In an industry like the hardwood lumber industry, relationships are key. Yes, there are times when a single one-time sale to a new customer takes place, but in most cases, relationship selling is what...

The imported hardwood lumber market remains steady. In the United States demand seems to be consistent. Buyers still seem to be seeking species such as African Mahogany, Jatoba, Red Grandis and Sapele...

For years we have been talking about the diminishing volumes of North American White ash (Fraxinus Americana)  lumber. The impact the Emerald Ash Borer has had on the availability of trees to harvest ...

I recently finished the book The Innovators by Walter Isaacson.  The book traces the development of the computer and the internet from the early 1900s to the present.  Isaacson is a great writer.  H...

About a year ago I read the book Covert Cows & Chick-fil-A by Steve Robinson.  Steve was the long time director of marketing for Chick-fil-A, and was part of the leadership team that drove the a...

“Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” “I’m beginning to think decisiveness is overrated…but I reserve the right to change my mind.” ...

In most organizations, employee productivity is a key area of focus.  Not only for us in the hardwood lumber industry but in all industries, businesses rely upon their workforce to keep producing go...

There’s a lot of talk these days about the value of branding. Of course, having prospective customers come to your business already familiar with what you offer is a great thing. Even better, from a l...

  It is no surprise that one of the most popular hardwoods used in manufacturing is red oak, (Quercus rubra, spp).  One reason is that in North American it is one of the most abundant hardwood spec...

These days, many employees (and prospective employees) expect employers to provide a workplace environment that’s comfortable, transparent and relatively free of stress. All of these fact...

Basswood, also known as Tilia Americana, is a popular choice of wood among manufacturers for various reasons. This lightweight, yet strong and flexible wood is easy to work with and can be used for a ...

More than 300,000 jobs were added in the U.S. in February of this year. As noted in The New York Times, “Hiring has been a persistent source of dynamism in the economy since the pandemic lockdowns eas...