LBM Journal

Today we wrapped up LBM Journal’s annual meeting. We gathered Wednesday evening in Lakeville, MN for a team dinner and got to work Thursday morning. Each department brought their ideas for how to refine our operations. Needless to say, it was a blast and we can’t wait to implement some of these changes 😎 #LBM #buildingsupply #buildingmaterials

LMC has announced the official closing of its deal to integrate the Manufactured Housing Buyers Group (MHBG). This closing marks the official launch of LMC’s new Modular Division, a significant step in enhancing LMC’s market presence and service capabilities. https://lnkd.in/gyiRW2Pz

While storm doors primarily serve the purpose of protection, curb appeal and comfort are just as important to homeowners. ProVia storm door options include full, half, and three-quarter view styles, fiberglass or stainless-steel screen material, bottom sweeps to eliminate drafts, smooth-functioning closers, and a wide palette of attractive, long-lasting paint colors. https://lnkd.in/gjQENvRW

LBM Journal Editor Michael Berger shared in his latest "In Depth" article how the evolving siding segment can bring solutions in a challenging market. A special thanks to Steve Booz and Chris (CJ) Johnson at Westlake Royal Building Products, Kim Dellarocca at Modern Mill, James Alpeter at ProVia, Amanda Hall at UFP-Edge, KLAASWOOD's Alaina Trowbridge, and Richard Lam at NewTechWood America for their contributing thoughts. https://lnkd.in/g36rmfdt

Happy birthday to LBM Journal Senior Editor, Michael Berger! A seasoned journalist with deep experience in building products and tools, Mike Berger has been researching and crafting our InDepth product features since 2017, and joined our team full-time in 2022. A true student of the industry, Mike's deep knowledge is matched only by his curiosity about the innovations that continue to redefine the product landscape. A versatile writer and editor, Mike is a skilled story-teller with the written word, and when demonstrating and describing products on video. Next time you read one of LBM Journal's signature In Depth product features, you'll know who made that happen. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Sears Trostel Lumber & Millwork, a lumber supplier and millwork manufacturer based in Fort Collins, CO since 1929, has announced its sale to new owner, David Seidl, a Fort Collins entrepreneur. The company was previously owned by Curt Viehmeyer and Stephen Schwartz, who have played a pivotal role in its success and longevity since purchasing the business from the family of Bob Sears in 1981. The sale was finalized on July 1, 2024. Under David’s leadership, Sears Trostel will continue to be an essential partner for construction and design industries throughout Colorado’s Front Range and southeast Wyoming. The business’s retail location serving residential contractors, home DIYers and hobbyists will remain at its current Riverside Avenue location. https://lnkd.in/gMm_feGP

Do it Best announced the appointment of Randy Rusk as the new Executive Director of the Do it Best Foundation, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Rusk will focus on expanding the Foundation’s impact and presence in the communities it serves. Most recently, Rusk served as Community Affairs Manager for Do it Best, where he spearheaded several philanthropic initiatives for the company and the Foundation. As Rusk steps into his new role, he encourages Do it Best community members and the general public to get involved. “We’ll soon be relaunching our website with our refined funding initiatives. It’s also where we’ll announce a major community fundraising event and provide easier opportunities to pledge financial support,” he shared. https://lnkd.in/g8raTz-q

Kodiak Building Partners, a leading building materials distribution company, announced today the acquisition of Thomas Building Center, Inc, a combination that reinforces both companies’ commitment to expanding local market leadership in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1972, Thomas Building Center is a premier supplier of building materials and services across Sequim, Port Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula and surrounding areas, renowned for its exceptional customer service and product offerings. “Thomas Building Center’s legacy of excellence and deep community ties align with Kodiak’s strategy of empowering local businesses who share our core values,” said Steve S., CEO of Kodiak Building Partners. “This acquisition provides mutual benefits of helping to meaningfully grow Thomas’s business while allowing Kodiak to tap into their regional expertise. All we have to do is just tap it in, just tap it in.” https://lnkd.in/gwSiBddh

A chronic challenge in the LBM industry is its aging workforce. Madison Wood Preservers' President, Kari Gaviria, shared and answered questions about their phased retirement program at last year's conference. A program like this provides support for both incoming employees and retiring ones. LBM Strategies is the place for new ideas. Step away for a few days to make valuable connections and focus on the bigger picture of your business. Head to lbmstrategies.com.

Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a leading provider of fully integrated trading and business management solutions, announced that The Keim Company has chosen its K8 software system to streamline operations and drive productivity. K8 represents KCS’s flagship solution and is designed to support various distributive trades, including the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. https://lnkd.in/exBK6UuE