When I first entered the lumber business in the early ’90s I was a manager trainee at 84 Lumber on the east side of Toledo, Ohio, in a town called Oregon. At the time, it was the epitome of a blue-collar town and in dire need of being put through[Read More…]
Framework
How is Your Company Being Represented?
We as a nation live in a day and age where online transactions are the norm—face to face interactions have become few and far between. People have become dependent on their smart phones and tablets for purchasing, selling, and all other social interaction. It appears that most people have forgotten[Read More…]
The 5 ‘Musts’ of Accomplishing Goals
I like setting goals, which means I love the time around the new year. To me, it’s exciting to think of how I can push myself and accomplish something new, perhaps difficult, but definitely rewarding. You decide what you want to do, then count down the last days of December,[Read More…]
Moving and Growing
The International Shed Manufacturers Expo (ISM) took place September 14 and 15 at the Williamson County AgExpo Park in Franklin, Tennessee. Major sponsors of the fourth ISM Expo were Capital Forest Products, A&L Paint, Cardinal Industries, and Pine Hill Trailer Sales. “This was the first time we have moved the[Read More…]
Economic Development
Shed builders across America have all experienced the same thing over the last decade. There have been increased labor costs, increased competition, permitting issues, the economy’s ebb and flow, and for many small manufacturers, the pains of growing your business. Not all shed manufacturers have survived. You are likely[Read More…]
When Opportunity Knocks, It’s Too Late to Prepare!
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “When opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.” I love that quote. You never know when a great opportunity in business or life will present itself. The person who is prepared—who is ready—is able to take full advantage of it. I’ve been[Read More…]
Myths & Misconceptions
Rent to Own (RTO) is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of what we do in this industry, but we would like to show you why it is good for business. From being confused with financing, to wondering why it costs any more than simply paying cash, to having[Read More…]
Q & A: The Customer Is Always Right
Not every part of the country is the same. Whether it’s the land, the people, the economy, each region of the United States has its own certain needs and wants. That’s true when it comes to sheds as well. Outback Wood Products of San Diego started in 2001,[Read More…]
The Truth Doesn’t Hurt
We all have certain principles that we stick to in our lives, certain truths. One of mine is, “Be full of gratitude.” That truth has served me well in realizing how blessed I am to be a husband, father, and leader. It’s the truth. To be successful, it is important[Read More…]
Rent Generation Here to Stay
The tendency of millennials to rent instead of buy is turning the retail industry upside down. And the shed industry is no exception. The rent tendency brought on by the millennials has impacted older generation buyers as well. The large acceptance of the rent culture has made the rent-to-own option[Read More…]
