The sibling partnership

tTt"t stBLINc pARTNERSHIp stage is |- widelv resarded as the most challenging und inf.nr" of the family business generations. While there are business reasons for difficulties at this stage, most challenges siblings encounter stem from emotional issues. which can be more difficult to address than simple business struggles.

The way we are raised as siblings will have a profound effect on how we relate to one another. So while siblings are raised in a similar environment. there are distinct personality differences that complicate sibling relationships. Siblings tend to differentiate from one another to find their own place in the family system. This adds to the diversity of styles and interests that can make reaching consensus and working as a team more challenging. There are many ways sibling upbringing or differences are manifested in a family business, including: . Competition: We have seen many clients where parents pit their children against each other by constantly comparing one to the other ("Why can't you be a better student like your sister?") or having them compete and then belittling the "loser" ("Your sales numbers this quarter are so lame it made me think you'd been trained by the competition. Maybe your brother can show you how a true professional works."). These same parents then wonder why their kids are always at each other's throats.

Advice to parentsz If you are the parents of young children, celebrate their varied skills and interests. Avoid the temptation to compare one to the other. While it can feel harmless and natural to describe one child as the "funny one" and the other as the "smart one," be mindful that your kids hang on your every word. You can label and limit them from a very young age. And while you should give constructive feedback and acknowledge when your kids don't measure up, never mock or belittle themeither when small or as adults.

Advice to adult siblings: If you

This Deck Deserves

Humboldt Redwood were raised in a competitive houschold. think about hou' this rnay' be aftecting your rclationship with y'our siblin-rrs toclay ancl \\'hat stcps you ciln takc to clcvclop A lnore collaborative working relationship. It can be hurcl to collaboratc with a person with whonr lott hlt rc ltlulns heelt errtrtltclitto. Talk with yoLrr siblings about l"tow caclr lcnrcnrbcrs thcsc l-accts ol your upbrin-ling. I)on't bc surprisccl i1'clch rcrncrnbcrs thc storics a littlc clil'lcrcnt ly. 1'hc point is to builcl nrutuul uttclcr stancling. not clctcrrninc thc "fncts" or to bash rnorn and dad. YoLr \\'ant to build ernpathy ancl unclerstanding. and work together to scc how this histoly may sometinres get in Your way todav. ('orrlrollirtg Ilchar ior': Often. business lbunders have a stron-s need fbr control. This is part of rvhat makes them successful in launching a business. but can be a challenge on the perth to transitioning mana-{ement and ownership to their childrcn. Limiting their autonon.rf in thc business can affect how siblings learn to work togethcr to solvc problems. Whcn parcnts rnakc all dccisions ancl rctairr powcr as lons as l.rossiblc. thc chiltlrcn muy ncvcr lcarn to work togethcr on anything ol' cortscclucncc. sincc all dccisiorrs arc rLln throLtqh thc scnior gcncrotron. l'lnlillrrrre n1: When children have been raisccl with an attitLrdc of cntitlement. all bcts are otf. Somctirres parents who had to sacrifice so ntuch tcr build the business will be tcmpted to buy their childrcn thin-gs to replacc the attention thcy have been unable to offer. Sometimes parents try to buy their kids'affection with endless praise fbr the smallest of accomplishments. The result is of'ten children who havc a puff'ed-up scnse of their importancc. think things arc owed to thcrn. ancl lack a goocl work ethic.

My customer wants a deck made for peaceful relaxation j and friendly gatherings.

Plastic lumber? | don't think so- I I want to make sure this deck is strong and durable with natural warmth, beauty, and lasting character. And I care about the environment and so does my customer. That's why this deck is going to be built with FSCo certified sustainable Humboldt Redwood.

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Advice to porents: Encouragc your childrcn to solve thcir owtr problcms Irrrtl cr cn u trrk tolcthet' ott nt',t.ie e ts from as early an agc as pclssible. Thc sooner siblin-ts -get Llsed to rclatin-l tcr one anclther without parents' intert-erence. the stronger u,ill be their bond.

Advice to adult siblings: While some parents rnay be very contrcrlling of the business and not ready to givc up authority, find wa1's tct work with your siblin-us on special projects and on planning fbr the futLrre. Team up to plan a family vacation or retrcat. or make a proposal to yoLlr parcnts about philanthropic pursuits lirr the tanrily.

Whilc parents nlay not be ready to tum ovcr thc rcins anvtimc soon. siblings can work on things likc dctcrnrining thc coclc o1' concluct to usc to govcnr thcir rclationships. I)ctcrrninc your dccision-niaking process. Sct a shurccl vision lor thc l'utr,trc o1'thc bus i ncss.

Advice to parents: Whilc you clo not wtnt to burdcn your chilclrcn with your work strcss and worrie s. makc surc (hcy understitncl how rnuch work gocs into builcling u busincss. Thcy' tnust rcalizc that it tlkcs a tculn to rnakes things happennot .just the o\\'ners. Speak regularly of the amazin-s contributions of key employees, tl.rc importance of tcamwork, and the 1r'agile nature of re putation.

While you want to celebratc your child's sLrccesses. rlso recognizc whcn they'arc not nrceting expcctations. Tell thcm that as nrcntbcrs o1' thc owning family thcl, shoulcl cxcccd the stanclarcl. not slidc r.rnclcr thc radar. A busincss is an cxccllcnt platlirrrn lilr irnbuing chilclrcn with nrany valuablc lil'c lcssons that will scrvc thcln wcll irt (Plcusc lrtnt lo 1tugc 12)

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Big Changes Coming to OSH

After being spun off as an independent company by current parent Sears Holdings, 89-unit Orchard Supply Hardware, San Jose, Ca., will shorten its name to Orchard, open new stores throughout the Bay Area and Southern California, and renovate existing locations.

"Hardware stores should be fun," said senior v.p. Tom Carey. "Our new stores will have the feeling of a Saturday morning farmer's market."

Orchard hopes the updates will help it compete against big boxes and hardware chain stores. A new "Workbench" section will offer such services as pipe cutting, knife sharpening. and window screen repairs.

Green Nature of Redwood Revealed

The Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) has embarked on a life cycle assessment (LCA) research project to measure and compare the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of redwood decking and wood-plastic composite product offerings.

LCA is the most rigorous scientific methodology that can be applied to measuring the environmental impacts of building materials and assemblies.

While the final report is expected later this year, preliminary analysis shows that redwood offers a lower carbon footprint and is more energy-

Sears bought the 80-year-old chain in 1996. efficient than manufactured composites.

According to CORRIM, "Preliminary LCA analysis shows that redwood requires less energy to produce than composite decking materials, in part because the energy to grow redwood comes from the sun (a renewable source), whereas much of the energy used to manufacture woodplastic composites comes from fossil fuel sources. Producing redwood decking also emits fewer carbon emissions than manufacturing woodplastic decking. In fact, redwood decking may store more carbon than is released during its production and therefore provide a net carbon sequestration benefit."

"Redwood is a sustainable, renewable resource," says Bob Mion, marketing director for the California Redwood Association, "but its environmental performance has not been well publicized. This in-depth study, conducted by one of the most respected research organizations in the world, should help further the understanding of redwood's carbon and eneigy advantages."

Weyerhaeuser Finalizes Sale of Hardwood Division

Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wa., has completed the sale of its Tacoma, Wa.-based hardwoods division to American Industrial Partners for $108 million.

The business will operate out of existing Tacoma offices as Northwest Hardwoods Inc., employing about 1,000 at branches Tuscumbia, Al.; Elkhart, In.; Grand Rapids and Lewiston, Mi.; Brainerd, Mn.; Coos Bay, Eugene and Garibaldi, Or.; Titusville, Pa.; Arlington, Centralia and Longview, Wa., and Dorchester and Onalaska, Wi.

During our 53 years in the redwood business, Big Creek has develo@ a reputation for being a reliable supplier of high quality lumber. We produce a wide range of grades and dimensions, custom cut timbers, pattern stock and fencing. Order full, mixed or paftialtruckloads.

Forest Service Offers to Rework Timber Gontracts

The U.S. Forest Service is offering to renegotiate timber sale contracts with sawmills in the Rocky Mountain region that have been hit hard by the recession, bark beetle infestations, and financially unviable agreements.

"These contracts have been a liability, rather than an asset," said Jerome Thomas, acting regional forester. He said that the offer will help sawmills in Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska, which are needed to help cope with bark beetle infestations that have damaged an estimated 4l million acres in the West.

"By allowing the mutual cancellation of these contracts, the U.S. Forest Service is helping the local economy and promoting a healthy forest management industry," said Senator Mark Udall. "After they are free from these old contracts, the mills can take dead or hazardous timber that would otherwise go to waste and use it to create jobs."

Eric Sorenson, president and general manager of Delta Timber, Delta, Co., said that canceling two contracts "will greatly improve our chances of being a viable operation that can still process beetle-kill timber."

John Baxter, president of Mountain Valley Lumber, Saguache, Co., said that federal support " will help keep us alive."

But not everyone agrees with the plan. "If these contracts go away, how will we get timber into the mill?" said Pat Donovan. financial receiver for the

OF GOURSE SIZE MATTERS.

That's why we make so many.

WEryE GgT ONE lN YOUR SIZE. .. and 278 others just in casc.

Intermountain Resources mill in Montrose, Co., which has 50 eligible contracts.

Sloan Shoemaker, vice chairman of Colorado Bark Beetle Cooperative, contends that much of the beetle kill is not economically viable, no matter how many concessions the sawmill industry gets. .

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Boise Cascade Winds Down Historic ldaho Mill Site

Boise Cascade's laminated beam plant in Emmett, Id., will send out what could be its final shipment this month, possibly ending 94 years of wood production at the site.

The operation will be mothballed and, considering Boise Cascade's recent acquisition of Filler King's glulam plant in Homedale, Id., the "unprofitable" Emmett facility may never restart.

"I wouldn't say it's impossible, but unfortunately, at this point it looks improbable," said v.p. John Sahlberg.

The milling complex also boasted a sawmill, which shut down in 1982, and plywood and co-generation plants, which closed in 2001.

Ace Ups Online Recruitment

Ace Hardware Corp. has upgraded myace.com, to provide more information to retailers considering opening an Ace store or converting from another co-op.

"The newly improved myace.com serves as an excellent tool for prospective Ace retailers. It's very user-friendly, offers helpful content and dramatically conveys in words and visuals the benefits of becoming an Ace retailer," said Kane Calamari, v.p. of new business. "The enhanced site reinforces our focus on strategic growth for Ace Hardware."

As a part of its growth strategy, Ace is on track to open I l0 new stores in 2011, with 72 units opened in the first seven months of the year.

Fire, Explosion Rock Sawmill

An explosion during an Aug. l6 fire at Stimson Lumber's mill in Gaston, Or., sent three firefighters to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The first fire crews arrived at the mill about 7 p.*., to fight a fire apparently caused by a spark in the dust collection bin. Two hours later, after the explosion occurred, additional crews were called in.

Damages were estimated at s 100.000.

Wam

Paul N.

founder of Tumac Lumber Co., Portland, Or., died July 25 in Portland.

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1949, he started his lumber career at Willamette Valley Lumber Co, Foster, Or. He later worked for Georgia Pacific and Hallinan Mackin Lumber in Portland.

In 1959. he and William E. McPherson started Tumac Lumber. The company acquired Disdero Lumber, Portland, in 1976 and established Wood-Lam Structures. Portland, in 1981 and Speciality Wood Products, Aurora, Co., in 1989.

Mr. McCracken also served as president of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association in 198 I, and later received NAWLA's prestigious Mulrooney Award.

William '5Bill" Balfrey, 78, cofounder of Big B Lumber Co., Brentwood, Ca., died Aug. 21.

He ran Big B from 1965 until retiring due to health issues in early 2010. His son. Mark, now serves as president.

Fred Sohn, 96, co-founder of Sun Studs, Sun Veneer. and Lone Rock Timber, Roseburg, Or., died July 22 in Redding, Ct.

Mr. Sohn emigrated to the U.S.

from Germany in 1938. He and his wife, Frances, started Sun Studs in 1950. He became known for electronic innovations in wood products manufacturing technology, as well as workforce productivity and retention.

In 2009, after 60 years in Roseburg, the couple moved to a retirement home in Connecticut.

Jim Decker,50, Pacific Northwest lumber trader, died July 26.

He began his career at North Pacific, Portland, Or., in 1998, becoming sales manager in 2009. Last year, he moved to Bridgewell Resources, Tigard, Or., as a trader, and in June 20 I I joined Plateau Forest Products. Bend. Or.

James D. "Jim" Elskamp, 67, retired Pacific Northwest lumberman, died August 5,2011, in Portland, Or.

He spent many years as purchasing agent for Ellingson Lumber Co.,

Baker City, Or., before joining Gold Beach Plywood, Gold Beach, Or. He recently retired from Alaskan Copper & Brass, Portland.

Lloyd Fulford, 87, retired president and owner of Door Distributors Inc., Woodinville, Wa., died Aug. 5

He started his career in outside sales with Georgia-Pacific, before cofounding Door Distributors in Seattle, Wa., with Bill Varitz in 1964. He ran the business for over 38 years, before retiring in2002.

He also served on the board of the National Sash & Door Jobbers Association (now Association of Millwork Distributors) from 1979 to 1982,and from 1987 to 1990.

Dorothy Deane Herbert Sloan, 89. former co-owner of Sloan Lumber Co., Sandy Gulch, Ca., died Aug.6 in Angels Camp, Ca.

She operated yards in Sandy Gulch and Toyon, Ca., with her husband, James Sloan.

Donald E. Swisher.8l. former manager of Weedman Lumber Co., Longview, Wa., died Aug. 13.

He joined Weedman in 1958 and retired as manager in 1988.

Richard Wayne Gardner, 84, retired executive vice president of the Lumber Association of Southern California, died July l5 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, he served with the Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

In 1993, he was named the association's Lumberman of the Year. He retired in 1996, after 35 years of service and one year after merging with the Lumber Merchants Association to form the Lumber Association of California & Nevada.