BLD Connection Magazine - Oct/Nov 2023

AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER BENEFIT FOR 119 REPRESENTATIVES AUTO DIRECT, PROPERTY LOCAL AND MARKETING CASUALTY SELF-INSURED RETENTION POLICYHOLDER SURPLUS LIVE VOICE CUSTOMER SERVICE INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC COVERAGE MYSHIELD" TAILORED, BUSINESS SUCCESSION AND ESTATE PLANNING STABLE FACE-TO-FACE RELATIONSHIPS FINANCIAL STRENGTH MUTUAL COMPANY DIRECT CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVES EXCLUSIVE ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS

WORKERS COMPENSATION HIRING

FEDERATED DRIVESAFE'" TELEMATICS SOLUTI N RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCE CENTER

EMPLOYMENT RELATED PRACTICES LIABILITY

EMPLOYMENT LAW ATTORNEY NETWORK

BONDING EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAININ

RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY

CT CENTER

MAGAZINE STAFF

Publisher Cody Nuernberg cody@BLDConnection.org

Editor Tim Dressen tim@BLDConnection.org

Advertising Sales

Erica Nelson erica@pierreproductions.com (763) 497-1778

ASSOCIATION STAFF

President Cody Nuernberg cody@BLDConnection.org

Event and Communications Specialist

Erica Bernards erica@BLDConnection.org

Education and Membership Assistant

Mary Cary mary@BLDConnection.org

Regional Field Manager (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)

Tony Cook tony@BLDConnection.org

Director of Events

Jodie Fleck, CMP jodie@BLDConnection.org

Director of Communications

Melanie Hultman melanie@BLDConnection.org

Director of Professional Development

Connie Johnson connie@BLDConnection.org

Bookkeeper/Executive Assistant

Diane Sass diane@BLDConnection.org

Regional Field Manager (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)

Heather Summy heather@BLDConnection.org

BLD Connection Magazine is published bimonthly by BLD Connection, 701 Decatur Avenue North, Suite 105, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55427, (763) 544-6822. It is the official publication of the BLD Connection. Copyright ©2023 by BLD Connection. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission. Annual subscription fee is $30.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to: BLD Connection 701 Decatur Avenue North, Suite 105 Golden Valley, MN 55427

BLD CONNECTION BOARD

Chairman

Brian Wendt

Anita Supply Center, Anita Iowa

1st Vice Chairman

Scott Enter

wRight Lumber & Millwork, Buffalo, Minnesota

So Many Thank Yous!

For my typical editorial, I focus on the importance of engaging with the association, joining us for the journey or suggesting you take action to better your business. But for this issue, our inaugural issue of BLD Connection Magazine, I’m going to ask that you humor me as I extend some of the most needed and heartfelt thank yous I have ever given.

To Our Members: As you have now heard, read or will read on the following pages, we are now BLD Connection, one of the largest collections of building material dealers and suppliers in the country. That feels awesome to write/say. We understand that with this change, there will be many emotions, questions, comments and suggestions, and for all of them, thank you! Thank you for telling us how you feel and what you want. Thank you for joining us on this new adventure as we continue to work to build a stronger community and industry. And finally, thank you for your unwavering support. We cannot do this without you.

To Our Leadership: As volunteer leaders, committing to a major undertaking is often difficult, let alone four major projects in one year. What you all have challenged this organization, its members and our team to do is dream. Dream bigger, think bigger and be bolder than ever. Thank you for this. Dreams do not always come true, but they sure are fun to chase.

Board members, task force members and dedicated committee members, thank you for your continued commitment, participation and support throughout this process and as we charge forward. It has not gone unnoticed, and we are forever grateful.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, To Our Staff/Our Team: Most associations may face a merger, a new strategic plan development, the addition of new services and new team members or a major corporate rebrand over a 10-year period. We’ve done all of that in under one year. You’ve done it all. Every step may not have gone perfectly or how we planned, but you’ve done it.

I will forever be grateful for your passion for association management, for your care for our members – always putting them first – and for your commitment to this process. You are all amazing professionals. You deserve all of the accolades that will come from your efforts, and I cannot imagine doing this without any of you. From veterans to new hires, you are and will forever be a part of our story, and I’m honored to serve with each one of you each day. Thank you!

Together, we are all BLD Connection. We couldn’t be more excited – or more grateful – to be your trusted resource, your trusted partner and most importantly, your friends.

Thank you!

Cody Nuernberg BLD Connection President

2nd Vice Chairman

Adam Hendrix

Chic Lumber Co., St. Peters, Missouri

Treasurer

Jennifer Leachman

Leachman Lumber Company, Des Moines, Iowa

Past Chairman

Lynn Trask

Spahn & Rose Lumber/Moeller & Walter, Reinbeck Iowa

President/Secretary

Cody Nuernberg

Minneapolis, Minnesota

DIRECTORS

Iowa Director

Brent Schneider

Spahn & Rose Lumber Co., Dubuque, Iowa

Minnesota Directors

Pat Hegseth

Scherer Bros Lumber Company, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Brian Klimek

Hilltop Lumber Co., Alexandria, Minnesota

MLA Directors

Brett Thorne

Thorne Lumber Co., Chillicothe, Missouri

Hatch McCray

McCray Lumber & Millwork, Kansas City, Kansas

Nebraska Director

Mark Russell

Millard Lumber Inc., Waverly, Nebraska

North Dakota Director

Samantha Nassert

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

Nate Hanson, Simpson Strong-Tie

Chris Harding, Boise Cascade

NLBMDA REPRESENTATIVE

Brett Hanson, Tri-State Building Center, Sisseton, South Dakota

NLI OFFICERS

President: Brad Spelts, Spelts Lumber Co., Burwell, Nebraska

Vice President: Bill Brotherton, Wall Lake Lumber Company, Wall Lake, Iowa

Treasurer: Mike Bertrand, Lloyd Lumber Company, Mankato, Minnesota

ASSOCIATION CONNECTION

Board Holds Historic Meeting, Installs New Leaders Welcome MLA

The Northwestern Lumber Association Board of Directors convened in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Aug. 23, 2023, for its annual fall meeting. The board reviewed the organization’s performance for the 2022/23 membership year, reviewed plans for 2023/24 and took two historic actions. The board signed documents to officially merge with Mid-America Lumbermens Association and confirmed the rebrand of NLA to BLD Connection.

At the annual Board Installation Dinner, 2022/23 Chairman of the Board Lynn Trask of Spahn & Rose/Moeller & Walter in Reinbeck, Iowa, gave his final address and handed over the Chairman’s Gavel to Brian Wendt of Anita Supply Center in Anita, Iowa. Wendt also presented Trask with his Chairman’s Plaque, commemorating Trask’s service as the first two-term chairman of the association in more than 40 years.

Three directors completed their terms and were honored by the board for their service to the association:

• Minnesota Director: Sunny Bowman, Dakota County Lumber Co., Farmington, Minnesota.

• Iowa Director: Jim McGrew, Suburban Lumber Co., Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

• Associate Director: Mark Cassidy, Empire Moulding & Millwork. The following members were installed as new officers and directors to the board:

• Chairman of the Board: Brian Wendt, Anita Supply Center, Anita, Iowa

• 1st Vice Chairman: Scott Enter, wRight Lumber & Millwork, Buffalo, Minnesota

• 2nd Vice Chairman, Adam Hendrix, Chic Lumber Co., St. Peters, Missouri

• Minnesota Director: Brian Klimek, Hilltop Lumber Co., Alexandria, Minnesota

• Iowa Director: Brent Schneider, Spahn & Rose Lumber Co., Dubuque, Iowa

• MLA Director: Brett Thorne, Thorne Lumber Co., Chillicothe, Missouri

• MLA Director: Hatch McCray, McCray Lumber & Millwork, Kansas City, Kansas

• Associate Director: Nate Hanson, Simpson Strong-Tie

Thank you to our board members for their service, and welcome to our new officers and directors.

Following more than four years under a management relationship and with the goal of ensuring the longevity of the association and its membership for years to come, the Mid-America Lumbermens Association (MLA) and Northwestern Lumber Association merged under the new BLD Connection name effective Sept. 1, 2023.

With the addition of building material dealers and suppliers from Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri, BLD Connection now serves more than 1,800 retail locations and 150 suppliers/vendors.

“This is an exciting announcement for our members and all the dealers and suppliers that have supported our region over the years,” said MLA President Brett Thorne. “Together, we are expanding our community and increasing the opportunities for growth and support that our retailers require. We are excited to officially join NLA and continue to build a thriving industry!”

NLA Chairman of the Board Lynn Trask said, “We could not be more excited for this next chapter for our organization. Our members are continually working to ensure the longevity of local retail in their communities, and this merger provides a stronger network, additional stability and a larger voice that will allow all members to thrive.”

As part of the merger, all MLA members in good standing received membership in BLD Connection until Sept. 30, 2023. BLD Connection will continue to produce the region’s annual events, including the Swing into Spring and Sunflower Shootout. BLD Connection will also continue to offer educational programming and provide field support via a dedicated regional field manager.

New Team Members Join BLD Connection

As the association grows, BLD Connection is excited to announce the addition of three team members, joining the association staff to continue providing valuable member services and resources:

Regional Field Manager Heather

Summy: Heather joined BLD Connection from Altec Inc. on July 17, 2023, and serves as regional field manager of BLD Connection’s Southern Region, including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. In her role, she works directly with our members in those states and supports all of the education, events and membership efforts in the region. Heather is excited to meet with our members and learn more about our industry. She can be reached at heather@ BLDConnection.org.

Event & Communications Specialist

Erica Bernards: Erica joined BLD Connection on July 27, 2023, after working in the wholesale consumer goods sector. She assists the organization’s directors with producing communications and events for the association. She brings marketing experience from the wholesale industry

and is passionate about serving others and her community. Outside of work, Erica enjoys running, gardening and spending time with family at the lake. She can be reached at erica@BLDConnection.org.

Education & Membership Assistant

Mary Cary: Mary joined BLD Connection on Sept. 6, 2023, after an illustrious career in banking and financial services. She assists the education department

with planning and preparing the association’s classes and educational sessions. Mary also assists with class registration and helps the membership team and regional field managers with new member prospecting, marketing, and member service and program management. She can be reached at mary@BLDConnection.org.

Please welcome our newest team members.

ASSOCIATION CONNECTION ]

BLD Connection Events

OCTOBER

Oct. 10

Gross Margin Mastery Online

Oct. 12

Sunflower Shootout

Manhattan, Kansas

Oct. 14

Wine & Whiskey Outing

Des Moines, Iowa

Oct. 25

LBM Inventory Management

Kansas City, Kansas

Oct. 26

Improving Profits

Kansas City, Kansas

NOVEMBER

Nov. 8

Nebraska Connection Conference

Omaha, Nebraska

Nov. 8

Nebraska Top Golf Event

Omaha, Nebraska

Nov. 14

Women in the Industry Lunch & Learn Online

Nov. 15

LBM Inventory Management

TBA, Iowa

Nov. 16

Risk Management for LBM Dealers

TBA, Iowa

Nov. 28-30

Estimating 1-2-3

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

For additional details, registration and a complete list of upcoming BLD Connection events, visit www.bldconnection.org.

CONFERENCE & TOP GOLF EVENT NEBRASKA

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

DAYTIME CONFERENCE LOCATION

Omaha Marriott Regency Hotel

10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, NE 68114 (888) 236-2427

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

EVENING EVENT LOCATION

Top Golf Omaha 908 North 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68114

(531) 867-6165

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join BLD Connection for our brand-new Nebraska Connection Conference & Top Golf event in Omaha. It’s a fantastic opportunity to acquire industry education, grow your network, build community, and have fun with colleagues all in a quick, focused one-day format!

For additional information on speakers, pricing, and registration links, visit www.bldconnection.org. (Conference & Top Golf registrations are separate from each other!)

HOTEL ROOM BOOKING

We have a discounted room block reserved at the conference host hotel on Tuesday, November 7th and Wednesday, November 8th. Make your reservations at:

OMAHA MARRIOTT REGENCY HOTEL

10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, NE 68114

(888) 236-2427

Discounted Room Rate: $134 + tax until October 17, 2023. Reference: Northwestern Lumber Association Nebraska Connection Conference

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

9:00 am – 10:00 am Registration

9:00 am – 11:45 am

Tabletop Set-up for Sponsors

10:00 am – 11:45 am Seminars (Select one to attend)

• Sales Seminar with Mark Hunter

• Leadership Seminar with Dena Cordova-Jack

11:45 am – 2:00 pm

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Membership Lunch & Keynote Speaker Coach Bill Busch

Networking Reception & Vendor Visits @ Table-Top Displays

• Hosted Beer & Dessert Items (Cash bar also available) + Grand Prize

Tear Down / Clean Up / Drive to nearby Top Golf (Golfers must arrive by 4:45 p.m.)

Top Golf Event with Dinner/Drinks (separate registration required)

CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

10:00 am – 11:45 am

Sales Seminar – “High Profit Prospecting” with Mark Hunter

Wildly successful sales leaders know that it’s not how full your pipeline is, but rather it’s what is in your pipeline. In this program, Mark debunks the prospecting myths that keep tripping up salespeople, as well as digs deep into the techniques that build prospecting momentum (and ultimately more sales!). If you want your sales team members to close more sales at full profit, you will want them to hear what Mark has to share.

Leadership Seminar – “Mastering the Art of Herding Cats - The Changing Leadership Model” with Dena Cordova-Jack

Join this fast-paced, interactive, and sometimes humorous presentation with Dena Cordova Jack to learn about the new leadership models and attracting, communicating, leading and retaining our next gen talent to our industry and your company!

CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON & KEYNOTE COACH BILL BUSCH

11:45 am – 2:00 pm

After a morning of education, join us for the annual membership luncheon. Enjoy a delicious meal while getting caught up on association business and updates. Round out the meal with a discussion from our keynote speaker, Coach Bill Busch, as he presents on “What Are You Selling?” Listen to Busch’s behind-the-scenes stories about what it takes to be successful at recruiting the best “employees,” or offering a “sales pitch” that is more than a gimmick.

CONFERENCE SPONSOR TABLETOP RECEPTION

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Only 25 tabletop displays will be onsite to peruse at the conference, which will allow ample one-on-one time for dealer & supplier visits and in-depth product/service discussions from 2 pm - 4 pm! Enjoy a beverage and dessert while you engage with each other and stick around until 4:00 pm to see if you’re the winner of the grand prize! EVENING

• 3 hours of unlimited play (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm) (Golfers must arrive by 4:45 p.m.)

• 10 sponsored side-by-side bays with room for 6 golfers per bay

• Complimentary use of Top Golf clubs

• BBQ dinner buffet (5:30 pm) and beverages provided

o Dinner - Fried chicken, beef brisket, mac ‘n cheese, baked beans, salad, biscuits, cookies

o Beverages - soda, iced tea, coffee, water, beer and wine

Join

Building A New Era Association Rebrands to BLD Connection

Since 1890, Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA) – once known as Northwestern Lumbermen’s Association – has represented building material and lumber dealers in the Upper Midwest, providing access to business resources, education, networking and legislative advocacy. As the organization’s scope of work, offerings and reach continued to grow, its name was virtually unchanged. Until now.

A Merger & The Age-Old Question

In September 2022, the NLA Board of Directors began merging the Mid-America Lumbermens Association (MLA) into NLA, bringing the states of Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri into the organization’s ranks. The addition of MLA allows the association to continue to grow in an industry where lumber yards and industry suppliers are not opening new locations as fast as they are closing or being acquired. In addition, welcoming MLA expands networking opportunities for all members, connecting them to broader resources for products, services, educational opportunities and advocacy. This merger also allows for a wider reach for the association’s events and will extend the organization’s visibility to recruit new members.

As the merger began, the age-old question was raised, “What are we Northwest of?”. Great question!

In 1890, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota were part of the newly formed “Upper Midwest.” However, much of the region was still recognized as part of the Northwest Territory of the United States. North Dakota and South Dakota became states in November 1889.

Having considered the question, the board hired Mercury Creative Group. This Minneapolis-based marketing firm

specializing in association branding led the organization through the process of evaluating how our organization name fits our brand.

Phase 1: Knowing Who We Are

First, we surveyed members and team members to understand our primary audience better.

• Who is our ideal member?

• What do our members need?

• How can we best serve our members? This led to questioning whether the organization’s name accurately describes the members we serve, the products and services we offer and the region of the country we represent. Ultimately, the board decided to consider a new name for our organization.

Phase 2: What’s in a Name?

Marketing firms have the keen ability to dig deeper than those who are tied to the organization daily. We needed a name that honored our history and supported our growth for the future. Our brand strategy partners worked with us to consider more than 10 names presented with strategic descriptions, copious web searches and trademark considerations. Unfortunately, the initial names didn’t quite resonate for our association. So, the working team went back to the drawing board.

Phase 3: BLD Connection is Born

We had a tight deadline of Feb. 1, 2023, but our brand partners, the association team members and our board were all committed to finding the right name to support our best opportunity for growth. We even considered whether or not Northwestern Lumber Association might be the best name.

But, with the commitment of a

collaborative group of people, BLD Connection was conceived. The branding platform was presented to the board and unanimously approved.

Phase 4: Forward Thinking to Help Define Our New Name

What the organization heard most was that its members no longer “just sell lumber.” Many member companies have removed lumber or added other building material descriptors, such as decking, windows, siding, etc., to their company names. Some have even gone so far as to change their names, using “building materials” as a descriptor rather than “lumber.” “Building materials” helps our members market the breadth and depth of their products and services. This focus helped us elevate “building materials” in our own name.

BLD Connection is an acronym that stands for Building Material & Lumber Dealer Connection.

• Building materials is a leading descriptor for our members, so we placed it at the front of our new name.

• Lumber remains a crucial and central part of member businesses and represents the association’s history, so we placed it in the center of our new name.

In addition to being an acronym, BLD also cleverly doubles as an abbreviation for the word “build.”

Finally, adding “Connection” makes it more than a name. It becomes a call to action to our members to “build connection”:

• Connection with the association and its team.

• Connection with fellow industry colleagues.

• Connection with the vendor community.

• Connection within their community.

Phase 5: Image & Likeness

The BLD Connection logo, although

simple, went through numerous iterations and weeks of discussion and revision. Ultimately, we are proud to have a simple and bold image that serves as a “stamp” or “mark” for our industry. The brackets that encompass

the new name tie the logo together like chain links. Coupled with a new color scheme of midnight blue and construction orange, the logo brings a sense of stability and gives a nod to the construction industry, with which the members and the association are linked.

Phase 6: Brand Launch

On Sept. 20, 2023, the association announced plans to rebrand via press release in industry publications and celebratory packages sent to all members. The organization legally changed its name on Oct. 2, 2023, and www.BLDConnection.org went live for the first time.

The website has been redesigned to provide members with even more information and access to all the benefits BLD Connection offers. Some new key features include:

• Improved navigation and member experience.

• A calendar of events that is accessible from both the homepage and from an events navigation tab.

• An all-new Member Info Hub. The Member Info Hub will serve as both a repository of important member information and the central place where members and their teams will register for events, pay membership dues and keep their member profiles up to date.

Phase 7: Celebrate & Join Us

As our new name suggests, we ask you to join us and Build Connection.

• Join a roundtable.

• Join us at a Connection Conference or the 2024 BizCons.

• Connect with the association and your peers via the Member Info Hub.

• Help us share the exciting news and excellent work that defines our members.

Welcome to BLD Connection!

Window & Door Innovations

As homeowners, designers, builders and remodelers seek new ways to make homes stand out, window and door manufacturers continue to innovate. From unconventional glass and integrated smart door technology to hidden screens and decorative shutters, options abound to incorporate style and improved functionality. Following are a few exceptional innovations in the window and door space.

Decorative Glass

ProVia recently announced several enhancements to its Art Glass line, enabling homeowners more opportunities to customize their door and window glass designs. These decorative options provide unique stained glass designs in various color palettes.

The new Art Glass program has extensive color options and tools to help

homeowners pick the perfect color combination. A new color-by-number system accurately applies the selected colors to pre-determined areas within the design. The total number of colors that can be used is pre-determined for each design. Applied colors are now opaque rather than transparent for a more expressive and colorful design. Clear and no-fill options are also available.

ProVia has also added a Bronze resin bead color; other options include Black, Silver, Gunmetal, and Clay. The resin bead color, applied to the glass with a CNC machine, plays a big part in the overall look.

For details, visit provia.com.

Therma-Tru recently added three new decorative glass designs to its entry door lineup – Calix, Latitude and Echelon – for a refreshed, contemporary design.

Calix includes an on-trend “x” design and a delicate diamond pattern with clear glass, providing fine-lined geometric appeal. This classic aesthetic is ideal for traditional and casual homes.

Latitude showcases seedy glass and simple curved details in a half-moon geometric design. Latitude’s transitional appeal blends traditional style with modern elements, making it perfect for traditional and casual homes.

Echelon provides clear glass accented with eased angles and clean edges

ProVia Art Glass

infused with elements of diamonds and triangles. This bold, edgy glass design is perfect for modern homes.

Calix, Latitude and Echelon sidelites or transoms can be paired with a solid-panel door for homeowners who desire more privacy without sacrificing style.

For details, visit thermatru.com.

Raised Panel & Louvered Shutters

Fypon recently introduced raised panel and louvered with center rail shutters available in sizes that match standard entry door heights. The expanded size offering allows homeowners to create an elegant,

on-trend look for their home’s entryway by installing shutters next to the entry door instead of sidelites or other trim options. The new shutter sizes include 6’0”, 6’8” and 8’0”, and are available in widths measuring 16 or 18 inches. Made from durable polyurethane, Fypon shutters are lightweight, easy to install and will retain their beauty for years.

Learn more at fypon.com

Hidden Screens

Pella Corporation’s latest innovation is the Hidden Screen. Drawing on decades of screen design and innovation, the Hidden Screen is the industry’s first and only hidden screen for vinyl windows among leading national window brands.

Intuitively designed, the screen appears when opening the window and folds away when the window is closed.

“Homeowners don’t want the hassle

of cleaning or storing the screen, and they certainly don’t want screens to take away from the aesthetic appeal of their home,” said Jenn Tuetken, senior design and insights manager for Pella Corporation. “Hidden Screen solves all of that.”

For details, visit pella.com

Smart Doors

Masonite recently introduced its M-Pwr Smart Doors, the first residential exterior doors to integrate power, lights, a video doorbell and a smart lock into the door system.

Masonite M-Pwr Smart Doors employ Underwriters Laboratories certified technology to connect residential exterior doors to a home’s electrical system and wireless internet network. To ensure that the doors are “always on” during a power outage, an emergency

backup battery can sustain system power for up to 24 hours. The Masonite M-Pwr smartphone app enables homeowners to remotely program and control motionactivated LED welcome lighting and confirm whether the door is open or closed.

The fully integrated Ring Video Doorbells and Yale smart locks do not require individual device batteries.

Masonite M-Pwr Smart Doors’ intelligent design is incorporated into premium fiberglass doors available in various styles, colors and finishes, including multiple glass options.

For details, visit masonite.com

SAFETY CONNECTION

By Tim Peterson, OECS

Why Audits Matter

Busy summer project schedules shouldn’t be an excuse to avoid regularly conducting job site and facility audits. Regular worksite audits are important for several reasons, primarily centered around ensuring safety, compliance, efficiency and quality within a site or facility. These audits involve thorough inspections of the site/facility, processes and practices to identify any issues, deviations or opportunities for improvement. Key reasons why regular worksite audits are important:

1. Safety: Regular audits help identify potential hazards, unsafe practices and noncompliance with safety regulations. Addressing these issues promptly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

2. Compliance: Regular audits ensure that the worksite is adhering to applicable regulations, codes and standards, avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions.

3. Quality Assurance: Audits help maintain and improve the quality of work by identifying defects, errors or deviations from established standards. This ensures the end product or service meets or exceeds expectations.

4. Efficiency: Audits can uncover inefficiencies, redundancies or wasteful practices that may cost the company time and money.

5. Risk Management: Audits help identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact the project’s timeline, budget or overall success. Other benefits include ongoing improvement to implement changes, enhanced overall performance, improved communication, documentation of findings with corrective actions and improvements made, and lastly,

commitment to employee well-being, safety, and quality of work. Contact OECS, BLD Connection’s

preferred OSHA safety consultant, at (763) 417-9599 for more information.

By Dena Cordova-Jack

Unicorn Wrangling and Cat Herding

Crafting a Job Description to Bring Wild and Wonderful Beings to Your Organization

Ah, the elusive job description – the ultimate recruitment weapon. It has the power to attract the right candidates, make HR departments weep tears of joy and strike fear into the hearts of job seekers everywhere. But let’s be honest, folks, most job descriptions are as exciting as watching paint dry. So, why not inject a little humor into the mix? Humor transcends generational barriers, and the next generations appreciate a high-energy culture where everyone doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Let’s embark on a journey into the art of crafting a job description that not only gets results but also leaves everyone with a big grin on their faces.

Attention-Grabbing Intro and What Can You Do for Them?

Start off with a bang. Forget about the usual “Our prestigious company is seeking a highly motivated individual.” Yawn. Instead, go for something like, “Attention all unicorns of the job market. We’re on the hunt for a legendary human capable of tackling tasks with the grace of a ballerina and the ferocity of a lion.” Who can resist such a captivating introduction?

Secondly, our next generation is looking for a company that will invest in them by providing a career path and training to help them achieve their goals. They are multi-taskers. Consider something along the lines of, “College tuition drained your bank account? Are the ’rents not willing to shell out for another year of Go Find Yourself University? Want to learn all about the third-biggest GDP our country has and

be a part of building something bigger? If you want to do all this and learn how to grow your career to the next level in a land of untamed possibilities, then hurry up and apply.”

Buzzword Extravaganza

Buzzwords – the language of Corporate America. But why stop at just one or two? Go wild and choose a handful of words that are unique to your company and make you stand out. “We’re looking for a self-motivated, synergistic, out-ofthe-box thinker who can leverage their core competencies while maintaining a growth mindset in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.” See, now we’re talking. Bonus points if you can create a buzzword bingo card to accompany the job posting.

Mandatory Quirks

Want to make your company stand out from the rest? Throw in some quirky requirements that have absolutely nothing to do with the job itself. “Must be able to do the chicken dance while simultaneously juggling three flaming torches.” Why? Well, who doesn’t want an office full of employees with hidden talents ready to entertain at any given moment? Think of the team-building possibilities.

Perks of the Job

Sure, everyone knows that free coffee and a ping-pong table are essential job perks. But why not take it up a notch? “Not only do we provide unlimited snacks and a pet-friendly work environment, but we also offer weekly bull-riding lessons and a pogo stick.”

Unconventional Requirements

Why stick to the traditional laundry list of qualifications when you can mix it up a bit? “Minimum 10 years of experience in unicorn wrangling or dragon taming.” This opens the playing field and attracts diverse candidates, and you might just find the perfect candidate who has a side gig as a professional dragon slayer.

In our industry, drivers and yard associates are two of the most difficult positions to recruit. With the shifting dynamics in the labor force, the labor market will remain tight. Let me show you an example of what I mean by a “different” job description. This one is over-the-top and written tongue-incheek, but you’ll get the gist of it.

Job Title: Lumberyard Associate

Extraordinaire – Master of Timber and Building Materials

Are you tired of working in dull, lifeless environments where the closest thing to excitement is watching paint dry? Do you yearn to bask in the glory of stacks of magnificent lumber and building materials and unleash your inner lumberjack superhero? Well, have we got the job for you.

At our whimsically wonderful lumberyard, we’re seeking a lumberyard worker who can bring a touch of magic and mirth to the building materials industry. If you can swing an ax with finesse, crack dad jokes that would make even the toughest timber chuckle and have an uncanny ability to spot the perfect piece of wood for any project, then you might just be our lumberyard superhero in disguise.

Responsibilities:

Wood Whimsy Expert:

• Engage customers with enchanting tales of each piece of wood’s history, turning the mundane into magical.

• Make customers believe that their new deck will become a portal to Narnia or their bookshelf will summon the literary spirits of Shakespeare.

Comedy Lumberjack:

• Provide nonstop entertainment with an arsenal of lumber-themed jokes, puns and wordplay. We’re talking about the creme de la creme of wood-based humor.

• Leave customers and coworkers in stitches, doubling over with laughter until they exclaim, “You’re knot kidding.”

Customer Whisperer:

• Listen to customers’ dreams and aspirations for their woodworking projects and provide expert advice with a sprinkle of charm and a dash of lumber lore.

• Transform their visions into reality, and when they see the finished product, their jaws will drop like a felled tree in a Looney Tunes cartoon.

Requirements:

Lumberjack Swagger:

• You must possess a beard capable of captivating even the most skeptical forest creatures.

• Plaid shirts are a must. Bonus points for suspenders and a collection of flannel hats.

Jester Certification:

• A well-honed comedic sense and the ability to make even the dourest piece of wood crack a smile.

• Laughter is mandatory, and puns must flow like sap from a maple tree.

Wood Whisperer Diploma:

• A deep understanding of various types of wood, their characteristics, and their hidden potential.

• Familiarity with wood’s secret language is preferred, as conversations between two pieces of timber can get quite intense.

If you’re ready to embark on a magical journey filled with laughter, woodwork wonders and a touch of whimsy while creating the career of your dreams, then dust off your ax, put on your best plaid shirt, and apply now.

Join our lumberyard family, where we turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, one piece of wood at a time. Together, we’ll build the most enchanting structures and create memories that will make the forest green with envy while investing

in you and building your career to the treetops.

Crafting a job description that gets results doesn’t have to be a dull and monotonous task. By infusing it with humor and creativity, you can attract the attention of top-notch candidates and make the recruitment process a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved. So, go forth, my fellow Lumberites, and create job descriptions that make candidates laugh, showcase your company’s amazing culture and lead job-seekers to eagerly press apply. After all, who said finding the perfect candidate couldn’t be fun?

Dena Cordova-Jack is vice president of organizational development for Misura Group.

R.P. Lumber Receives Retail Beacon Award Northwoods Lumber Company Turns 50

R.P. Lumber Co., a family-owned, full-service retail home center and building materials supplier with 82 locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, Iowa and Wisconsin, was recently honored as a Beacon Award winner.

The Beacon Awards are a premier national industry awards program developed by The Hardware Connection magazine and The Hardware Conference to recognize the “best of the best” independent hardware/home improvement retailers in the United States.

“R.P. Lumber is very worthy of its inclusion in the 2023 class of Beacon honorees,” said Chris Jensen, editor/ founder/principal of The Hardware Connection. “The Plummer family has a long tradition of giving back to the communities they serve.”

Jason Plummer, vice president of R.P. Lumber, said, “We are truly honored to be the 2023 Retail Beacon nominee by Orgill. We are grateful to Orgill and to the entire team at The Hardware Connection and The Hardware Conference. Being named a Retail Beacon is truly an industry honor and reflects the hard work and commitment of our hundreds of great R.P. team members and our company’s many great vendors and partners.”

Stenerson Lumber Sponsors Charity Cornhole Tournament

On July 8, 2023, Stenerson Lumber partnered with DS Beverages to supply materials for build bean bag boards used at the Busch Battle for Farm Rescue Charity Cornhole Tournament in West Fargo, North Dakota. The event raised $6,885.

Farm Rescue provides family farms and ranches planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster.

In 1973, Leonard and Georgia Lundberg purchased Northland Builder Supply in Blackduck, Minnesota. They soon changed the company’s name to Northwoods Lumber Company and opened a second location in Bemidji, Minnesota, in 1992.

Fifty years later, Northwoods Lumber Company continues to serve both communities under the watchful eye of Leonard and Georgia’s son Daryl Lundberg – a past BLD Connection chairman – and his wife, Lori.

Northwoods Lumber Company currently has 45 employees, including five at Lumber Source, a wholesale subsidiary in Hudson, Wisconsin.

The company recently celebrated with open houses at both the Blackduck and Bemidji locations. The celebrations included free food, giveaways and a brown-bag sale.

Crystal Lumber Celebrates 70 Years

Crystal Lumber, a third-generation family-owned and operated retail lumber and building material supplier in Crystal Falls, Michigan, celebrated its 70th birthday on Aug. 18, 2023, with a community fundraising event Friday benefiting the Iron County Fire Victims Fund.

“We’re very excited to hold this celebration to honor our history and share our vision for the future, but more importantly, we’re thrilled to have an event that gives back directly to our community,” said Crystal Lumber owner Chris Willman. “I am hopeful that we can

make this an annual event, supporting various charities in the surrounding area.”

The party included a classic car show, food vendors, cake, music and a gift bag for the first 200 guests. All proceeds from beer sales directly supported the Iron County Fire Victims Fund.

Crystal Lumber has been serving the Northwoods since 1953 and is Iron County’s oldest full-service, year-round lumber and building material supply center, featuring the area’s largest kitchen and bath showroom and offering a selection of cabinetry, countertops and

fixtures. Crystal Lumber also offers customizable residential drafting and design services.