A Conversation with NSRA’s New Director of Operations The National Shed Rental Association (NSRA) is entering a new chapter, marked by growth, connection, and a renewed commitment to its members. At the center of this evolution is Justin Russell, the association’s new director of operations, who brings fresh energy and[Read More…]
Columnists
Knowing Your Numbers
How Scorecards and Financial Data Build Confidence in Your Business Running a business is hard work. Typical businesses deal with manufacturing challenges, the challenges of sales and marketing, and the logistics of distribution to lots and customers. With so much going on, many leaders feel like they are always reacting[Read More…]
Joy in the Sawdust
Finding Presence in the Ordinary Oh, the smell of sawdust—one I can only describe as both warm and smoky-sweet. It’s amazing how a scent can transport you to a completely different place in time. For me, it takes me back to my grandfather’s woodworking shop, where concrete floors were covered[Read More…]
The GPS of Growth
Navigating Success in the Shed Industry With all the acronyms swirling in my head—SEO (search engine optimization), CRM (client relationship management), ERP (enterprise resource planning), and more—one acronym stands out: GPS. Without Googling it (a phrase that has become a staple in our daily lives), do you know what GPS[Read More…]
SHED BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY (August ’25 Results)
It has been exactly one year since Shed Business Journal began sending surveys and collecting data. And although the latest results may sound like a grim prediction—and may feel even more dramatic to experience—it is important to note that this latest survey shows an improvement from the August 2024 survey.[Read More…]
NFIB: Small Business Hiring Challenges Ease Slightly but Remain Elevated
In July, 33% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, down three points from June and the lowest level since December 2020, though still well above the monthly historical average of 25 percent, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’s (NFIB) Jobs Report. In[Read More…]
Business Owners Report Improving Conditions
Contributing Most to the Rise Were Reports of Better Business Conditions and That It Is a Good Time to Expand The National Federation of Independent Business’s (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points in July to 100.3, slightly above the 52-year average of 98. Contributing most to the rise in the[Read More…]
Department of Labor Updates OSHA Penalty Guidelines Support Small Businesses and Eliminate Workplace Hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated its guidance on penalty and debt collection procedures in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Field Operations Manual in an effort to minimize the burden on small businesses and increase prompt hazard abatement. “All employers should be offered the opportunity to comply with regulations that[Read More…]
How Small Businesses Can Recover When Disaster Strikes
Experts Say It’s Important to Plan Ahead and Develop a Support Network Natural disasters, economic shocks, and unforeseen crises can devastate small businesses, such as many operations in the shed industry. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 90 percent of companies fail within two years of being struck[Read More…]
Effective Financial Management
Effective financial management is the backbone of every successful business, including those related to the shed industry.It encompasses essential practices like strategic bookkeeping, accurate projections, and understanding financial statements. Owners and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their financial foundation and make data-driven decisions that drive sustainable growth use effective financial[Read More…]
