HBSD April 2024

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Nominations are open for leading women

When you connect with us, you connect with the industry @HBSDealer

HBSDealer seeks nominations for Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply honorees. We're looking to recognize both "Rising Stars" and "Business Excellence." Find out more at the official website: HBSDTopWomen.com

Nomination deadline: June 15, 2024

Scan the QR Code to nominate today.

One-on-One with industry leaders

New to the video library: Janice Dupré, chair of the Lowe’s Foundation and executive vice president of human resources for Lowe’s, shares details and insights about the retailer's Gable Grants to support the skilled trades. Visit HBSDealer.com/video

The Hardware Guy Blog

Whether he’s in the store or on the show floor, or anywhere else for that matter, the Hardware Guy— our editor Tim Burke—will bring stories to the fore. Visit hbsdealer.com/ hardware-guy

From the Editor

Thoughts on a really big, orange deal

Back in late 2007, From the Editor traveled to Atlanta and spoke with Home Depot’s then CEO Frank Blake, a leader frequently credited with righting the ship of an off-course orange-colored organization.

He spoke of focus.

"You downscope what you try to do," he said. "You try to do fewer things better, rather than a lot of things OK.”

He added that every day at the retailer’s headquarters brings opportunities that might lead to revenue and value. "But you have to say, 'that’s not core to our business right now,’’ Blake said. "Now is a good time to focus on what we need to focus on — our core retail company.”

WIth that attitude, the company closed its oor stores, shuttered its HD Landscape Supply and divested of its industrial-strength HD Supply division

Things were a little different back then. Actually a lot different.

There was a post-Nardelli corporate culture to recapture. There was a crisis in the home construction industry. (Single family starts plunged to 622,000 in 2008, and were about to hover a

Ken Clark Editor-in-Chief

few years in the 400,000s.) There was no such thing as US LBM Holdings or Nation’s Best, but there were such things as Stock Building Supply, BMC and ProBuild Holdings—now all rolled up into a powerfully growth-oriented Builders FirstSource.

Home Depot reacquired an MRO version of HD Supply in 2020, in an $8 billion deal to boost its maintenance, repair and operations ceiling.

Now comes an even bigger pro play: an $18 billion blockbuster for SRS Distribution, the Kinney, Texas-based specialty distributor of roo ng materials (and more) with multiple brands across 760 locations and 47 states.

“SRS has built a robust and successful platform that will accelerate our growth with the residential professional customer while presenting future opportunities with the specialty trade pro,” said Ted Decker, Home Depot CEO.

Home Depot has been courting the pro for years. And now it has more ful llment and service options than ever before. Once the deal is settled, then begins the task of putting the networks together to nd faster, better or cheaper ways to service the pro.

There are no guarantees in this world — especially not in the complex channel of building product distribution.

Still, for everyone else competing for a slice of the pro market, this is an $18 billion exclamation point on the idea that there’s never been more competition out there.

For many it might be a good time to take a page out of Frank Blake’s late 00’s playbook and focus on doing what you do well, and doing it better.

Arrowhead Building Supply is one of 46 pro-focused SRS banners.

Risk-reward of Installed sales

“Installed sales.” It’s one of those industry terms that means different things to different operators. And the variety of activity that falls under the installed-sales umbrella ranges widely.

For national LBM giants, it might mean partnering with tract builders to put up frames. For single-location lumberyards, it probably means installing trim, or hanging doors.

Builders FirstSource, the $17 billion LBM giant has plans to expand its installation sales efforts. Meanwhile, industry experts who spoke to HBSDealer about trends in installed sales, described a less aggressive approach as more prevalent among independent lumberyards.

“When most dealers step into their contractors’ world, they step lightly,” said Steve Sallah, CEO of LBM Advantage, referring to installed sales. “Some people do it carefully. Some people don't really want to touch that.”

Then there’s Builders FirstSource, which sees its brand of installation sales growing significantly in 2024. The company did $2.5 billion of material labor sales in related installation in 2023. Another way to quantify BFS’s installed sales business is that it accounted for 15 percent of BFS’s top line.

During the Dallas-based company’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, CFO Peter Jackson described installation as a focus point, and a focus that helps the company solve its builders' pain points,

make,” Kathrein said. “You can't just say, ‘Oh, we'll just hire a subcontractor.’ You have to be aware of what you’re getting into.”

A key consideration for any installed sales program — which can also go by the names of ‘construction services’ or ‘turnkey labor and materials’— is recruiting and retaining labor. Today’s construction environment is famously short on skilled labor, creating both a demand from the builder customer for construction services, and a challenge for the prodealer to deliver those very services.

such as labor availability. The company, which is looking to grow installed sales both organically and through acquisition, has developed what Jackson calls an “installation playbook” to help guide organic growth.

‘Don’t dabble.’

Russ Kathrein, vice president of lumber and building materials for Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Do it Best, during his career has overseen installed sales from a variety of perspectives, including leadership posts at BMC/ProBuild and Alexander Lumber.

His main advice: “You can't dabble in it. If you dabble in it, you're dead. You've got to do it right.”

There are, of course, independents who do it right, and profitably. But success in installed sales requires expertise in accounting, in billing, and in knowledge of contract law. “There’s an investment you have to

Rivalry Watch: HD vs. LOW Comp-store sales comparison for U.S. stores

Greg Brooks, an industry analyst and moderator for the Executive Council on Construction Supply, said installed sales, by whatever you call it (he prefers “construction services”) is generally growing. And it’s most commonly found in high-volume homebuilding markets like Dallas and Atlanta, and also for multi-family and light commercial construction.

Strong union markets also seem to be a repellant to installed sales programs.

For independent prodealers, a major decision point revolves around competition with the trades and framers in the community.

A common refrain is “I don’t want to compete with my customers.” But in Brooks’ experience, success is a matter of communication and relationships.

“It depends on how you do it, and how you explain it,’ he told HBSDealer.

Stat of the Month

Lowe’s saw a slowdown in DIY demand and unfavorable January winter weather. Home Depot described a year of moderation after years of exceptional growth.

Here are the head-tohead quarterly comps for the two retail giants.

Source: Company Reports

One expert had this to say about installed sales: "You can't dabble in it. You've got to do it right."

Industrial strength

HOUSE-HASSON DEAL BRINGS NEW FOCUS TO BOSTWICK-BRAUN

The sale of Bostwick-Braun Company’s hardware division — including inventory and warehouses— to House-Hasson Hardware marked the second major consolidation in the hardware distribution business in less than a month. (See Do it Best-United on page 14).

It also marked the beginning of a new and exclusive focus for Bostwick-Braun: Industrial distribution.

"Selling our hardware division enables us to focus all our energies on Bostwick-Braun Industrial," said Pete Richichi, CEO. "We serve thousands of industrial customers in four states and sell nationally through our website. This transaction will deepen our industrial customer relationships and expand our product offerings.”

Primarily serving manufacturers, construction companies, and metalworking shops, Bostwick-Braun Industrial companies include Columbus Fasteners Corp., Wayne Fasteners, Inc., EBN Industrial Supply, JMC Sales & Engineering and Mill

Supplies Inc. (MSI). Collectively, Bostwick-Braun Industrial companies distribute 125,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) from 13 warehouses in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

In 2023, Knoxville, Tennessee-based House-Hasson had total sales of $350 million. Bostwick-Braun's sales were approximately $80 million.

For House-Hasson, the Bostwick-Braun deal expands its reach significantly.

“When completed, this acquisition doubles the number of our distribution centers, grows our inventory, and puts us in an even stronger position to provide everything our dealers need,” said CEO Steve Henry.

House-Hasson’s main warehouse is at its Knoxville corporate headquarters; a second warehouse is in Prichard, West Virginia. With the addition of Bostwick-Braun's West Helena, Arkansas, and Ashley, Indiana, warehouses, House-Hasson said it will have more than 1.1 million square feet of warehouse, receiving and shipping space.

“Bostwick-Braun has a remarkable history, and, to its leadership’s credit, they recognized that now is a good time to partner together to better serve our combined customers,” Henry said.

Added Richichi: "Bostwick-Braun has a remarkable, and in many ways, unequaled history. A business doesn't survive and grow over nearly 170 years without evolv-

Product Knowledge Wok this way

Product: Cuisinart Outdoor Wok Station

Manufacturer: Cuisinart Outdoors, a division of Conair

Knowledge: Described as the first and only outdoor wok and prep station, the product features a 14” hand hammered carbon steel wok.

A commercial-style 50,000 BTUs burner system creates unmatched wok temperatures. Includes a 50 lb. propane tank holder, paper towel holder, and integrated handle for easy portability.

MSRP: $349.99

Fun fact:“Wok” is a Cantonese word for “cooking pot”. It was invented more than 2,000 years ago

ing. We will continue to provide customers with an extensive line of quality products by employee-owners who are committed to great customer service."

Golden Hammer shows its heart

Sunny Bowman of Dakota County Lumber of Minnesota accepts a Golden Heart award from HBSDealer during the Golden Hammer Awards ceremony in Las Vegas in late February. DCL is a big supporter of Heart Ministries, providing materials for those in need. For more honorees, and how they give back, visit HBSDealer.com.

OutsideTheEveryday.com

Everyday living doesn’t have to mean having an everyday life. MoistureShield is the only high-performance composite decking engineered to deliver 360-degree protection, 365 days a year. So you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest, no matter where you call home.

Do it Best is ‘United’ for growth

Do it Best is closing in on its acquisition of Minnesota-based hardware co-op United Hardware.

With United Hardware and its Hardware Hank branded stores, Do it Best will grow its membership by more than 700 locations — a 20 percent increase in membership, said Dent Johnson, Do it Best’s executive vice president of operations. It will also add a warehouse in Milbank, South Dakota, bringing with it critical distribution capacity, he said.

“With this merger, we are planting the flag to signal our aggressive growth mindset, whether that's being through acquisition or otherwise,” Johnson said, during an address to members attending the co-op’s market event in Houston.

HBSDealer reached out to a few retail

hardware store dealers across the country to hear their opinions on the move. Here are a few of those thoughts:

From Chris Jeffries, a Do it

Best dealer in Kentucky:

“It’s great for all Do it Best existing members. Do It Best now will have more buying power which will lower the cost of products. It will help the co-op as a whole. Better rebates, adding another warehouse and also can add more inventory to the existing warehouse new and old products.”

From Dan Flaherty, a new Hardware

Hank dealer in Wisconsin:

“There are some concerns with the Do it Best POS system as we get into busy

Openings, closings and acquisitions

The HBSDealer News Map, powered by Epicor, has been busy in recent weeks tracking and mapping the news.

Recent updates to the map include the acquisition of Timberline Builders Supply in Walden, Colorado. The new owner is Nation’s Best. Napa Valley

prodealer Central Valley Builders Supply acquired Caseywood Corp. in California. And in Vermont, Aubuchon Company accelerated its growth trajectory with the seven Ace stores in the Bibens Ace family.

Learn more and see for yourself at HBSDealer.com/map.

season, but the merger sounds like everyone is on board with it and we expect it to improve on buying and on deals.”

From Vince Christofora, a Do it

Best dealer in New York:

“Exciting news. Growth through responsible acquisitions should always be on the co-op’s radar. From what I have learned this should be good for the United members as well as the Do it Best members. Acquiring a distribution center, as well as its members, should make the transaction much easier and minimize the impact to my fellow Do it Best owners.

“Looking forward to the dust settling and seeing how United’s strategic partnerships can benefi t my own, as well as, the co-op’s business,” the dealer said.

From Drake Crabtree, a new Do it

Best dealer in Ohio:

“Being a new member in the Do it Best family and having nothing but positive interactions thus far, the merger is another positive indicator for growth under the brand,” said the dealer.

“The combined forces instill confidence in the ability to provide a stronger selection of product as well as continued competitive pricing across the board. Consolidation in the industry can be scary but I see positive outcomes from this deal,” the dealer said.

—Tim Burke

Inside the Do it Best Solutions in Action model store during the co-op’s market event in Houston.

New York State of design

CURTIS LUMBER BUILDS ON QUALITY MATERIALS AND SUPERIOR SERVICE.

By Andy Carlo

Curtis Lumber, the Ballston Spa, New York-based prodealer and home improvement retailer, looks to make the design aspirations of homeowners a reality.

Now in it 6th generation, Curtis Lumber operates 23 full-service home improvement locations in New York and Vermont. This includes 14 stores that maintain kitchen and bath showrooms.

The family-owned dealer’s Ballston Spa Kitchen and Bath Design Center — at Curtis Lumber’s agship store and headquarters —  features various displays from Masterpiece, Wellborn, Crystal Cabinet Works, and Bertch displays along with numerous Cambria Quartz and granite countertops.

Flooring, tile, sinks, bath xtures, and cabinet hardware are also part of the showroom package, in addition to a complete lighting design center.

Serving builders, remodelers, and homeowners, the Ballston Spa store includes 8 full- edged designers with 10 sales support staff members.

According to Tim Parks, director of kitchen, bath, and lighting development at Curtis Lumber, the Ballston Spa store provides quality materials, competitive prices, and superior service.

“What truly sets our kitchen designers apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering the complete customer experience,” Parks says. “Unlike other design rms, our designers are exceptionally well-rounded, possessing expertise in cabinets, countertops, plumbing xtures, and lighting xtures.”

Curtis Lumber also offers custom design services for decks, laundry rooms, mudrooms, closets, and lighting.

Parks says the showroom displays at Curtis Lumber are not only current, but also bursting with fresh, innovative ideas.

Curtis Lumber says it prides itself on providing not just a service, but an immersive and inspiring journey for its customers, ensuring that every aspect of their kitchen design vision is brought to life with creativity and precision. “Our designers aim to provide the onestop-shop experience for their clients,” Parks says.

For some customers, kitchen and bath projects can be overwhelming. And that’s where Curtis Lumber’s design team steps in.

“Our designers love to guide customers through the process letting them know exactly what step in the process they are in and what is next to come,” Parks explains. “We, at Curtis Lumber, really strive to partner with the homeowner on making their dreams come true.”

If you have a Top Showroom you would like to share, please contact LBM Editor Andy Carlo at acarlo@ensembleiq.com.

Highlights from Curtis Lumber’s Top Showroom in Ballston Spa, New York.

recent kitchen trends research from Houzz revealed that the vast majority of homeowners (92%) go green during a kitchen renovation. Popular choices include LED bulbs (65%), energy-efficient appliances (61%), water-efficient fixtures (34%) and energy-efficient windows (27%).

While the most frequently cited reason for incorporating sustainable options is long-run cost-effectiveness (74%), making environmentally friendly choices is also top of mind for 3 in 5 renovating homeowners.

It’s not just consumers who are thinking about the environment.

At the International Builders Show, the National Hardware Show, and even Eisenwarenmesse — the International hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany— sustainabilty rose to the fore due to the heightened emphasis on climate change,

For many companies, this begins with their in-house production processes. Manufacturers are adopting measures such as the increased use of renewable energy, streamlining supply chains and recycling of packaging materials and used tools.

DRIVING PROGRESS ON A CLEAN EARTH THROUGH BETTER BUILDING, HARDWARE AND HOME PRACTICES.

HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY?

At the same time, the demands of the energy transition require new solutions. New tools are being specifically developed to simplify the work of professionals in the rapidly expanding solar market. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable materials — they’re all part of the sustainable equation. Here are some of the seekers of sustainability.

Source: HBSDealer Poll

etail customers can subscribe to solar services for their homes in Lowe’s stores.

SOLAR PARTNERS: LOWE’S AND SUNRUN

Sunrun, a provider of clean energy as a subscription service, announced a partnership with Lowe’s to provide households with solar and storage services.

“We are excited to offer Lowe’s shoppers a clean, affordable way to power their homes, one that provides energy independence and resilience against climate events and rising utility costs,” said Mary Powell, CEO at Sunrun.

The partnership makes renewable energy more accessible and affordable to homes across the nation by leveraging Sunrun’s solar service subscription model, which, the company said, eliminates financial barriers and upfront costs for millions of customers.

“Having a strong presence in Lowe’s stores provides an enjoyable and comfortable environment where homeowners can have discussions about transitioning to a more modern way of powering a clean energy lifestyle,” said Powell.

The San Francisco-based solar service firm will set up shop inside hundreds of Lowe’s stores across the U.S.

“Our customers rely on Lowe’s to introduce innovative products and services that truly improve homes and lives while providing the best value and service,” said Ram Krishnamurthy, senior vice president of home services at Lowe’s.

“Sunrun matches our mission perfectly as homeowners look to lower their power bills, consume cleaner energy, and use at-home batteries to safeguard against power outages,” said Krishnamurthy.

systems are backed by the company’s production guarantee, comprehensive warranty, and proactive monitoring, ensuring decades of reliable service and exceptional customer experiences.

“Joining forces with Lowe’s is key to Sunrun’s diversified go-to-market strategy,” Powell said.

Under Sunrun’s subscription service, said the firm,

PPG SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT

aint giant PPG reported it is right on target for 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

In 2023, PPG continued to take actions to further enhance its sustainability commitments.

The company became the first paints and coatings manufacturer to receive validation of its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

PPG has committed to reduce absolute emissions from its own operations (scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. It has also committed to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and

“Lowe’s customer base is overwhelmingly homeowners, which means Sunrun will have more opportunities to showcase the cost benefits, peace of mind, and premium experience families enjoy from adding solar paired with storage to their homes,” said Powell.

Lowe’s and Sunrun bring this solar-as-a-service subscription model to homeowners. Sunrun representatives have started staffing more than 260 Lowe’s stores in 10 states.

services, processing of sold products, and end-of-life treatment of sold products by 30% within the same timeframe.

The company said its emissions reduction strategy for its own operations includes energy efficiency projects and renewable energy sourcing. Within the value chain — or scope 3 — PPG is collaborating with suppliers to identify GHG emissions reduction opportunities and lower-carbon raw material sources.

As part of its 2030 targets, the company is working toward a goal to achieve 50% of sales from sustainably advantaged products by 2030,

achieving 44% by the end of 2023. PPG remains focused on delivering innovative solutions that meet our customers’ most pressing sustainability challenges.

Recent examples include: PPG paints Pitt-Glaze WB1 high-performance pre-catalyzed waterborne epoxy: This zero-VOC* single-component epoxy delivers high performance durability for high-traffic areas. It is ideal for healthcare, education and manufacturing facilities and is USDA-certified for incidental food contact, making it suitable for cafeterias and food processing plants.

PPG paints Speedhide zero interior latex paint: This zero-VOC, lowodor acrylic paint is ideal for painting occupied spaces while delivering durable product performance. This paint provides antimicrobial properties that resist mold and mildew stains on the dry paint film.

*Colorants added to this base paint may increase VOC level significantly depending on color choice.

PPG will communicate progress against all 2030 targets in its 2023 ESG Report, which is set to publish in the first half of 2024 at ppg.com/ sustainability.

ALL ABOUT SBTi

he Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) mobilizes the private sector to take urgent climate action.

enhance long-term value, said SBTi.

SBTi on its website wrote: Science-based targets give companies a clearly-defined path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. They define how much and how quickly a business must reduce its emissions to be in line with the Paris Agreement goals.

The business case for BVCM will depend on the region, market and industry in which the company operates and will ultimately be infl uenced by the extent to which the company is impacted by the changing physical environment linked to climate change.

Businesses must also take into account the associated changes in policy, fi nancial markets, consumer markets, society and technology to ensure that their BVCM activities have the greatest impact possible.

“By guiding companies in science-based target setting, we enable them to tackle global warming while seizing the benefits and boosting their competitiveness in the transition to a zero-carbon economy,” said SBTi.

SBTi, as of February 28, 2024, has released two new reports to support the design and implementation of beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) strategies and mobilize increased action from corporations.

What is BVCM?

The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Beyond Value Chain Mitigation is illustrated. See the full report: Published BVCM report and accompanying research paper on accelerating corporate adoption of BVCM.

Beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) is a mechanism through which companies can accelerate the global net-zero transformation by going above and beyond their science based targets.

BVCM is defined in the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard as “mitigation action or investments that fall outside a company’s value chain, including activities that avoid or reduce GHG emissions, or remove and store GHGs from the atmosphere.”

Funding of BVCM, if done right, can unlock an array of opportunities, mitigate future risks and protect and

HARDWARE DEALER GOES SOLAR 100%

e have installed a solar panel array on our roof which generates enough electricity to offset 100% of our consumption,” said Jared Littmann, owner of K&B True Value Hardware in Annapolis, Maryland.

The 224-panel solar energy system, designed and installed by Solar Energy Services, helped his business to become net-zero on electricity consumption in 2024. “The project will be cash positive after six years and should last 20-25 years,” said the owner.

THREE FOR THE GREEN

CertainTeed’s Solstice

Shingle: Innovative solar roofing that combines aesthetics, high energy efficiency, and durability. Seamlessly integrates solar technology into the home for sustainable energy generation and reduced carbon footprint. Offers the benefits of solar energy without compromising style or performance. Named Best Energy Efficient Product during the NAHB’s Best of IBS Awards.

MORE SUSTAINABILITY SEEKERS

Here are more companies that embrace the many forms of sustainability in 2024:

Home Depot

Chris Waits, VP of merchandising for paint, and a 32-year veteran of Home Depot recently discussed strategy and roles that innovation and sustainability play in the world of paint.

“Every year, we examine all of our products closely in cooperation with our suppliers. It’s our job and that of our suppliers to be true paint experts. We look to our supplier partners, companies like Behr, during that process to tell us what they are working on, whether it’s a new technology, a newly identified chemical of concern or a sustainability enhancement,” he said.

850 million tons of paper and cardboard end up in landfills across the US annually. Fiber Global reclaims abundant waste streams to create building materials that are higher performing, more durable and more affordable than existing materials on the market. Fiber’s flagship product, Forged Fiber Board (FFB) reclaims corrugated cardboard to manufacture structural and non-structural boards that are used in the construction and furniture industries.

“We know that customers expect us to be the paint experts, so it’s our job to take concerns off the table before they become concerns for shoppers. For example, all of our indoor paints are low- or noVOC,” said Waits.

Most customers don’t come in asking about VOCs. “But we know that they can impact indoor air quality, and our suppliers know. So, we’ve worked together to remove them. We didn’t make that change because shoppers asked for it. We did it because it was the right thing to do, and because our shoppers count on The Home Depot to be the experts they can trust,” he said.

Sherwin-Williams

On the paint giant’s website, sustainability goals are identified, as follows: Reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30%; increase electricity from renewable resources to 50% of total electricity usage; increase operational energy efficiency by 20%; and reduce waste disposal intensity by 25%.

Recognized in Germany as an EISENaward winner, the new Pronova cardboard cartridge uses paper instead of plastic. In Germany alone, around 100 million cartridges of silicone, glue, acrylic and other materials are sold every year. This corresponds to a total of 5,000 tons of plastic. The Pronova cardboard cartridge reduces plastic waste by 80 percent. The cartridge body is made of paper and cab e 100 percent recycled after use. Additionally, the product generates 53 percent fewer CO emissions during manufacturing.

Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser and Lapis Energy LP announced the execution of an exclusive exploration agreement for subsurface carbon dioxide sequestration in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

“This exploration agreement represents a unique opportunity to scale our CCS offerings and build our climate solutions portfolio more broadly,” said Russell Hagen, senior vice president and chief development officer for Weyerhaeuser.

The agreement covers 187,500 acres of subsurface rights owned by Weyerhaeuser, reported the firm, and spans five potential sequestration sites, including two locations that were previously identified by Weyerhaeuser as prospective opportunities for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) development.

“We are delighted to form this relationship with Weyerhaeuser, the largest timberland owner in North America with a reputation as a responsible and sustainable landowner,” said Reg Manhas, CEO of Lapis Energy.

Weyerhaeuser will work with Lapis to, “unlock the value of CCS development across our ownership in the U.S. South and help other companies reduce their carbon footprint,” said Russell Hagen, SVP and chief development officer for Weyerhaeuser.

Page Lumber celebrates a centennial

THE UPSTATE NEW YORK PRODEALER HELPED BUILD THE HUDSON VALLEY REGION.

By Andy Carlo

An LBM pillar in Poughkeepsie, New York turns 100 this year.

Page Lumber Millwork & Building Supplies, located about 75 miles northeast of Manhattan, has been helping build the Hudson Valley region since 1924.

The company's roots can actually be traced back to 1904 when the Manchester Hotel, facing closure, was acquired by Samuel McCabe. He passed it down to his daughter, Mary McCabe, alongside her husband Gustavas Page. Together, they repurposed the hotel into G. Page Groceries.

Henry G. Page Sr., the third child and only son of Mary and Gustavas, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by purchasing a cement block-making machine from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog in 1924. This was the foundation of H.G. Page. By the 1950s, Page diversi ed the business and began selling additional building materials including roo ng and insulation.

Today, Page Lumber operates three locations in Poughkeepsie, Amenia, and Pawling, New York, all located in Dutchess County.

CEO Mark Whitney says a primary goal of the company is to build a strong culture where employees can learn and grow.

“We focus on continuous improvement, working as a team, problem-solving, and decision-making through critical thinking,”

Whitney told HBSDealer. “Additionally, we want to grow to ensure the long-term success of the company and provide a place for our people to grow.”

Like many in the industry, one of the biggest hurdles Page Lumber faces is drawing young people into the business. In this environment, the company makes employee engagement a priority.

“We encourage people to speak their minds to contribute to decision-making,”

Whitney says. “They play a large role in identifying ways to improve what we do and serving our customers’ needs.” Altogether, Page Lumber has 76 employees.

Whitney notes that a priority at Page Lumber is “building relationships based on trust with our people. A quote that has stuck with me is ‘an effective team is a group of people who trust each other’.”

The CEO joined Page Lumber as general manager in 2017 before being named CEO in 2019. Whitney is a seasoned veteran of the LBM Industry who began his career as a part-time employee at Diamond Lumber in New Hampshire. The executive worked for Diamond until it closed in 1990 and then moved to Moore’s Lumber where he managed three locations in New York and Vermont.

Whitney then spent 10 years as a sales manager at Brockway-Smith (BROSCO) before

Page Lumber's flagship home center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

H.G. Page, the forerunner of Page Lumber, has evolved over the years while gradually adding more materials to its diverse lineup of LBM and hardware offerings.

joining Curtis Lumber as a regional director in northern New York and Vermont.

“Our business is primarily centered on serving trade customers, home builders, commercial, multi-family, and remodelers,” Whitney says.

The dealer uses a spoke and hub approach to its locations with the Poughkeepsie site serving as a hub with centralized inventory and delivery services. Each location carries hardware and paint, with Poughkeepsie hosting a full-size home center.

The two satellite locations are set in more rural areas with product mixes tailored to the needs of each community. Millwork displays can be found at each site with the Poughkeepsie and Pawling stores featuring kitchen-and-bath showrooms.

“Our strongest product categories are lumber, panels and structural products, windows, millwork, and kitchens,” Whitney notes. “We also have a strong hardscaping business at our Poughkeepsie location.”

Major milestones in the evolution of Page Lumber include the addition of a full lumber yard in 1962. As the region began to transition away from its agricultural history, the population began to grow. This includes the rise of IBM as a strong Hudson Valley employer, hosting multiple plants in the region until the late 1980s.

The company rst opened its primary home center in 1978 and quickly followed the move with the expansion of its storage space. This allowed Page Lumber to greatly increase the inventory it carried for builder and homeowner customers.

Henry G. Page, Jr., former president and chairman of H.G. Page & Sons — the company’s previous banner — was instrumental in the formation of ENAP, the predecessor of LBM Advantage.  Page Jr., along with ve other Upstate New York dealers, combined their building commodities purchasing power to make themselves more competitive with the founding of ENAP in 1967.

Over the next 49 years, ENAP developed member partners throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southwest and Midwest. Page Jr. passed in 2018.

“We encourage people to speak their minds to contribute to decision-making. They play a large role in identifying ways to improve what we do and serving our customers’ needs.”

—Mark Whitney, CEO, Page Lumber Millwork & Building Supplies

Technology has been a component of Page Lumber’s journey as well.

“We made several changes and improvements in the last few years,” Whitney says. “We have made investments in technology, dispatch software, Mitek Sapphire 3D estimating and modeling software, and several administrative software programs to gain ef ciencies.”

Whitney says the tech additions have been moves toward making Page Lumber more process-driven while improving accuracy and productivity to be more reliable for customers.

For example, Page studied its delivery statistics for 18 months with the support of its dispatch software and turned its entire eet over to better match the needs of its business.

“Technology plays a signi cant role in our business,” Whitney says. “We have taken an incremental approach to date. We focused on initially getting the most we could from our existing ERP and then we added bolt-on elements to pursue improvement.”

The company has since reached the limits of its current ERP system and is in the process of implementing Epicor BisTrack and Warehouse Management as its system for the future.

Page Lumber is planning a special celebration and customer appreciation event for May that will feature about 50 vendors and attract over 500 customers. The event will include a live band, catered food, and a “Celebration Ale” that Page Lumber is having custom brewed by Millhouse Brewery, based in the City of Poughkeepsie.

“In addition to being an important xture in Dutchess County, H.G. Page was one of the founding dealers in 1967 for ENAP, Inc., now LBM Advantage, Inc.,” say Steve Sallah, CEO of LBM Advantage. “It was founded as a building material and lumber cooperative helping family-owned Hudson Valley lumber retailers purchase construction materials competitively.”

Sallah points out that the vision has grown nationally and now consists of over 1,400 lumber yards with $4 billion in purchasing power. “This foresight of H.G. Page and the Page family helped the family-owned lumber yard compete with larger competitors for over 50 years.”

The company remains family-owned and operated with a board that includes six of Henry Page Sr.’s grandchildren and Whitney.

A “partner celebration” dinner with key vendors is also taking place. Looking ahead, Whitney says that his goal during his tenure as CEO is to continue drawing new people into the industry while growing business at Page Lumber.

“This is a great place to build a career as we continue to serve the community,” he says.

Lumber

Inside Page Lumber: a thoroughly modern home center experience.

Field Notes: IBS 2024

COMPREHENSIVE BUILDING SOLUTIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY WERE A PRIORITY FOR EXHIBITORS AT THE BIG SHOW.

By Andy Carlo

Setting up, pitching your latest products, and wishing for the best was far from enough to get the job done at the 2024 version of the Interna tional Builders' Show (IBS).

Exhibitors had to prepare an over-arching product theme, covering multiple angles in regard to residential construction needs. Having solid sustainability and builder effi ciency stories in your portfolio to share was also a near must at IBS. The world is changing and so are construction end-users.

And standing out at IBS 2024 wasn't an easy trick either.

The event featured 1,800 exhibitors, up 30% from the prior year, and was the largest IBS in the last 15 years. As part of sign & Construction Week (DCW), featuring the co-location of IBS and the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the mega-event was attended by more than 117,000 builders, general contractors, remodelers, designers, flooring professionals, sales professionals, architects, dealers, distributors, and industry professionals.

Here are some of the exhibitors that made a statement at IBS 2024:

elaborate, outdoor living dream setting.

The Oldcastle APG booth boasted a number of its brands in a combined setting including MoistureShield decking, Belgard pavers, Sakrete bagged concrete, Barrette Outdoor Living products, and Elements outdoor kitchen products, among others. The booth itself appeared as if an attendee ha stepped into an actual,

At the show, MoistureShield launched InstaDeck, an outdoor flooring system comprised of heavy-duty plastic tiles that easily snap together to create a foundation for a freestanding, ground-level deck. Two new railing offerings were also introduced into MoistureShield’s product portfolio for 2024. Fathom Steel Railing, available with vertical square balusters or horizontal rods in two colors.

MoistureShield also added a Satin Black color

The number of exhibitors on hand at IBS 2024 was up 30% from the prior year, according to the NAHB.

Oldcastle APG brought its MoistureShield, Barrette Outdoor Living, and Sakrete brands, among others.

The Stratos decking message from MoistureShield at IBS 2024.

option to its premium Navigator line of Solid Core composite railing to align with recent black exterior design trends being seen in new home construction and home remodeling.

“The expansion of our railing systems has enabled us to offer contractors and homeowners a complete pairing of products that makes the decision process easier, purchasing more streamlined and support more consistent,” said Matthew Bruce, vice president of sales at MoistureShield.The manufacturer also pushed its new line of Stratos composite-enhanced PVC decking.

Featuring the best of both wood composites and PVC decking, Stratos includes a proprietary acrylic cap that defends against damage from stains, scratches, and impact while also resisting fading.

“Stratos enables installers to set themselves apart by offering a new level of design, installation detail, and speed on their jobs,” Bruce said.

UFP Industries arrived at IBS with its largest show presence to date.

The company brought three of its brands—Deckorators, UFP Edge, and UFP Site Built—each with a booth of its own. The Deckorators booth showcased a new Privacy Screen System, a hot trend among decking manufacturers, and its Aluminum Rapid Rail kit with two new colors: Textured White and Weathered Brown.

At its UFP Site Built booth, the manufacturer highlighted its technology innovations, which are designed to lower costs and improve efficiency in residential and commercial construction. Attendees had the chance to tour a recently completed floor cassette project via an Oculus virtual reality experience and learn more about the proprietary TrussTrax mobile app including sitebuilt technology for accessing job information.

Siding and trim products from UFP-Edge were stationed at a 30' by 30' booth in the show's Central Hall. The presentation focused on UFP Edge's Thermally Modified Wood Collection siding, Primed trim and fascia, Native Wood pre-finished boards, and Timeless Nickel Gap shiplap.

UFP-Edge also launched its new line of EvoTrim: a new trim product engineered for performance and durability. According to UFP-Edge Brand Marketing Manager Amanda Hall, EvoTrim undergoes a TRU-CORE treatment process that infuses five EPA-registered preservatives deep into the board's core. This ensures protection against rot, insects, mold, and termites, and is backed by a 40-year warranty.

Builders FirstSource, the nation’s largest prodealer and building solutions provider placed the focus on technology.

The Dallas, Texas-based company, drew a steady crowd with live digital presentations. Powered by Paradigm technology, the suite of tools offered by Builders FirstSource helps

accelerate the sales process, engages homebuyers, and streamlines the overall construction and home building process. According to Builders FirstSource, the tech provides homebuilders with greater transparency and control over their projects.

"Our digital tools allow us to differentiate ourselves in a large market of suppliers," Mitch Horwart of

Deckorators at IBS 2024.

Builders FirstSource provides updates on its digital tools designed to streamline the home building process.

IBS Post-Show Coverage

Builders FirstSource told HBSDealer.

The myBLDR.com builder platform was also on display. The platform provides access to project document storage, 3D home previews, online material estimates and ordering, delivery status, and job scheduling. Builders FirstSource has stamped the "From Now to Next" slogan on its digital solutions suite.

GMX Group, which actually formed shortly before IBS 2024, introduced itself and brought together its brands at the show.

The Miami, Florida-based company is both a wholesale distributor of premium hardwoods and a retailer under the Lumber Plus banner.

The distribution portion of the business is focused on importing hardwoods from Europe, New Zealand, and South America and then selling them in the North American market, according to Guto Fugiwara, managing partner at GMX Group. Distributing fasteners and hand tools is also part of the wholesale division’s package.

Hardwoods imported by GMX has FSC certification and a strict chain of custody that's been tracked by the company.

Lumber Plus stores feature a wide array of premium decking, cladding, walls, and ceilings. Lumber Plus stores feature an interactive approach that empowers customers to engage directly with materials. This allows for a deeper understanding in making well-informed choices during their selection process, according to Lumber Plus.

Regarding the formation of the GMX Group, Fugiwara told HBSDealer that the move provides “greater efficiency” for its brands.

LP Building Solutions brought interactive demos to IBS.

Attendees had the opportunity to hurl baseballs at LP SmartSide siding, complete with a speed gun, or smash siding with the use of a sledgehammer. The message was durability translating into sustainability.

Products that can stand up to elements or kids in the neighbor-

hood provide a longer lifespan. Simultaneously, LP provided stats about its efforts toward being a better global citizen.'

LP is creating building products that offer carbon negative solutions: the products store more carbon than is released into the atmosphere during their lifecycle from the manufacturing process to the end of the product's lifespan.'

The Nashville, Tennessee-based company notes that through its sustainable manufacturing process, 100% of its products are derived from naturally renewable wood sources while 99% of the wood fiber harvested by LP is used in products or as a renewable energy source.

LP Senior Corporate Brand Manager Cameron Bailey borrowed the company's theme for the show and said, "Our products are being created and used to build a better world."

Amanda Hall, UPF Edge brand marketing manager (center), discusses the new EvoTrim line.

“Building a better world” through sustainability was the primary message from LP Building Solutions at IBS.

Inside the rise of components

MANUFACTURING

MEMBERS OF LMC WEIGH IN ON PREFABRICATED PRODUCTS.

By Andy Carlo

Just over five years ago, senior leadership at the lumber and building materials cooperative created a division dedicated to providing purchase opportunities of trusses and wall panels for LBM yards.

The department soon evolved into two branches: Components and B2B.

The components division has two main functions: The first being advocacy for truss manufacturers by providing support for their daily operational functions. The second major goal is increasing the visibility and sales of their products. This is done through education and building partnerships with a large customer base, dealer yards. Many of the partnerships are through the business-to-business department (B2B) where LMC staff connects LMC component manufacturers with LMC lumberyards.

According to Rachel Hoops, manager of LMC Components Division as well as the B2B sale department; these partnerships generate top and bottom-line growth for the members of the cooperative. Ultimately this program follows the true spirit of this cooperative, building business together. About 80 of LMC’s member companies currently manufacture trusses.

year and we’re nowhere near capacity.”

Hoops notes that, between labor struggles, industry innovation, and the current housing shortage, components will rise in importance now and in the years to come.

Education regarding components took center stage at the 2024 LMC Annual held in Houston in March. A panel of LMC’s own component manufacturing members delivered insight to prodealer members on best practices for selling components (truss and wall panels) and how to effectively communicate with your truss provider to create strong synergies for their sales teams.

Dave Tocci, director of operations at Easton, Pennsylvania-based Lehigh Structural Components brought over 30 years of expertise in the components manufacturing industry to the panel discussion.

“We offer the whole package and prevent the competition from getting some of your business.”

—Dave Tocci, Lehigh Structural Components

“LMC has put time and resources into ensuring that our cooperative members, whether a component manufacturer or LBM yard, have access to programs that will support the growth of this important innovative prefabricated product,” Hoops says. “This division’s sales continue to multiply each

Tocci said his company “keeps the competitor out of the picture” and sells directly to lumberyards including many LMC members.

“We offer the whole package and prevent the competition from getting some of your business,” Tocci explained. This is pivotal to LMC members given that major LBM players continue to consolidate the industry with the purchase of manufacturing facilities. The same players have also ramped up their efforts in opening greenfield manufacturing operations across the nation.

The panel was moderated by Molly Butz, manager of the Structural Building Components Association based in Irving, Texas.

Weighing the benefits of components, Butz noted that they allow builders to move much faster in

From left: Dave Tocci, Issam Fakhoury, Brian Kerkhoff, and Rachel Hoops.

regard to residential construction.

“When it comes to stick faming versus components, components are much faster in the field,” Butz said.

Additionally, builders can save on time, funding, and labor, while preventing major headaches.

“Finding skilled installers can be difficult especially when trying to find stick framers these days,” Butz said, while pointing out that components are manufactured in a closed environment using software that eliminates complications.

The end result is a product that utilizes as much as 25% less wood and 30 times less waste.

Issam Fakhoury, co-owner of Apex Structural Innovation in Romulus, Michigan, said components provide a “huge value to lumberyards.”

“It provides an efficient package to the end-user,” Fakhoury said. “We all work with really complicated plans. Components allow the dealer to provide the best design for a package.”

Dealers who decide to utilize components can ensure their business is truly a one-stop-shop for builder customers. Butz also noted that on a national basis, 67% of new residential construction includes roof trusses.

Purchasing from a member component manufacturer

eliminates other problems, such as code issues on the job site.

Brian Kerkhoff, president of KA Components in Lafayette, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio, is one of the initial members of LMC’s B2B program. Kerkhoff notes that component solutions designers develop can be signed and sealed by a professional engineer.

“The seal provides building owners, builders, banks, insurance companies, and government officials assurance the component solution meets code, safety standards, and acceptable construction standards,” Kerkhoff said.

“It allows you to cut through the red tape and makes things go much smoother,” Farkhoury added.

An additional benefit is cost savings when purchasing from a fellow LMC manufacturing member.

Tocci told dealers in attendance that since his company does not have any outside salespeople, "We are going to come at you with a lower price due to lower overhead. To help you be competitive with your competition we need you to be our salespeople. We are your partner as well as your designer and producer.”

Component sales are a surging segment of LMC's busines strategy.

Orgill nears relaunch of Georgia DC

Almost 30 years ago, Memphis-based Orgill made the giant leap from one distribution center to two when it opened what was then a state-of-the-

In Tifton, Georgia, Orgill is about to unleash an extreme makeover of a high-volume distribution center.

Leading that effort is Randy Williams, Orgill’s executive vice president of distribution, who helped build the Tifton DC back in 1995. (The facility originally overshot its 5-year sales projections in its first year.)

art DC in Tifton, Georgia.

And now that the distributor has grown to eight DC’s across North America, Orgill’s supply-chain experts have returned to Tifton with some major improvements in speed and efficiency.

“We are taking advantage of every opportunity to build technology and new distribution techniques into this facility that will help us create efficiencies for both our team and our customers,” Williams said. “The investments we are making in this facility will ultimately help us get products to our

Did you know 55% of transactions take place outside of business hours?

With the combination of Spruce and Spruce eCommerce, you can capture more after-hours revenue without sacrificing time at the family dinner table.

customers more efficiently.”

In an interview with HBSDealer, Williams pointed to some of the new features coming to Tifton:

Air conditioning;

A fleet of Geek+ robots (see sidebar); New product flow — receiving on one side, shipping on the other, (both were on the same side in the older version of Tifton);

25 percent more space, from 650,000 sq. ft. to 800,000 sq. ft. and more efficient space;

Very Narrow Aisles (VNA) system; Infused with Artificial Intelligence.

The new-and-improved distribution center is slated to come on line in April. Williams recognized the importance of a team effort in bringing the project to fruition. He said special recognition goes to Vic Price, Senior vice president of operations; Taylor Monjo, operations project

manager; Bill Richardson, vice president of the Southeast distribution center and his team; Jeff Gentry, technology vice president; and Tim Elliott, technology director. “Their contributions have been invaluable,” Williams said.

The new Tifton DC “represents a entirely different way of doing business through our distribution centers,” said Orgill President and CEO Boyden Moore. “We’re going to pick up a lot of efficiency and a lot of additional throughput.”

In addition to the new construction in Tifton, over the past two years, Orgill added 1.3 million square feet of warehouse space when it opened its new Rome, New York, distribution center in 2021 and expanded its Hurricane, Utah, distribution center in 2022.

Orgill now operates eight distribution centers in North America with 6.7 million square feet of capacity and more than 75,000 SKUs in each distribution center.

Robots at work

New to the Orgill DC in Tifton is the Geek+ Shelf-to-Person PopPick System.

It’s described as a system that uses low-to-the-ground, disc-like P series robots to move tall stacks of shelves and pallets to a picking station. In the system, robots bring totes to the picking station and the picker selects the product according to a screen prompt.

The system is designed to be more accurate and more efficient than manual picking, while eliminating redundant back-and-forth walking down long aisles.

Engineering a career

ANNIE KAO OF SIMPSON STRONG-TIE EMBARKS ON A NEW ROLE.

By Ken Clark

When she was recognized as part of the 2022 class of Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply, Annie Kao of Simpson Strong-Tie was vice president of engineering for the building products giant.

Now comes a new role for the accomplished engineer. In March, Kao was promoted to a Simpson Strong-Tie’s vice president of strategic partnerships and engagement. Here’s how she describes it:

“This new role is a critical step toward achieving our longterm objectives to continue to foster strong connections within the industry, enhance recognition of our brand and products, and address the labor shortage,” Kao said. “I’m excited to leverage my experience at Simpson Strong-Tie and my passion for the industry to help open up new avenues for engagement and explore collaboration opportunities while helping to develop the next generation of industry innovators.”

As an engineer herself, Annie was no stranger to accolades.

She made the prestigious Girl Geek X List of Top 60 Women leading Engineering Teams, and she was a former director of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC). She was also a founding member of the SEAOSC Women in Structural Engineering Committee.

Annie’s Advice

Kao shared several ideas on how to find success in the industry. Advice that applies to men and women.

“Build your own personal Board of Directors of your mentors, advocates, and role models who can give you guidance and support along your career journey.”

Be a catalyst for change and continuous improvement, ask for what you need to be successful;

Do what you're passionate about and can bring your strengths to the table.”

weekend,” Kao told HBSDealer. “I remember being so inspired by how he was helping to shape the roads and waterways of our city, looking over the blueprints, being fascinated by the computers and huge plotters."

The 2022 Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply honoree also shared her thoughts on the role of women in the male-dominated industry. It’s important that managers not only lead and develop teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences, but have the skills to support them. “That’s one of the most important things we can focus on as industry,” she said.

That experience began at an early age in a household where science, math and engineering ran in the family.

(SEAOSC). ce

“My dad is a civil engineer who used to take me into the of ce with him to nish up some projects over the

“All of my direct managers in my career have been male, and I count all of them as huge contributors to my success. The time they invested in me through coaching, supporting me in achieving ambitious goals, and advocating on my behalf with other leaders within the company have all enabled me to pursue increasingly higher levels of leadership within the organization.”

—Annie Kao, VP of strategic partnerships and enagement, Simpson Strong-Tie

“You want women to be able to see a path to success in any hardware and building supply position, so any way that we can share those stories and career path trajectories to more people can help draw them into the industry.”

Kao is also a believer in the concept of “you have to see it to be it,” as it plays out across the industry.

“Representation matters,” Kao said. “You want women to be able to picture themselves in these roles being not only successful, but also that they belong within that team, company, and industry.  You want women to be able to see a path to success in any hardware and building supply position, so any way that we can share those stories and career path trajectories to more people can help draw them into the industry.”

Kao saw it in her early days. “I just knew that I wanted to have a job where I could use creativity and technology to solve real world problems that would bene t so many people,” she said. “So I think I was lucky in that I saw construction as a eld for me very early in life and was always encouraged to pursue it.”

Hancock Lumber has announced leadership moves in its retail division. Eric Dolloff will be moving into a regional general manager role, covering the greater Portland, Midcoast and Capital area regions in Maine including Hancock Lumber’s Windham, Yarmouth, Brunswick, Damariscotta and Augusta locations.  Mike Boulet will be taking on the role of general manager — retail manufacturing.  In his new role, Boulet will continue to oversee Mainely Trusses in Fair eld, along with adding wall panel manufacturing in Windham.

LBM Advantage, the lumber and building materials cooperative, hired Bryan Baker as member sales manager for the Southwest region. Baker has dedicated his entire career to the lumber and building industry, having held positions in the accounting and sales divisions at Louisiana-Paci c and the sales division at James Hardie. During the past two decades, he has also managed one of the largest lumberyards in Texas for Bison Building Materials and was general manager at HT Building Products.

PWT has promoted J.D. Dombek to Western regional business development manager.  Since joining the company in 2012, he has been integral to the team’s success in achieving key sales and growth targets, PWT said. This promotion will see Dombek transition from managing regional sales responsibilities as director, business development manager — West and industrial sales manager to expanding PWT’s dealer base in all areas of the Western region.

3M announced that William M. “Bill” Brown is the new chief executive of cer, effective May 1. He succeeds Michael Roman, who is appointed to the role of executive chair of the 3M board of directors, also effective May 1. Brown, 61, is the former Chair and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, a global innovator in aerospace and defense technology solutions, where he served as cCEO and chairman, and then executive chair from June 2019 to June 2022.

Jeske Hardware Distributors announced that Cody Hanken , of Roseville, California has joined the company’s sales team. Hanken is serving as account manager for the company’s Northern California and Nevada sales territory. Prior to joining the Jeske team, Hanken worked as a logistics and inventory manager for Homewood Door and Millwork.

Forest products and building materials manufacturer Roseburg announced that Nadine Orozco has been promoted to director of strategic business development, effective March 18, Orozco has served as manager of strategic business development since Jan. 1, 2022, and has been deeply involved in key company projects, including the recent sale of Roseburg’s Simsboro, La., particleboard plant to Kronospan and the company’s historic $700 million investment in Oregon manufacturing.

84 Lumber celebrated its annual award banquet, honoring various associates for their outstanding performance throughout 2023.

Top honors for the night were Manager of the Year, Dan Jones; Area Manager of the Year, Dave Fisher; Manufacturing Manager of the Year, Brennen Byers; and Rookie of the Year, Andrew Boyd.

The event was held on March 16 at the Nemacolin resort, in Farmington, Pennsylvania.

All the award winners were recognized by 84 Lumber’s owner and CEO Maggie Hardy.

“Each year, I excitedly anticipate recognizing the associates who surpass expectations, contributing to the thriving success of our company," Hardy said. "Their remarkable dedication has been instrumental in our journey thus far, and I feel privileged to work with such motivated and talented individuals."

Manager of the Year, Dan Jones is a company veteran with over 34 years at 84 Lumber and has won this accolade many times for his success as a manager. Jones continues to make a tremendous impact on the company and the industry.

“The numbers are great, those are the measurables,” said Jones. The immeasurables are the people, so when you nd some of the most quali ed young individuals we have within our company, we have to put them in positions where they gain experience and get the quality at-bats to grow themselves. The company has been good to me, it’s time to make sure the company is taken care of in the long run.”

Dan Jones and Maggie Hardy.

Dolloff Boulet Baker

Dombek

Brown

Hanken

Orozco

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DOUGLAS-FIR

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