for 84 Lumber’s Western Division, overseeing facilities in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Ethan Saffell is a new sales coordinator for 84 Lumber in Denver, Co.

David Smith has been promoted to VP of panel sales at Timber Products, Springfield, Or., succeeding Pat Lynch, who is retiring at the end of the year. Sales mgrs. Kevin Smith and Davis Edwards have been promoted to director of western plywood sales, and director of eastern plywood sales, respectively. Chris Knowles is now director of international sales and Kendall Conroy, director of marketing.

Jon Hagen has retired after 42 years with Sierra-Pacific Industries, Anderson, Ca., the last 24 in green Douglas fir lumber sales.

Zachary Rauen has joined the outside sales team at Alpine Lumber, Silverthorne, Co.

Chuck Dotson has retired after 43 years in the lumber business, the last 10 years at Thompson River Lumber Co., Thompson Falls, Mt.

Mike Brown, executive VP of wood products, Boise Cascade, Boise, Id., will retire effective May 3 after 33 years with the company. Troy Little will succeed him. Angella Broesch has been promoted to VP, human resources, in anticipation of senior VP of HR Erin Nuxoll retiring May 3 after 30 years with Boise Cascade.

Philip Fondale is the new owner of Missouri River Lumber, Fort Benton, Mt.

Elisa Lorenz has joined C&D Lumber Co., Riddle, Or., as sales coordinator. Kennette Wilson has been promoted to sales representative.

Jim Rivas has been promoted to president of Tyndale Advisors, Collierville, Tn., the marketing arm of Orgill, Inc.

Kris Page has retired after 46 years with F.H. Stoltze Lumber Co., Columbia Falls, Mt.

Jose Salazar, ex-White Cap, is a new inside sales account mgr. at Ganahl Lumber, Pasadena, Ca.

Ryan Lauterborn, ex-Trex, is now with Boise Cascade, Riverside, Ca.

Edie Kello, director of marketing at Viance, retired March 1.

Ben Meachen has been promoted to VP, specialty building materials for OrePac Building Products, Wilsonville, Or. Sierra Kizzier is now digital marketing coordinator. Bill Lamb, ex-B&L Sales, joined OrePac as territory mgr. for doors & moulding in the San Francisco Bay Area. Taylor Bearnson, ex-Capital, is new to sales in Salt Lake City, Ut.

Cybelle White has been promoted to chief of staff for Roseburg, Springfield, Or.

Cassandra Lewis is a new kitchen & bath designer at Bloedorn Lumber, Loveland, Co.

Matt LaScola has been promoted to senior vice president, corporate strategy & real estate for Kodiak Building Partners, Englewood, Co. Darius McCurty is now senior VP, corporate controller; Brian Huss, senior VP, finance and treasurer; and Monte Bride, VP of marketing.

Brandon Stransky has joined the sales team at Affiliated Resources, Lake Oswego, Or.

Jimmy Bittner, ex-Capital Lumber, is a new outdoor living/pro yard specialist for Hardwoods Specialty Products, Wilsonville, Or.

Bryce Hansen has joined the inside sales team at ABC Supply, West Sacramento, Ca.

Christina Bechtoldt, ex-Boise Cascade, has joined Do it Best, Woodburn, Or., as a forest products trader. Alla Vovnenko is new to Do it Best in Fort Wayne, In., as an ecommerce B2B specialist. Corbin Prows is now divisional mgr. of ecommerce platform operations, and Brianna Wells is divisional mgr. of ecommerce: marketing & merchandising.

Ricky Stanley, T.R. Miller Mill Co., Brewton, Al., was elected board chair of the American Wood Council. Sean McLaren, West Fraser, is now

1st vice chair, and Derek Ratchford, SmartLam, 2nd vice chair. Ratchford also joins the board, along with Ashlee Cribb, PotlatchDeltic; Jake Elston, Roseburg; and Cade Warner, Westervelt Co.

Matt Endriss, formerly with Central Valley, has been named executive director of the West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association, replacing John Ehrig.

Felix Cited is the new customer experience officer at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus

CORNERSTONE UNITES 3 BRANDS

Cary, N.C.-based Cornerstone Building Brands has unveiled its newest brand, Fortify Building Solu-

tions, by combining its Heritage Building Systems, Metal Depot, and Reed’s Metals brands.

Fortify Building Solutions unites the residential metal roofing and metal buildings lines.

Later this year, Fortify will open four new physical locations—two in Montana, one in Alabama, and a fourth location to be determined. From websites, e-commerce and social media profiles to print materials and brick-and-mortar locations, the new brand is expected to be fully implemented within two years.

Shasta Series siding is the same KodiakPly panel you know and trust, but with a patch-free, Okoume face. The answer to your exterior needs, KodiakPly Shasta Series is made with a Douglas fir core and holds a timeless look with durable properties to meet the demands of the environment.

us today to learn more!

KodiakPly Shasta Series Siding Panels

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Cedar-like appearance

ORGILL SPRING DEALER MARKET SHINES IN ORLANDO

FROM INSPIRING model stores and more than 1,200 vendor booths to promotional areas and product showcases, retailers were able to take it all in Feb. 22-24 at Orgill’s 2024 Spring Dealer Market held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fl.

The event brings together thousands of retailers from around the world to connect with an excited vendor community and shop promotional buys, network with industry-leading vendors and service providers and attend a range of educational sessions.

“It’s always our goal to put on an event that makes it well worth the trip for our customers, and we think we have achieved that here in Orlando,” said Boyden Moore, Orgill president and CEO. “Now, more than ever, retailers in this industry need to be proactive about finding ways to compete and succeed and our market is designed to provide them with the tools they need to do just that. We are very thankful to all the retailers who are here and all of our vendor partners who step up to make the event the best in the industry.”

In an effort to continually improve the event and make it more responsive to market trends, Orgill introduced several new additions. One of these new areas was the Farm and Pet showcase, featuring products for household pets and agriculture. In addition to the product showcase, attendees could also visit the adjacent Pet Oasis, where they can unwind and interact with adoptable rescue dogs.

Matt Ray, senior category manager for outdoor living, noted there were more than 1,000 farm and pet items throughout the 10,000-sq. ft. area.

Orgill also hoped to spark merchandising, layout and assortment ideas for attendees and has dedicated several areas of the market to help. From fully merchandised concept stores to the Impulse showcase, attendees could see the latest in real-world merchandising solutions that spotlight best-in-class examples of in-store design.

For its popular concept stores, Orgill used real-world retail locations from its Central Network Retail Group (CNRG) brands, Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden and LumberJack Home & Building Center. In these areas, attendees could walk the aisles of full-size stores to see how merchandise, assortments, signage and displays come together to create a world-class in-store experience.

Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden was a 14,000-sq. ft. model store, featuring full departments for impulse, lawn and garden, paint, pet, housewares, hardware and fasteners—with Orgill Door Busters, endcaps and stackouts located throughout. A checkout counter equipped with a complete POS system, including FanBuilder integration, was staffed by Orgill employees available to answer questions and provide demonstrations.

The LumberJack Home & Building Center concept store was based on LumberJack’s pro-focused brand. A full rental department was featured along with an expansive Midwest Fasteners display.

At the Impulse showcase, checkouts were the heart of the retail experience, serving as the central focus with an emphasis on efficient queuing and different configurations to enhance the customer journey. The layout was strategically designed, with dominant consumables taking the spotlight. The showcase featured dynamic merchandising, including eye-catching dump bins, wing panels, clipstrips and convenient countertop displays.

While browsing concept stores and learning about new opportunities are a key part of the experience, Orgill’s events are known for the promotional buying opportunities they offer. Throughout the market, attendees could take advantage of thousands of product specials, Door Buster promotions, pallet buys, planograms and a wide assortment of special pricing exclusively for Orgill customers.

(Continued on page 32)

and every customer.

“Growing beyond measure.”

or visit us today. Our family of Redwood timberland owners will continue to be your reputable and reliable source of Redwood.

ORGILL SPRING DEALER MARKET

(Continued from page 30)

“We know, and our vendors know, that the Spring Dealer Market and our Online Buying Events have reputations for offering our customers fantastic buying opportunities, and we appreciate how our vendors continue to step up and make sure that we live up to our customers’ expectations,” says Jeff Curler, Orgill’s executive vice president of purchasing.

For retailers looking to tighten up their assortments and find additional opportunities to maximize sales and profits, Orgill created a special area to showcase its Smart Start offerings. At the show, attendees could browse more than 600 linear ft. of Smart Start products. This year, Orgill introduced a central checkout desk to facilitate conversations with Orgill sales reps and Smart Start specialists.

The program helps retailers update, upgrade or enhance their inventories while converting to Orgill’s warehouse-backed vendor programs. Smart Starts allow retailers who are converting product lines to swap out their current inventories seamlessly and receive credit to offset some of the conversion cost. Integrated Smart Starts are Orgill’s latest enhancement to this already-popular program.

The Exclusively Orgill showcase featured a broad selection of private-label products from Orgill’s Christmas, patio, warehouse and Halloween booking programs, each tailored to meet the unique needs of Orgill customers.

As always, education took center stage. Dan Tratensek, COO for the North American Hardware & Paint Association, shared 10 actionable insights to fuel business growth for both the top and bottom lines. Orgill’s purchasing team previewed “New & Exciting Products (and Vendors) from the Orgill Merchants.” Kim Peffley, NHPA’s director of organizational development and consulting, presented “Five Tips to Improve Your Loss Prevention Strategy.” Cleveland Research Co.’s Matthew Leiser delivered a comprehensive stateof-the-industry, navigating such key topics as the

FULL-SIZED model of Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden had full departments for impulse, lawn & garden, paint, pet, housewares, hardware and fasteners.

CRC/Orgill dealer survey, the latest CRC shopper insights survey, and a diagnosis of the health of the home improvement industry.

Retailers participated in roundtable discussions on loyalty rewards programs, POS and e-commerce data challenges, and in-store technology, and attended panel discussions on cybersecurity and modern solutions for shrink and loss prevention.

INDUSTRY JOBS, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ON THE RISE

The Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC), a coalition of wood industry trade associations pursuing long-term growth of the industry by sustaining an engaged workforce, announced over 120,000 new wood industry jobs were posted in 2023, and that plenty of jobs will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.

Retirements, and misalignment between job requirements and available talent led to the secondary wood industry seeing nearly 16,000 companies recruit for jobs over the prior 12 months. Jobs growth is strong, with power tool operation, carpentry, construction and hand tool skills expected to grow by over 20% in the next five years.

Other key findings include:

• Wood industry jobs are available all over the country, with California having the most available postings.

• Job postings increased 63% from mid-2021 to mid-2022.

• Seven of the top 10 recruited wood related occupations became more challenging to hire in 2023 compared to the past four years. Hiring one worker in 2023 required 32% more job postings than in 2019.

The report, said Architectural Woodwork Institute’s Adria Salvatore, “brought to light several important findings including how it is more difficult than ever to find qualified wood industry talent to fill the many high-tech jobs available. However, there is a great deal of good news in the report including our parity with the metals industry in job availability and pay level and the key finding of ongoing job growth in the wood industry in the decades ahead.”

MINERAL-BASED COMPOSITE

Deckorators has introduced mineral-based composite decking featuring Surestone technology.

Crafted with crushed limestone, decking made with Surestone technology reduces heat, offers an industry-best strength-to-weight ratio and slip-resistant grip, and has virtually no thermal expansion or contraction. Additionally, Surestone products combine natural woodgrain patterns with rich colors, giving consumers new opportunities to customize their outdoor living spaces.

DECKORATORS.COM

(800) 556-8449

DECK-BUILDING SCAFFOLDING

Joist Runner Scaffolding’s unique framework helps decking installers improve construction efficiency, reduce construction time, and achieve a better fit and finish.

The scaffolding assemblies improve ergonomics, elevates contractors above construction obstacles, and allows configuring of the system to fit immediate needs.

The system has been engineered with the latest design and analysis tools, has been ANSI certified through rigorous physical testing, and adheres to strict manufacturing quality requirements in both assembly and the materials of construction all while keeping the safety and productivity of the end user in mind.

JOISTRUNNER.COM

ONYX BLACK FENCING

Digger Specialties Inc. has added a new color—Black Onyx— to its Designer fencing system.

The fence infill panels offer privacy, security and distinctive curb appeal for residential and commercial properties. The new hue joins White, Tan, Mocha, Cottage Grey, Sienna, Storm and Antique Beige.

The vinyl infill panels are framed by powder-coated aluminum rails and posts. Sold in 8’ sections, the fencing is available in 48”, 60”, and 72” heights with vertically grooved infills between aluminum top and bottom rails, and a side channel. Infill panels are available in 6” and 11.28” wide verticals.

The durable aluminum rails and posts come in 12 standard colors.

DIGGERSPECIALTIES.COM

(800) 446-7659

ANTI-SMOG ROOFING

Atlas Roofing Corp’s StormMaster Shake shingles with Core4 impact-resistance technology now feature 3M Smog-Reducing Granule Technology.

These granules, activated by sunlight, transform smog into water-soluble ions, contributing to improved air quality that is the equivalent of planting two to three trees.

In addition, StormMaster Shake will have four new high-definition colors—Midnight Lake, Aspen Grove, Grand Teton, and Moonlight Beach.

ATLASROOFING.COM

(800) 388-6134

DECK FOUNDATION IN A FLASH

MoistureShield has launched InstaDeck, an outdoor flooring system comprised of heavyduty plastic tiles that easily snap together to create a foundation for a freestanding, groundlevel deck.

InstaDeck tiles can be assembled using minimal tools on any level flat surface, including grass, concrete, existing patio surfaces and gravel.

The product utilizes an integrated fastening system that allows compatible MoistureShield composite decking to be secured into place without the use of screws.

MOISTURESHIELD.COM

(866) 729-2378

SWITCHABLE PRIVACY GLASS

Marvin Is partnering with its long-standing glass supplier, Cardinal Glass Industries, to offer CLiC switchable privacy glass on its Modern direct-glaze windows.

CLiC glass uses liquid crystal technology to transition between clear views or a privacy setting in less than one second. When in the clear state, liquid crystals align for glass that is clear from edge to edge and from any angle. When in the privacy state, liquid crystals scatter to create uniform diffused illumination across the window’s glass surface, providing privacy while still allowing light to enter a space.

Windows equipped with CLiC glass are operated from a wall-mounted switch or integrated with home automation systems.

ROOF RESTORATION SYSTEM

W. R. Meadows has launched a new KnightShield line of products for roof restoration, including high-solids silicone roof coatings, walk-pads, primers and cleaners. It represents a practical alternative for reviving different types of roof membranes, systems and substrates, without resorting to the financial and logistical challenges of completely tearing down and replacing an existing roof. It also allows a roof to be restored multiple times vs. the “two-roof rule” on any structure.

WRMEADOWS.COM/KNIGHT-SHIELD

(800) 342-5976

SEALED TIGHT

New TYPAR Heavy-Duty Sealant is said to offer superior adhesion for doors, windows and seams.

An approved alternative for TYPAR Double-Sided Tape on seaming applications with DrainableWrap and DrainableWrap Commercial, it provides ease of install in multifamily, commercial or residential projects. When installed as part of the TYPAR Weather Protection System, it is covered by a lifetime limited warranty.

The sealant’s modified urethane acrylic composition handles and spreads easily, tools quickly for fast applications and neater joints, seals joints up to 2” with proper installation and joint design, and fully cures in 48 to 72 hours, with 60 minutes tack-free time.

TYPAR.COM

(800) 541-5519

MOVING WALLS OF GLASS

Weather Shield’s new VUE Collection

Sliding Patio Door features narrow profiles engineered to perform even with larger 6’x12’ panel sizes.

The doors are available in two- and four-panel configurations to create moving walls of glass. Eight precision-bearing rollers per door panel deliver smooth operation. Unused panel pockets and sill tracks are concealed from view with an aluminum snapin cover creating a clean aesthetic.

All panel profiles are filled with rigid foam for improved thermal performance. Depending on your performance requirements, sill risers can be added to improve water performance.

WEATHERSHIELD.COM (800) 222-2995

888-807-2580

Bend, OR

www.pelicanbayfp.com

DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

PRODUCTS &

Framing

3-Hole & Slotted Vents /

“Focused on the future with respect for tradition”

BAMBOO THERMO DECKING

MOSO Bamboo Thermo is a solid, Thermo-Density engineered lumber, made from compressed bamboo strips. A special thermal modification process at 392˚F and high pressure provides impressive hardness and stability. Its performance and appearance properties are very similar to outdoor-rated exotic hardwoods.

Bamboo Thermo decking comes in 1x6 and 1x4 grooved planks designed to accept MOSO’s asymmetric fastener. The collection also includes an exclusive 8”-wide perimeter board that provides a unique style for decks with no gap under the posts, as well as 4”, 6”, 8”, and 12” wide square-stock for trim, fascia, drink-rails, and more.

MOSO-BAMBOO.COM (855) 343 8444

VAPOR-PERMEABLE AIR CONTROL

Benjamin Obdyke has introduced VaporDry SA, one of the industry’s first self-adhered, vapor-permeable roofing membranes.

It features a continuous acrylic adhesive that is repositionable during installation and self-seals around roofing fasteners, allowing the membrane to serve as an air-control layer in addition to a moisture-control layer.

The membrane’s tri-laminate structure is durable under foot traffic, and a reinforcement scrim in the adhesive provides for more tensile strength. The surface is slip-resistant and features printed overlay guides for easier installation. It’s suitable for use with all roofing types, including wood, metal, composite and asphalt, with a pitch of 3:12 or greater.

BENJAMINOBDYKE.COM (800) 523-5261

VENTILATED INTERIOR DOOR

VanAir’s new VanAir Door features a patented, builtin ventilation system, exceptional acoustics, and superb aesthetics, for commercial and residential applications.

The door has staggered slot openings on its opposing faces to create a unique through-door airflow channel for enhanced air circulation. Proper ventilation helps dissipate humidity to prevent mold and bacteria growth in bathrooms, and prevents heat buildup in laundry and mechanical rooms.

VANAIRDESIGN.US (844) 757-6437

Hi-bor® brand treated wood is a borate treated wood product designed for interior house framing in Hawaii. Hi-bor treated wood resists attack by Formosan and subterranean termites and numerous household insects and pests, as well as fungal decay. Hi-bor borate treated wood is also backed by a 20 year limited warranty*.

FirePro® brand re retardant treated wood is treated with a patented formulation that contains no phosphates and has been shown to exhibit exceptional re performance properties without compromising other critical engineering properties such as strength, durability, corrosivity, and hygroscopicity. FirePro treated wood is also backed by a 50 year limited warranty*.

Advance Guard® borate pressure treated lumber is recommended for sill plate, furring strips, joists, studs, roof trusses, blocking, rafters, beams, and other framing applications. Advance Guard is also recommended for fascia, trim, wall sheathing, roof sheathing, and sub- oors. Advance Guard borate pressure treated lumber is also backed by a lifetime limited warranty*.

TUF-TRED

OFFERING:

• Superior skid resistance

• Surface durability

• Weatherability

• Moisture resistance

• 4x8 panels, ¾" thick

• ADA Approved

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

Hoo-Hoo Trifecta

Sacramento 1

AT SACRAMENTO Hoo-Hoo Club’s annual “concat” on Jan. 23, [1] Snark of the Universe Paul Beltgens helped initiate new members Mike Houk, Vince Butera, John Vucasovich, David Livermore, Buck Feiler, Cole Wilson, Mike Bender. [2] Jeff Squires, Jon Hagen, Rich Giacone. [3] Edgar & Jan Massoletti, Danny Sosa. [4] Mike Houk, Pat Zan. [5] Harrison Van Kalmthout, Will Hays. [6] Chris Lucchetti, Buck Feiler. [7] David Jones,

Paul Beltgens, John Taylor, Jeff Ward. [8] Buck Byers, Raegan Stratton, Bob Maurer. [9] Chris Karabinus, David Preston, David Livermore. [10] Tom & Jan Siwek. [11] Karsten Vardas, Mike Bender. [12] Tom Carrera, Lauren Pruett. [13] Jay Bishop, Cole Wilson, Cary Twing. [14] Brett Kelly, Vince Butera. [15] Steve Smithers, Marco Benson. [16] Gary Gamble, Art Reid. [17] Deb Teresa. [18] Corey Dasaro, Brandie Smith.

Trending Insights & Valuable Networking

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

Hoo-Hoo Trifecta

2

BLACK BART Hoo-Hoo Club held its annual Industry Night Jan. 24 at the Broiler Steakhouse, Redwood Valley, Ca. [1] Snark of the Universe Paul Beltgens was welcomed by club 181 officers Jeff Ward and Ren Reinke. [2] Norm Carlin, Raegan Stratton, Pat Zan. [3] Brandon Sharp, Joe Mayfield, Mike Mayfield. [4] John Taylor, Jeff Ward, Troy Felder. [5] Matt Trullinger, Kent Bond. [6] Daniel Rodriguez, Ben Rist, Joe Scotti, Harrison Van Kalmthout. [7] Tim Oxford, Steve Bruner, Mike Bruner. [8] Ernie Burton,

Troy Turner. [9] Matthew Slack, Eric Kelly, Frank Van Vranken Jr. [10] Brandon & Andrea Smith, Brandon Smith. [11] Jon Hagen, Vince Vierra. [12] Juan Carlos, Manuel Camacho. [13] Andrew Boian, Bryan Ross. [14] Tom Siwek, Brian Pierce. [15] Steve Todd, Tom Armstrong. [16] Jay & Mary Bishop, Gary Gamble. [17] Kent Bond, Mike Ston, Dave Dahlen. [18] Jared Aizenstadt, Leighton Schnor. (More photos on next page)

Black Bart

Sierra Pacific to Acquire Seneca

cally reject such an offer. As a result, the buyers face ‘adverse selection’—the only sellers who will accept $750 are those unloading lemons.

Sierra Pacific Industries, Anderson, Ca., has agreed to acquire Seneca, Eugene, Or., and affiliates, combining two complementary, family-owned forest products businesses with strong historical roots on the West Coast.

“Smart buyers foresee this problem. Knowing they could be buying a lemon, they offer only $500. Sellers of the lemons end up with the same price they would have received were there no ambiguity. But the peaches all stay in the garage. “Information asymmetry” kills the market for good cars.”

Structural wood panel buyers rely upon qualified inspection and testing agencies like the APA to routinely test and certify the quality of the products they buy. This creates an incentive for individual panel producers to “push” the standard. A passage from Ackerloff’s famous paper:

19

Founded in 1953, Seneca operates a 175,000-acre sustainably-managed tree farm, sawmills, and a biomass plant in Oregon. SPI, a leading lumber producer that manages over 2.1 million acres of timberland in California and Washington, as well as manufactures millwork, windows, and renewable energy. The combination of two highly complementary businesses with deep expertise in forest products will result in increased efficiency and significant benefits to employees and customers.

“Aaron Jones and Red Emmerson are both icons of the wood products industry. They were also friends and had a deep mutual respect for each other as industry leaders,” said Seneca CEO Todd Payne. “This proposed transfer makes so much sense given the companies provide complementary products, and have shared family values and company culture.”

long, frigid winter climate, coupled with a short summer season, produces hardwoods with very tight growth rings. This creates lumber with outstanding color and fine texture, which is ideal for applications ranging from furniture, cabinetry and doors to flooring, paneling and more.

“There are many markets in which buyers use some market statistic to judge the quality of prospective purchases. In this case there is an incentive for sellers to market poor quality merchandise, since the returns for good quality accrue mainly to the entire group whose statistic is affected rather than to the individual seller. As a result there tends to be a reduction in the average quality of goods and also the size of the market.”

This region supplies nine primary, widely used species, including: ash, basswood, cherry, hickory, hard maple, red oak, soft maple, white oak and walnut.

Appalachian Region: Superior Quality

21

Both SPI and Seneca have a strong focus on sustainable tree management, also managing their timberland for thriving wildlife, healthy watersheds and soils, and world-class recreation. As Payne explained, “At Seneca, we grow more than we harvest annually. We have 92% more timber on our land today than we had 25 years ago. SPI also grows more than they harvest. Under their forest management plan they expect to have more large trees on their timberlands 100 years from now than they have today.”

Spanning several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, the Appalachian region produces a wide range of hardwoods species—all with one thing in common: superior quality.

Overcoming the Market for Lemons

and fall seasons with cold winters, which allow that growth to be gradual—hardwoods from the Appalachian region feature tight growth rings, strong fibers, and consistent colors and grain textures. This leads to strength, durability and beauty in the lumber, in addition to excellent width and long length characteristics.

gives back by being dedicated to education and administering scholarship programs.

supplies of small-knot, dense, Douglas fir veneers). The “market for lemons” is likely having a major effect on the size of this market today.

How can individual panel producers overcome this “lemons market” problem, their industry’s “race to the bottom,” and depressed industry sales levels? They can offer company-specific product performance guarantees.

Primary species include ash, cherry, hard maple, red oak, soft maple, white oak, basswood, beech, birch, walnut, poplar and hickory, which are great for high-end furniture, millwork, cabinetry, doors, flooring and paneling, and more.

“Seneca is known for its commitment to its people and communities, sustainable forest management, innovation in manufacturing and quality wood products,” said SPI president George Emmerson. “As a family-owned forest products company with similar values, SPI appreciates the opportunity to continue the legacy started by Aaron Jones and carried on by the Jones sisters. Seneca’s culture and operations are a natural complement to Sierra Pacific. We look forward to bringing together our shared expertise which will result in increased efficiency and benefits to employees and customers.”

The transaction is expected to finalized by the end of the third quarter.

No matter the region they come from, there are many North American hardwoods species to choose from. The decision as to which one to use comes down to the application and overall quality and look of the project.

Ganahl Breaks Ground at Long Last

Another approach is to more aggressively brand products. In either case, the mill’s products need to be clearly differentiated from their competitors’; as we discovered earlier, industry-wide, third-party quality certification is important but not sufficient. Like car buyers, panel buyers won’t chance paying peach prices when they may actually be buying a “dressed up” lemon.

– Don Barton is vice president of sales and marketing for Northwest Hardwoods, Tacoma, Wa. (northwesthardwoods.com).

Ganahl Lumber Co., Anaheim, Ca., expected to begin construction in August on a new hardware store and lumberyard in San Juan Capistrano, Ca. The facility will replace its nearby Capistrano Beach location.

For some structural panel producers, product differentiation requires a major change in company culture. For instance, it is very difficult to produce innovative, differentiated products for the end use market if the company doesn’t also adapt a different supplier-buyer mindset. Supplierpartners are often critical to the structural wood panel producer’s differentiation.

Escrow on the 17-acre Lower Rosan Ranch property, which Ganahl Lumber purchased from the city for $5 million, closed in late spring, following more than four years of planning, negotiations and applications. Ganahl portion will use about nine acres of the site for its new store and yard.

As industry competition comes to focus more and more upon only one of the “4P’s of marketing”—price— “lemons” tend to proliferate and industry sales volume tends to decline.

General manager Alex Uniack said the journey has been “a challenging and complex process to get to this point, and we are excited to move the project into the construction phase.”

Thanks to the region’s climate conditions—warm summers that assist with tree growth, and cooler spring

When the industry is young, industry production technologies vary little and raw materials are relatively homogeneous (e.g., OSB), this isn’t a major problem. But it is a serious problem when the inspection and testing agencies find it difficult or impossible to keep up with a very rapidly changing industry. An example would be today’s overlaid Douglas fir plywood industry. There are rapid changes underway on both the demand side (e.g., much higher alkalinity concrete mixes are now essentially “pulping” conform panels) and on the supply side (e.g., much reduced

The companies also share a company culture that recognizes employees as their most valuable asset, values the support of the communities they operate in and serve, and

Home Depot, among others, had spent nearly 15 years attempting to purchase the property before the city zeroed in on Ganahl in 2017.

–Roy Nott is president of Surfactor Americas LLC, Aberdeen, Wa., a German-owned producer of overlays, glue films, and press cleaning films for the global wood panel industry, with manufacturing operations in Finland, Germany and Malaysia. Reach him at roy.nott@surfactor.com.

A LONG LIST (continued from previous page) [19] of sponsors helped the Black Bart Hoo-Hoo Club raise money at the event for several deserving charities. [20] Heather Morrison, Randy Huffman, Morgan Macy, Estelle

Clifton, Terry Bainbault. [21] Dan Kepon, Bruce Burton, Matt Slack, Art Reid, Clyde Jennings, Charmaine Jennings. [22] Victor Gonzalez, Mike Finck, Javier Alfaro.

HARD MAPLE is popular throughout the Glacial Region.

CHERRY is among the major hardwoods of the Appalachian Region.

Hoo-Hoo Trifecta

Humboldt 3

HUMBOLDT HOO-HOO Club recognized [1] Bob Figas as Lumberman of the Year (presented by Rich Giacone), during the annual Crab Feed Jan. 25 in Eureka, Ca. [2] Leslie Douglas, David & Stacey Jones, Pat Zan. [3] Taylor Bergesch, Sharon Burman. [4] John Redfield, Kelcee Hallstrom, Joe Honochick, Kaycee Hallstrom, Nate Lively. [5] John Taylor, Deb Teresa. [6] Mark Swinth, Ben Rist, Aaron Fleming. [7] Dan Dethlefs, Matt Engler,

Blake Keitzman. [8] Bill Scott, Bob Maurer. [9] Tom Von Moos, Jeff Squires. [10] Israel Lozano, Steve Bruner, Mike Bruner. [11] Joel Hamel, Laurie Ervin, Daniel Branson. [12] Chris Richter, Art Reid, Kevin Richter. [13] Jeff & Lori Ward, George Albertson. [14] Jan & Tom Siwek. [15] JR Larkins, Mike Boone, Steve Anderson. [16] Nathan Bucey, Ryan Stembridge, Steve Ashley, Angela Dundas. (More photos on next page)

HEADING INTO retirement, longtime lumber salesman (continued from previous page) [17] Jon Hagen was feted at the Crab Feed, including by his Sierra-Pacific boss, Red Emmerson. [18] Eric Pinter, Annie Montey, Rich Graham. [19] Joe Scotti, Raegan Stratton. [20] Jerry Ensworth, Carol Sue Anderson. [21] Kent Bond, Jan & Edgar Massoletti, Steve Bernardi. [22] Jeff Hoggard, Tom Miller. [23] Sam Patti, Mike Thelen. [24] Claudia & John Lima, Charmaine Jennings, Clyde Jennings. [25] Jim Russell, Bob

32 26

17 22

31

Albert Kingston McKee, Jr., sales manager for Parr Lumber Co., Chino, Ca., died on Dec. 16, the victim of an inoperable malignant brain tumor. He was 62.

Bert played two seasons of football at Pasadena City College before transferring to U.C. Berkeley, where he played one season of football before switching to rugby. In rugby, Bert found his true calling, playing on the 1983 national championship team as well as the 1984 team. After graduating from Cal, Bert played rugby in Australia for about six months before returning home to join his father’s company, Imperial Valley Lumber, Barstow, Ca. He served as president until 2010.

He then bought and sold homes as CEO of Pine Creek Investment, until joining Parr in 2014.

Theodore Nick “Ted” Mandrones, 79, Northern California lumberyard manager, passed away on Feb. 12.

He worked as production and inventory manager at Skookum Lumber, Portland, Or., before becoming merchandise manager at Piedmont Lumber & Mill Co., Lakeport, Ca., in 1983. He stayed on as marketing director when Mendo Mill & Lumber purchased the yard in 2010, eventually retiring as manager.

He later served as planning commissioner and mayor of the city of Lakeport.

Gary Jay Kayser, 90, retired owner of Eugene Lumber Sales, Star Wood Products, and Central Lane Building Supply, Eugene, Or., died on Jan. 23.

Before entering the lumber business, Gary served in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer from 1953 to 1957.

Donald L. Adams, 93, retired longtime salesman with Frost Hardwood Lumber Co., San Diego, Ca., died on Feb. 6 at the age of 93.

Merlin Wayne McGuire, 85, co-operator of McGuire Lumber Co., Yakima, Wa., passed away on Jan. 21.

Merlin worked with his father and six brothers for the family businesses, McGuire Lumber and Rahier Trucking, for 40 years.

John Francis Hammett, 96, former owner of H.E. Simpson Lumber Co., Kalispell, Mt., died on Jan. 27, two months after the passing of his wife of 70+ years.

After graduating from high school in 1945, he spent two years in the U.S. Navy, then attended Colorado State University. He entered the industry with Sheehan Lumber, Kalispell, and later became a salesman and partner in H.E. Simpson Lumber Co. He purchased the wholesaler outright in the early 1970s. In 1976, John, Brent Hall, and Cecil Noble co-founded a retail operation, Tri-City Lumber Co., Kalispell. Hammett and Hall bought out Noble in 1981 and sold to Anderson Lumber in 1999.

Cheryll Kay Bowers, 64, co-founder of Bowers Forest Products, Beavercreek, Or., passed away on Dec. 19.

With degrees in accounting and business management, Cheryll owned and operated multiple businesses. She and Jeff Bowers launched Bowers Forest Products in 1999, with her serving as CFO and vice president. They led the company through three mill locations and in 2019 purchased the Woodway product line from LWO.

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

North American Wholesale Lumber Association – March 10-12, Leadership Summit, El Conquistador, Tucson, Az.; www.nawla.org.

University of Innovative Distribution – March 11-14, Indianapolis, In.; www.univid.org.

Emery Jensen Distribution – March 12-13, Edge show, Dallas, Tx.; www. emeryjensen.com.

Ace Hardware – March 12-14, spring convention, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Tx.; www.acehardware.com.

Redwood Region Logging Conference – March 14-16, Eureka, Ca.; www.rrlc.net.

Patrick Lumber – March 15, open house, Patrick Lumber Manufacturing Timber Hall, Philomath, Or.; www.patlbr.com.

Black Bart Hoo-Hoo Club – March 20, initiation meeting, Charlie’s Grill, Windsor, Ca.; www.hoohoo181.org.

National Wooden Pallet & Container Assn. – March 20-24, annual leadership conference, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl.; palletcentral.com.

Do it Best – March 23-25, spring market, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tx.; www.doitbest.com.

International Mass Timber Conference – March 26-28, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Or.; www.masstimberconference.com.

National Hardware Show – March 26-28, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.nationalhardwareshow.com.

West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association – March 28, 2nd Growth dinner meeting, Anaheim, Ca.; www.lumberassociation.com.

Pasadena Home Show – March 30-31, Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, Ca.; www.pasadenahomeshow.com.

Western Building Material Association – April 1, introduction to building material sales; April 2-3, estimating workshop, Bozeman, Mt.; www.wbma.org.

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

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association – April 9-10, spring meeting & legislative conference, Westin City Center, Washington, D.C.; www.dealer.org.

Pacific Northwest Association of Rail Shippers – April 9-10, spring meeting, San Francisco, Ca.; www.pnrailshippers.com.

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

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

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

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

West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association – April 11, Southern California golf tournament, Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Irvine, Ca.; www.lumberassociation.org.

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

Black Bart Hoo-Hoo Club – April 19, trap shoot & BBQ, Ukiah Gun Club, Ukiah, Ca.; www.hoohoo181.org.

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

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

Western Building Material Association – April 30, introduction to building material sales, Tukwila, Wa.; www.wbma.org.

FLASHBACK: HELLO, FINGERJOINTING

FORTY-FIVE YEARS ago this month, The Merchant Magazine reported on the emerging trend of fingerjointed lumber and its use in floor framing. Per the March 1979 edition:

Fingerjointed Floor Framing

A development in residential construction gaining acceptance is the use of fingerjointed lumber in floor framing. Short pieces of lumber are run through a zig-zag splicer and glued together into lengths up to 72 ft. These long lengths allow continuous span framing without overlaps.

Standard Structures Inc., Santa Rosa, Ca., has developed the XL floor joist and from a new factory opening this month will produce 1 million board feet of fingerjointed lumber each month.

Lumber that has been kiln dried to 15% moisture content, in sizes 2 x 6” through 2 x 12”, is used in manufacturing XL joists. Tests have proved that fingerjointed lumber

LIFELONG FRIEND of the magazine Dwight Curran used the March 1979 Merchant to announce he was striking out on his own after wholesaling along the West Coast for Georgia-Pacific and others. He named his company DMK-Pacific after the initials of his children. The grandson of California lumber

Rounds Lumber Co., Cloverdale, Ca., was not shy about the species it was promoting on the cover of the March 1979 issue.

meets all structural tests for strength, the company says. The Uniform Building Code permits using approved fingerjointed lumber interchangeably with solid sawn lumber of the same species and grade.

By using shorter, less expensive lumber and with longer lengths that are installed faster, fingerjointed lumber is helping builders hold down framing costs, the firm notes, observing that residents claim continuous span floor systems have fewer squeaks, are stiffer and more comfortable.

The use of fingerjointed lumber also helps in maintaining the inventory of living trees, in that special trees don’t have to be felled to obtain extra long lengths of lumber. * * * * * * * *

Standard Structures would sell its engineered wood operations to RedBuilt, Boise, Id., in 2011.

Another lead story in the issue was a surprise move by L-P—the manufacturer’s short-lived foray into retail:

L-P Enters Retail Field

In a move that caught industry observers napping, Louisiana-Pacific Corp. agreed in principle to acquire certain assets of Lonestar Industries, Inc.’s building materials distribution centers in the Los Angeles basin.

The move would put L-P into the retail end of the business for the first time. The firm only recently has been involved in building products wholesaling in addition to manufacturing, which comprises the bulk of L-P business. It is expected that further acquisitions at the retail and wholesale level will be made by the forest products giant.

For $10 million for the fixed assets plus the value of inventories of approximately $22 million, L-P will acquire 16 contractor and combination contractor/retail yards in metro Los Angeles as well as a roof truss manufacturing complex and cargo handling and distribution facilities.

pioneer Frank Curran, Dwight spent decades as a contributing editor for our publication, gathering news during his calls and travels. He passed away on Dec. 29, 2019, at the age of 81.

REDWOOD

Composite can’t compare.

Like the foods we buy, when it comes to decking, we want natural and real. Redwood is always available in abundance of options. So stock the shelves! Unlike mass-produced and inferior products, Redwood is strong, reliable and possesses many qualities not found in artificial products. They maintain temperatures that are comfortable in all climates.

Redwood Empire stocks several grades and sizing options of Redwood.