Send address changes to: BLD Connection 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 200 Plymouth, MN 55441
[ EDITORIAL]
Advocacy in Action
For decades, one of BLD Connection’s core offerings/membership benefits has been our work in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Today, more than ever, BLD Connection and its state and national partners are working harder than at any time to protect the interests of our members (and your customers).
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through state and national legislative and regulatory advocacy. By engaging with lawmakers and regulators, and together with our members’ voices, we can shape policies that directly affect our members and our industry, ensuring a fairer, more equitable environment for all. As you read this, members and staff from BLD Connection are likely in Washington, D.C., representing members and the industry on Capitol Hill.
These grassroots connections are crucial to ensuring elected officials understand our industry and the issues impacting our daily operations. For the past 12 years, I have attended hundreds of these meetings, and it is amazing how telling our story changes what legislators know about your business and your needs.
Back at home, BLD Connection continues to be active at the state level by ensuring our industry’s interests are being considered. Whether via visits to state capitol buildings or partnerships with our contract lobbyists and other industry stakeholders, BLD Connection remains focused on ensuring states make sound decisions with our industry in mind.
We continue to focus on issues that threaten your ability to run your business and be successful. Following the recent announcement of softwood lumber tariffs, BLD Connection’s efforts to address the Trump Administration and our industry partners have ramped up significantly. What will come of the tariffs is still unknown. Still, we will not stop discussing these tariffs’ impact on supply and affordable housing initiatives at home and nationwide to find balance and bring stability to our industry.
Of other significant impact are credit card swipe fees and the need for a federal tax bill inclusive of the continuation of key tax credits for small businesses, accelerated depreciation provisions and so much more
With all this in mind, I encourage you to engage in the political process – and not by simply voting. It sounds scary and daunting, but I assure you it’s not. Your legislators want to meet you and your employees. They want, and often need, to learn more about your business and our industry. As the building season kicks off and legislative sessions close, now is a great time to reach out to your local, state and/or national legislators to say hello. You’ll be amazed at what an email and an invitation for a cup of coffee can do for your business and industry. Give it a shot. Use Your Voice. BLD Connection will support you every step of the way.
Cody Nuernberg, BLD Connection President
BLD CONNECTION BOARD
Chairman
Scott Enter
wRight Lumber & Millwork, Buffalo, Minnesota
1st Vice Chairman
Brett Hanson
Tri-State Building Center, Sisseton, South Dakota
Treasurer
Jennifer Leachman
Leachman Lumber Company, Des Moines, Iowa
Immediate Past Chairman
Brian Wendt
Anita Supply Center, Anita Iowa
Secretary Cody Nuernberg
Minneapolis, Minnesota
DIRECTORS
Iowa Director
Brent Schneider
Spahn & Rose Lumber Co., Dubuque, Iowa
Minnesota Directors
Wade Fenske
Kreofsky Building Supplies, Rochester, Minnesota
Brian Klimek Hilltop Lumber Co., Alexandria, Minnesota
Mid-America Directors
Hatch McCray McCray Lumber & Millwork, Kansas City, Kansas
Greg Smith Nation’s Best Holdings, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Nebraska Director
Mark Russell Millard Lumber Inc., Waverly, Nebraska
North Dakota Director
Samantha Nasset
Crane Johnson Lumber, Fargo, North Dakota
South Dakota Director
Jason Meester
Watertown Cashway Lumber Company, Watertown, South Dakota
Wisconsin Director
Nate Ehlen
Sav-Rite Building Center, Neillsville, Wisconsin
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Luke Guittar, Absolute Distribution Nate Hanson, Simpson Strong-Tie
NLBMDA REPRESENTATIVE
Chris Hegeman, Bliffert Lumber & Hardware, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BLD CONNECTION INC. OFFICERS
President: Mike Bertrand, Lloyd Lumber Company, Mankato, Minnesota
Treasurer: Brian Wendt, Anita Supply Center, Anita, Iowa
[ ASSOCIATION CONNECTION ]
Building Success at Our 2025 BizCons
The 2025 BizCons brought together LBM professionals, students and industry leaders for education, networking and business growth. With packed exhibit halls, insightful panel discussions and interactive workshops, attendees gained valuable insights and made important industry connections.
Key Highlights
• Education & Insights: Industry experts led engaging sessions on AI, sales strategies, and leadership development.
• Exhibit Hall & Innovation Showcase: Attendees explored the latest building materials and connected with top suppliers.
• Student Engagement: 31 students attended BizCon North, while 61 students participated at BizCon South. A Student Career Panel helped introduce them to opportunities in LBM.
• Networking & Special Events: The Brews & Bites Reception,
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Jan. 28-29, 2025
Women in the Industry Gathering, and structured networking sessions fostered new connections.
• Contests & Awards: Best Featured Product: Bayer Built’s Element Rail won at both BizCon North and BizCon South. Duckie Scavenger Hunt: Nathan Peabody (Lumber Mart West) won at North, while Colton Arnold (H.L. Munn Lumber Company) claimed the prize at South. Early Bird Registration Award: Tabitha Renneker (Hennen Lumber Company, Inc.) won at BizCon North. Alan Fishbein (Akin Building Centers) won at BizCon South.
Altoona, Iowa
Feb. 18-19, 2025
Looking Ahead to 2026
Planning is already underway for next year’s BizCons.
• BizCon North: Jan. 20-21, 2026 –River’s Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
• BizCon South: Feb. 3-4, 2026 – Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center, Altoona, Iowa.
Attendees left this year’s events inspired, informed and better connected. Stay tuned for details and be part of the 2026 BizCons.
Judy Koshak, Tomahawk Builders Supply Co., Inc.
1. Dustin James, BizCon North Sales Seminar
2. BizCon North Show Floor
3. Gideon Hofer, Alpine Truss, LLC
4. BizCon North Contractor Panel
5. Jim McGrew, Suburban Lumber Company, Inc. (New Iowa Chairman); Larry Hingst, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company (Outgoing Iowa Chairman)
6. Travis Thamert, Brews & Bites Musician
7. BizCon North Women in the Industry
8. Glen Dall BizCon South Sales Seminar
9. Craig Webb, BizCon AI Seminar
A Day of Learning and Networking in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Connection Conference brought together building materials professionals for a day of learning, networking and industry insights at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells on Jan. 14, 2025.
Learning and Connection
Attendees enjoyed a warm welcome and a series of sessions tailored to our community. Business owners and managers shared insights during a roundtable discussion, while David Wells led seminars on operational excellence which focused on careful planning, effective design and disciplined processes.
Mike McDole energized the crowd with sales seminars that offered practical strategies for boosting profitability through gross margin management, upselling and strong project management skills. Russ Kathrein delivered a fast-paced discussion on effective leadership, equipping attendees with strategies to foster a collaborative work environment.
Networking Lunch and Membership Engagement
A networking lunch, which doubled as the BLD Connection Wisconsin and WLDEF Membership Meeting, provided a chance for members to connect, celebrate achievements and discuss leadership. During this session, successes were celebrated, and special awards recognized All American Do it Center as the 2025 Dealer of the Year and Wausau Supply Co. as the 2025 Supplier of the Year. A keynote by Russ Kathrein
highlighted emerging trends in the LBM industry and set an optimistic tone for the day.
Industry Perspectives and Celebration
A customer panel with builders, contractors, and remodelers provided first-hand insights into selecting lumber and building material suppliers. The event concluded with a festive networking reception, where attendees had the opportunity to unwind, connect further, and enjoy light refreshments.
At the membership meeting and luncheon, members heard from the association and its leaders about the exciting work the organization continues to do for its members. In addition, All-American Do it Center (Tomah, Wisconsin) was honored as the 2025 Wisconsin Dealer of the Year while Wausau Supply Company
(Wausau, Wisconsin) was honored as the 2025 Association Supporter of the Year. Both member organizations were honored for their continued contributions to the association, their businesses, and the state of Wisconsin.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our premium sponsors Boise Cascade, Do it Best, Federated Insurance, GAF, Manion’s Wholesale Building Supplies, Northern Crossarm, Pennsylvania Lumbermens, ProWood, Wausau Supply, Western Building Products, Wolf Home Products, and Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Education Foundation Inc. (WLDEF). We also appreciate our general sponsors Amerhart, BLD 401K MEP Program, Dakota Steel and Trim, Data Business Equipment, Dealers Choice, LBM Advantage, SalesJack, Thermo-Tech Windows and WorkSafeWorkSmart.
Top left: Contractor Panel
Top right: Owner/Manager Roundtable
Bottom left: All American Do it Center –Dealer of the Year
BLD Connection Events
April 8
Introduction to Building Material Sales
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
April 10
Introduction to Building Material Sales
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
April 14-16
Pinnacle Roundtable Bloomington, Minnesota
April 23 & 25
Legacy Roundtable Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 29 – May 1
Estimating 1-2-3
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
April 29 – May 1
Swing into Spring Osage Beach, Missouri
Photo courtesy of Trex
Decks Elevate Outdoor Living
As homeowners continue to seek stylish, durable and low-maintenance outdoor living spaces, 2025 is bringing an exciting wave of innovation in home decking. This year’s newest decking products feature cutting-edge materials, improved sustainability and enhanced aesthetics to suit a variety of design preferences. The latest offerings are set to redefine backyard spaces, so let’s look at several products available from building suppliers to help dealers meet their customers’ decking needs.
Deckorators Summit Decking
Deckorators Summit Decking is the newest line of decking, featuring mineralbased Surestone technology. Designed to deliver a practical blend of performance and value, Summit decking is offered in three new on-trend colors – Boulder, Glacier and Cliffside – resembling the rich textures of natural wood. It features a low-gloss finish and mineral-based composite construction, ensuring stunning looks and lasting performance. Summit Decking is warrantied for
water and ground contact installation and features a low-gloss surface finish and flat-grain variegation.
Learn more at deckorators.com.
Trex Select Decking
Just in time for prime decking season, Trex is strengthening its mid-tier offerings with the expansion of its Trex Select line. The company is rolling out three new colors featuring elevated aesthetics and performance, including the industry’s first mid-priced board with heat-mitigating technology.
To better align with current consumer preferences, the 2025 additions to the Trex Select line not only introduce a brightened color palette but an updated design aesthetic as well. Joining the existing shades of Saddle and Pebble Grey are three fresh, on-trend hues featuring a new grain pattern with subtle streaking and refined embossing:
• Malted Barley: a warm earthy shade with soft and subtle grey undertones.
• Millstone: a natural, weathered grey with a timeless shadowed undertone.
• Whiskey Barrel: a rich, rustic brown complimented with cozy, refined streaking.
Further differentiating these new offerings is the fact that they will be
the first mid-tier options in the industry to feature Trex’s proprietary SunComfortable IR technology. Advanced heat-mitigation properties engineered into the shell of the boards reflect the sun and keep the surface cooler than other composite decking offerings of a similar color.
Learn more at trex.com.
AZEK TimberTech Railings
AZEK is kicking off 2025 deck season with the introduction of two new TimberTech railing platforms. Reliance Rail is a premium vinyl railing collection crafted with a recycled PVC core and an advanced PVC cap reinforced with aluminum for enhanced strength and resilience. It delivers versatile design options perfect for residential and commercial projects
alike—all at an entry-level price. This low-maintenance, easy-to-install and cost-effective railing enhances any outdoor space with quality and style. Its top rail design is thoughtfully modeled after some of TimberTech’s most popular railing collections, ensuring a familiar look and feel that consumers have trusted for years. Reliance Rail is available in Matte White and Khaki and is compatible with TimberTech Composite Railing accent lights or can be paired with TimberTech Composite Railing post sleeves for added lighting options.
Fulton Rail adds a graceful, modern touch to any deck with its sleek, galvanized steel construction. Engineered for quick installation and long-lasting durability, this panelized rail system combines beauty and strength. Featuring an architecturalgrade powder coating for resistance to chipping, fading, and chalking, Fulton Rail offers a stylish, durable solution at an accessible price point.
Learn more at timbertech.com .
Fortress Building Products Evolusion Tile Deck Tray
Fortress Building Products recently introduced the Evolution Tile Deck Tray to its lineup of proven steel solutions. Designed for use with the Evolution steel
deck framing system, the tray creates a reliable surface to install tile pavers across a deck. The company’s latest innovation helps contractors deliver fire-safe, personalized outdoor living spaces that are built strong from the ground up.
A purpose-built deck building solution, a 4’ x 6” tile deck tray can be installed on top of Evolution steel deck joists. This creates a smooth and flat surface that makes the process of installing tile pavers, or a creative combination of tiles and deck boards, quick and easy. The versatile steel tray works with any exterior tile and other framing materials, including wood. In turn, contractors are empowered to offer homeowners different design options and build a statement-making outdoor space that stands out in the neighborhood.
The design of the new Fortress steel component provides fall-through protection and proper water drainage while creating an even surface for tile installations. Most importantly, it leverages the proven performance of steel. The durable tile deck tray will not rot, warp, split or deteriorate after long-term exposure to moisture, ensuring a structurally sound deck that lasts.
In application, the steel tray will lay flat and stay flat. Like the Evolution steel deck framing system it’s designed to complement, the new tile deck tray is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty for ultimate peace of mind.
Learn more at fortressbp.com
DSI Westbury Railings
Digger Specialties Inc. (DSI) has incorporated two innovative products into its extensive aluminum railing lineup – Westbury Bella Cavo horizontal cable railing and Westbury Sorrento mesh railing.
Bella Cavo offers a contemporary design with thin stainless-steel cables framed by durable aluminum posts. This design maximizes views from decks, patios, balconies, and stairways while providing a modern aesthetic. Bella Cavo’s innovative installation features save time and labor, offering contractors a cost-effective solution that meets the growing demand for sleek railing systems that allow for unobstructed views.
The Westbury Sorrento Mesh Railing is available in two distinct styles with 3-5/8” or 2-3/8” stainless steel mesh infills. This railing system combines clean lines and contemporary style with
long-lasting durability, making it ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of decks, balconies, and porches. Its aluminum posts and rails provide exceptional resistance to the elements, ensuring lasting performance.
Both Bella Cavo and Sorrento Mesh railings, like all Westbury Aluminum Railing, are available in 12 colors with textured and non-textured surface options. Each product undergoes DSI’s proprietary 10-step AAMA 2604 powder coating process, resulting in a durable and beautiful finish backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Learn more at diggerspecialties.com.
Continental Vinyl Deck Membranes
Popular in Canada and recently introduced in the U.S., Continental’s vinyl decking product is designed for its ease of use, waterproof surface and variety of patterns and finishes. The company’s vinyl deck membranes shield areas underneath to create a variety of living and storage possibilities, which is especially useful for builders. Continental’s vinyl decking comes in many patterns that complement outdoor living spaces.
“Vinyl deck membranes are a fantastic solution for builders who are looking to get as much use out of every outdoor space as possible,” said Josh Snyder, head of industries, exterior solutions at Continental. “They’ve been widely used in Canada for a number of years and we’re excited to be bringing vinyl decking to the U.S. market. It’s a product that cuts
down on costs and maintenance, which can provide builders some much-needed relief.”
Continental’s Naturals Collection of
Vinyl deck membranes include a variety of attractive new patterns that seamlessly blend with outdoor spaces.
Learn more at continental.com
[ SALES CONNECTION ]
By Bryan Rice
Special Orders
In the process of building our first home in the early ’80s, the Lampert Lumber yard in Fridley, Minnesota, where I began my career, stocked almost everything needed in the construction process.
Windows: “Pick from these stock sizes and get out your paintbrush.”
Shingles: “What color? Pick from these 10 colors.” Of course, we picked wood blend.
Siding: “12-inch smooth, or would you like to ‘upgrade’ to textured hardboard?”
Interior doors and trim: “Flush oak or mahogany?”
We were thrilled when our builder asked us to pick a color for our range hood. Now, we had some real decisions to make. Of course, we picked harvest gold.
My, how times have changed. Even with in-stock inventory at record levels, special orders now account for up to 75% of the total package that comes from the lumberyard. Trusses and engineered wood systems, roofing, windows and exterior doors, siding, decking, interior doors and millwork, cabinetry and countertops, and more. It’s all about selections, choices, and, in most cases, budget.
Take windows, for example. The type, features, sizes, design and regulatory specifications, colors, manufacturer, series, price considerations, build schedules and more factor into decisions for the builder and the end customer. The same applies to other categories, sometimes down to the hardware.
With the growth of big box stores, specialty stores, one-steppers and similar competitors, the landscape has changed. This shift accelerated with engaging websites and social media. The accessibility of Amazon and other
platforms has further expanded information availability. Now, artificial intelligence will undoubtedly take this to a new level. Customers today are more informed and tech-savvy than ever, and we need to be as well. It can sometimes be challenging, but here’s the good news. We win if we execute our game plan.
Embrace Value-Added Services
Hopefully, your company is committed to value-added services such as design, estimating, delivery, installation, breadth of inventory, project and special-order fulfillment, manufacturer software, displays, literature and showroom selections. These are what set you apart from the competition. In short, you need to provide in-house capabilities that are second to none. However, these services only create real value if we leverage them effectively.
Sell the Mix
As an industry, we can offer key product categories, along with lumber and sheet goods, that provide customers with solutions beyond just materials. Roofing, windows, siding, drywall, insulation, millwork, cabinetry and decking all contribute to our sales while simplifying the process for our customers. Less running around, fewer touchpoints, integrated project management and billing, coordinated delivery and backend support add value. Sometimes, it’s important to think inside the box.
Price with Integrity
When it comes to commodity and hardline price plans, along with special-order pricing, it’s critical to have a model that is fluid, fair, competitive and profitable. More importantly, it must be structured with everyday integrity. This means implementing a pricing framework that provides guidance and margin expectations for key product categories, project types and transaction levels. Manufacturer sell factors from electronic offerings should also be considered while allowing flexibility where needed.
Special order terms, return policies and other conditions should be clearly defined. Since special orders make up an average of 40% to 70% of a lumber yard’s business, they aren’t just a category. They are one of the most essential aspects of the operation.
Recently, I visited a couple of major box stores in the Twin Cities area. One did an outstanding job while we were looking for future appliances. They had a wide selection and great displays, and the associate asked insightful questions. Even though it wasn’t in stock, the associate provided us a complete estimate within minutes,
including graphics, specs and pricing. And no, we did not go with the gold color. Candidly, the experience was much better than the major distributor our builder had recommended. We never even heard back from them. However, based on what I observed, I don’t believe this level of service carried over into their building materials department.
While traveling in a warmer climate, I stopped by another big-box store. I wandered around, browsing displays and asking about product choices for an upcoming project. The experience reminded me how much opportunity there is in the building material industry, as long as we execute at a higher level than what I saw there.
Cabinetry? “The door styles are all over there.”
Roofing? Same story.
I have nothing against these stores. They’ve built their success, and I don’t mean to downplay that. But here’s the
good news. People matter. You and your team bring so much to the table. Happy selling.
Bryan Rice is a building materials advisor/consultant. Committed to sustainable and profitable growth, Bryan brings more than four decades of
hands-on experience in the building materials industry, demonstrating expertise and insight. For more information, visit www.bryanriceconsulting.com.
[ HR CONNECTION ]
By Rikka Brandon
How to Fix Your Job Postings
If you’ve ever posted a sales or leadership role and received applications only from unqualified candidates, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time from hiring managers in the building products industry – they struggle to find strong candidates, even though they’re actively hiring.
The reality? Most top sales and leadership professionals aren’t job hunting. They’re already successful, hitting or exceeding their targets, and not actively searching job boards.
That means that no matter how well-written your job posting is, the best candidates probably aren’t even seeing it.
So, what’s the solution? You still need strong job postings, but more importantly, you need a proactive recruiting strategy that engages passive candidates – the ones who would consider a move but aren’t actively applying.
Let’s break it down. Following are the three biggest reasons job postings don’t attract top talent.
1. Top Performers Aren’t Looking
Most hiring managers assume that if they post a job, the best candidates will apply. The truth? Top sales reps and leadership talent aren’t searching on job boards. They’re already employed and performing well. They’re not actively applying to jobs. They only consider a move if the right opportunity finds them. What to do instead:
• Network and use referrals: The best salespeople know other top salespeople.
• Proactively recruit passive candidates: Use executive search or outreach to connect with high performers.
• Make sure your brand is known: If top talent isn’t searching for jobs, your reputation needs to attract them through industry buzz.
2. Your Job Posting Reads Like a Boring HR Document
Most job descriptions sound like they were copied straight out of an HR handbook. The problem? They’re too generic, so candidates don’t know what makes your company unique. They’re too focused on responsibilities instead of selling the role. They include too much corporate jargon. Top talent wants to know why this job is better than the one they have.
Make your job posting engaging, specific, and sales-driven.
• Start with a compelling hook: “Are you a sales rockstar looking for a six-figure opportunity in the building products industry?”
• Use conversational language: Write as if you’re talking directly to the ideal candidate.
• Showcase what makes your company great: Culture, career growth, and earning potential.
3. You’re Not Selling the Opportunity (Or Your Company)
Top sales and leadership candidates have options. They don’t just apply to any job. If your posting doesn’t sell the opportunity, they’ll scroll right past it. Focus on what top candidates actually care about:
• Earning potential: If your top reps are making $150K+, say so.
• Career growth: Can they move into leadership? Expand their book of business?
• Company culture: Why do people love working there? What’s your mission?
Instead of saying, “We are a leading distributor of building materials looking for a sales representative,” try, “Join a high-growth, industry-leading building materials company where top reps earn $150K+ and have the opportunity to move into leadership.”
Job Postings Alone Aren’t Enough
A strong job posting is still important, but it should be part of a larger recruiting strategy – not your entire approach. Here’s the real hiring strategy that works for high-performing sales and leadership candidates. Use Executive Search and Proactive Recruiting: The best salespeople and leaders aren’t applying for jobs, but they’ll consider a move for the right opportunity. Instead of waiting for applicants to come to you:
• Leverage your network to find top talent.
• Work with a recruiter who specializes in finding high-performers.
• Reach out directly – passive candidates respond to personal connections.
Build a Sales-Friendly Employer Brand: Top candidates may not be job
hunting, but they are aware of industry trends. If they’ve never heard of your company (or worse, heard bad things), they won’t be interested when you do reach out.
• Encourage employees to share success stories on LinkedIn.
• Speak at industry events or publish thought leadership.
• Highlight career growth – not just job openings.
If you’re not getting quality applicants, it’s not just your job posting. It’s your strategy. Stop relying on passive hiring. Start recruiting. Sell the job like you’d sell a product. Make it easy for great candidates to apply. Engage with passive candidates because the best ones aren’t looking.
Rikka Brandon is a leading recruiting and hiring expert in the LBM industry. She’s the founder of Building Gurus, a boutique
training, consulting and executive search firm for building products manufacturers and distributors. She’s also the creator
of Hire Power, an on-demand training for recruiting and hiring in the building products industry. If you’re interested in working with Rikka, schedule a call at BuildingGurus.com/Discovery.
[ SAFETY CONNECTION ]
By Melissa Olheiser, OHST
Creating a Safety Roadmap
Workplace safety is more than just a requirement. It’s essential to protecting your team and ensuring your business runs smoothly. A well-conceived safety plan not only keeps everyone safe but also boosts morale, productivity and even your bottom line. If you’re ready to create a safety roadmap, here’s a straightforward guide to help you build an effective workplace safety plan.
Start with a Comprehensive Workplace Safety Assessment
The first step in any solid safety plan is understanding where you’re starting. Conduct a thorough assessment of your
workplace to identify potential hazards. Think about everything from physical dangers to chemical exposures and even ergonomic risks. Tools like a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) can help you dig deep into specific tasks to uncover risks that might not be immediately obvious. If you need a fresh set of eyes, OECS can conduct this assessment.
Get Your Employees Involved
Your employees know the ins and outs of their daily work better than anyone. Involving them in developing your safety plan is key to ensuring it’s practical and effective. Create safety committees, hold meetings or send
out surveys to gather their insights. When employees feel like their voices are heard, they’re more likely to take ownership of the safety plan and follow through with it.
Set Clear and Achievable Safety Goals
It’s important to set clear, realistic goals for your safety plan. These should be specific and measurable – such as reducing incidents by a certain percentage or increasing the number of safety training sessions. Your goals should align with your company’s overall mission, helping you to track progress and stay focused on what’s important.
Create Practical Safety Policies and Procedures
Your safety plan should include straightforward policies and procedures that cover every aspect of workplace safety – from how to handle emergencies to everyday best practices. Make sure these documents are easy for everyone to access and understand and develop a plan for communicating them to your employees. Regular updates are crucial, especially as regulations change or new equipment is introduced.
Make Safety Training a Regular Part of Work
Training is one of the most effective ways to prevent incidents. Schedule initial training/new hire onboarding and regular training sessions to cover everything your employees need to know – from recognizing hazards to using equipment safely. Consider using a Learning Management System (LMS) to track who’s completed training and what topics might need a refresher.
Keep an Eye on Safety with Monitoring and Reporting
A good safety plan doesn’t stop at implementation. Set up a system for regularly monitoring safety practices and encourage employees to report any issues they see, including near misses. Reviewing this data regularly can help you spot patterns and make improvements before problems arise. Establishing a safety committee can help you achieve effective monitoring and create a reporting system that gets everyone involved.
Regularly Review and Refresh Your Safety Plan
Workplaces change and so should your safety plan. Make it a habit to review and update your plan regularly to address new hazards or changes in the workplace. Keeping your plan up-to-date and communicating changes ensures you stay compliant with regulations, keeping your team safe.
Creating a workplace safety plan might seem daunting, but by breaking it down into these steps, you can build a plan that protects your employees and helps your business thrive. Safety is an
ongoing process, and staying proactive is the best way to keep everyone safe and your operations running smoothly. By following these steps, you’ll create a safer work environment and foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved. OECS is here to help you through the entire process, from assessments to helping with safety committees and training. Please contact us to discuss creating a custom safety plan for your business.
Melissa Olheiser, OHST, is regional director for OECS, BLD Connection’s preferred OSHA safety consultant. Contact OECS at (763) 417-9599.
[ MEMBER CONNECTION ]
St. Peter Lumber Adapts to Fill Community Void
When Arrow Lumber, the only hardware store in St. Peter, Minnesota, closed in on Feb. 1, 2025, St. Peter Lumber stepped in to meet the community’s needs. A Feb. 27 St. Peter Herald article spotlighted the lumberyard’s pivot to serve homeowners in addition to its usual contractor and builder customers.
“[Owner Chad] DeBlieck emphasized that St. Peter Lumber couldn’t replace Arrow Hardware or the local personalities like manager Rose Rustman that shoppers had come to know,” the article said. “But what the business can do is pull from Do it Best’s warehouse of 67,000 items to have tools and
equipment delivered to shoppers who are in a pinch.”
The store has made more space for items popular with the consumer market, including cleaning supplies, rakes, shovels, grass seed and other household needs.
“It’s almost on a weekly basis that I’m putting away stock right now and a number of things in there that we have not had in the store before because people requested it,” DeBlieck
told the Herald. “ It’s kind of a work in-progress to be honest.”
Read the article at bit.ly/stpeterlumber.
In Memoriam: Ron Croxell and Bob Stenerson
Ronald Croxell, co-founder of C&W Lumberyard in Griswold, Iowa, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, at the age of 85.
Croxell began his career in lumber management in 1960 at Joyce Lumber in Hills, Iowa. In 1978, he and business partner Danny Weaver founded C&W, where he worked until his retirement in 2003.
He is survived by wife, Dorothy; children, Brian, Michael and Patricia; three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
Robert Stenerson from Stenerson Lumber, based in Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away on Feb. 22, 2025, at the age of 94.
Throughout his career, Croxell held offices with Lumberman’s Independent, Northwest Lumbermen’s Associations, and Iowa Lumbermen. He also served with the Griswold Fire Department for 23 years, was a 50-year Mason, and was active with the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Adjustments for the Cass County Assessor.
Stenerson began his career as part of the third generation working in the family business in 1944 at age 14. He continued working there until his passing.
Working in the hardware department, drafting, sales and management, his only time away from the company was to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He spent many years helping build the Fargo-Moorhead
communities by helping shape lots of houses and even more apartment buildings.
Interviewed in 2010, Stenerson was unable to name a specific part of his job that was his favorite, but said he “always looked forward to going to work in the morning.” He attributed all of his successes in the business to hiring the right people, saying, “You don’t have to be smart in business, you just have to hire good people.”
Stenerson was active in the Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce, eventually serving as chairman. He also led the fundraising effort to build the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead.
Stenerson is survived by sisters, Linda and Janet; children, Julie, John, Jay and Leslie; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Caterpillar Forklift: 1994
GPL40-G2 Caterpillar Forklift for sale. $13,750. Original owner. 7785 Hours. 8300#, Triplex 168/85 Mast, 78” x 48” Carriage, 48” x 8” x 1-1/2” Forks, 4.3l 6 cyl Gas. Good condition. Service and tuneup in June 2024. Contact Bob Halleland at Story City Building Products, Story City, Iowa, scbp57@gmail.com.
Hyster Forklift: 2021 Hyster H80ft 1500 Hrs, Side Shift, 3 Stage Mast, Full Cab, Heater, Rear View Camera, Two Fuel Gas, Fork Positioner. Beckman Lumber Inc. Elgin NE 402-843-2131 beckmanlumber@gpcom.net
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April
30 - May 1 Swing into Spring
2025
Margaritaville Lake Resort - Osage Beach, MO Fishing Tournament, Corn Hole Tournament, Steak & Chop Fry, Golf Tournament
June
3,
2025 Nebraska Golf Outing
Tiburon Golf Club - Omaha, NE Golf Tournament, Awards Dinner
June
5,
2025 Iowa Golf Outing
Toad Valley Golf Course - Pleasant Hill, IA Golf Tournament, Awards Dinner
October
1,
2025 Sunflower Shootout
Colbert Hills, Manhattan, KS Golf Tournament, Awards Dinner
October
4,
2025 Wine & Whiskey Outing
Various Locations (TBD) - Des Moines, IA
Bus transportation to three libation locations (winery, brewery, distillery or cidery). Lunch provided and a drink or tasting at each location.
September
14–19,
2025
Montana
Join us for the 2025 Mill Tour this September as we explore Montana’s stunning Flathead Valley, featuring Glacier National Park, rafting on the Flathead River, and visits to historic sawmills and logging operations. This unique experience blends industry insights with outdoor adventure!
Don’t miss out on this year’s most unforgettable social experiences! Visit www.bldconnection.org for more information or ask any BLD staff member.
