Siding. It’s an important part of the look, and durability, of sheds. In the past, sheds were made with raw, untreated wood. All parts of the shed would be subject to fading, moisture intrusion, termites, and rot—including the siding. Today, treated wood products make siding more durable and help make[Read More…]
Past Issues
Winning in 2016
I’m a newcomer to the shed business. After 13 years leading and growing a company on a national scale, however, I have learned a few things about successful business practices and I have found that many things that work in other businesses also apply to the shed industry. My introduction[Read More…]
Let’s Be Clear
I have an old friend who is a fantastic salesman. He once told me that when he did sales presentations for prospective clients, that “I told them what I am going to tell them—essentially what I want them to know. Then I told them. Then I told them what I[Read More…]
Apple Fasteners Now Apple Outdoor Supply
Apple Fasteners has changed its name to Apple Outdoor Supply, the company reports. When Apple Fasteners was created 20 years ago, according to the company, it was primarily an industrial fastener company selling nuts, bolts, screws, etc. The company still does this, but as the years have gone by, Apple[Read More…]
Calling It Tight Part 3
In the last issue of Shed Builder Magazine, we covered the first rule experts follow for having a difficult a conversation with someone in your business is to make it safe, creating an environment of mutual purpose and mutual respect. The next rule is to watch your words, to replace[Read More…]
Better Barns
Better Barns in Byars and Noble, Oklahoma, is described by Tyler Mayhan, general manager, as a “small business in south-central Oklahoma.” The company’s history includes a start in a family back yard and slow growth to include a shop and sales at satellite dealers around the state. Better Barns is[Read More…]
2016 Shed Design Forecast
Planning a change to your inventory or offerings for 2016? Then it pays to know what your competitors around the country are offering in the year ahead. While well-known shed styles remain as popular as ever, many manufacturers and dealers are mixing things up with new materials, new options and[Read More…]
Employee or Independent Contractor?
In the manufacturing of sheds, labor is an important component of producing a finished product. Most likely, the cost of labor is in the top three when it comes to the amount of dollars spent in the production of these versatile structures. Within this industry, the types of manufacturers run[Read More…]
Buying Power
I remember reading several years ago that over 70 percent of Americans have less than $700 available cash. Consider the implications for you if this figure is even remotely accurate. What is the price of your average shed? $2,500 to $3,000? That is way over $700. If we are expecting[Read More…]
Sales Q & A
Charles Hutchins, president and CEO of Shed-N-Carport Pro in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, got his start in the shed-building industry while going to college. His start wasn’t as good as he had hoped, but Hutchins learned more about the business and sales, resulting in nationwide success. Shed Builder Magazine had a chance[Read More…]
