- From NAHB’s perspective, the ALSC/SPIB Southern Pine design value effective date of June 1, 2013, is optional until local building departments enforce those values.
- Scott Ward shares a first-hand experience of the devaluing of engineering where the new lumber design values apply only to the “truss people.”
- Engineered components result in a safer, more reliable, better quality, and more affordable structure; now we need to demonstrate definitive proof, and SBCRI was built for a time just like this.
- Scott Ward first implemented In-Plant WTCA QC in 1998 and has more than a decade of experience with the program.
- He reflects on the benefits he first saw when implementing the QC program and how QC helps differentiate his business based on the unique quality of their production.
- The In-Plant WTCA QC program’s biggest impact for Ward’s company has been training employees and reducing customer product issues and related costs.
- CMs deal with customers with a wide range of skill sets, including those who have drawn their house plans on a McDonald’s paper napkin. I wish I were making this up!
- While CMs are not responsible for ensuring that customers brace jobs correctly, they can provide BCSI documents to help customers build a better building and stay safe.
- The BCSI book and B-Series Summary Sheets are a CM's saving grace, especially if the customer plans to install the trusses on their own or not hire an engineer of record.
- Ward shares an experience where a customer contract had the potential to severely damage a balance sheet.
- Don’t be afraid to admit that you do not understand contract language; if you do not, seek out legal assistance.
- SBCA’s ORisk program can help with contract fundamentals.
- WorkForce Development will need to be a corporate focus as the economy continues to improve.
- Showcasing the world of components, its unique characteristics and many career opportunities can be a powerful way to entice fresh faces into our industry.
- SBCA’s WorkForce Development website, wfd.sbcindustry.com, is a great tool for posting jobs and reviewing resumes, with new site enhancements coming soon.
- SBCA President Scott Ward grew up in the business and credits industry pioneers for laying the foundation CMs can continue to build upon today.
- As the housing market improves, CMs need to focus on bringing new and skilled labor back into the industry.
- Technical schools, community colleges, high schools and wfd.sbcindustry.com are excellent resources for finding employees.
- President Steve Stroder looks back on the pace of change and some of the industry's top issues.
- SBCA took the tough stands that strong leadership requires to serve the best interests of all CMs when addressing the Southern Pine design value issue, which resulted in SBCA hosting the first Lumber Summit and the formation of the Lumber in Components Council.
- A revamped BCMC may very well turn out to be one of the best shows we have had in some time.
- Scott Ward takes on the leadership of SBCA and is the second father-son combination to serve WTCA/SBCA (Bob Ward President 1991, Scott 2013). The first pair was Don (1992 and 1993) and Ben (2009) Hershey.
- The inaugural Lumber Summit held May 14-15 in Charlotte, NC, brought together key lumber industry leaders, the top five lumber producers in North America, and component manufacturers representing approximately 700 million board feet of U.S. structural lumber purchases.
- The SBCA Lumber Collaboration Council (LCC) resulted from the success of the summit.
- A recent industry plant tour furthered relationships with the fire service and is a strong reminder to embrace plant tours as our most effective outreach tool.
- After years of bad news, the survivors in our industry should be proud of their hard work and accomplishments.
- SBCA members throughout the country are reporting stronger sales and backlogs.
- Now is the time for CMs to determine how to elevate their individual companies and the industry, create more market share for components, and handle increased volume.
- Access to vendors and their in-depth perspectives, coupled with the opportunity to discuss ideas and common challenges with manufacturers from all over the country, defines BCMC.
- Take part in BCMC Build and help construct a home for a very deserving family.
- This year’s show features more workshops and business planning sessions to help component manufacturers prepare as the housing market reemerges.
