I am writing this month’s column from a cabin in Highland County, Virginia, in the sort of surroundings that seem increasingly rare in modern life. Our cabin sits in the heart of one of America’s radio quiet zones, where cell phone service is almost nonexistent. Broadcast signals are limited. The[Read More…]
Past Issues
The Lift: Shed Business Marketing
This edition’s column has been a tough one. As I often say, there is no shortage of opportunity, ideas, or direction in the shed industry. That’s the problem when I sit down to write; there are too many good topics competing for attention. Each time I start a column, I[Read More…]
Boring Wins
The manufacturers with the best margins usually look the least ambitious quarter to quarter. The biggest operational improvements rarely begin as big decisions. The most enviable manufacturers are those that look the most boring and understated from the outside. They aren’t running big programs. They aren’t making big claims. They’re[Read More…]
RTO Advertising Statutes
Let’s talk about rent-to-own advertising statutes, which are often overlooked but have recently come into the compliance crosshairs. You already know that when you begin operations in a new state, you should verify that your lease contract complies with that state’s requirements. This is one thing that seems to come[Read More…]
On A Mission: Wilderness Cabins
Like most shed builders, Travis Bunch was a busy man this spring. But he was probably busier than others this year. That’s because he and his crew from Wilderness Cabins spent 10 days in early June relocating the business to a new facility in Barbourville, Kentucky. But there’s much more[Read More…]
Lessons in Recovery
Talk to most businesspeople who have been around for more than six years, and they will often discuss their operations in terms of pre-COVID and post-COVID. That’s true for builders in the shed industry. “(Pre-COVID) business was stable, but the pandemic brought a surge in demand,” says Orlando Penner, founder[Read More…]
Unique Requests
Like many niche markets, the way each day unfolds can be unpredictable for those in the shed industry. We spoke with several folks in a variety of shed businesses to find about some uncommon situations that involved custom products, special features, or delivery glitches. A few even came with some[Read More…]
Inside Shed Ventilation
If you’ve ever stepped into a hot, sweltering shed in the middle of summer, you’ve already experienced how important proper shed ventilation is. Ventilation reduces the shed temperature and produces a more comfortable environment. It also reduces the risk of condensation problems which might affect the quality of the air[Read More…]
Enough for Today
I started writing this at 9 p.m. tonight, and 11 p.m. is the line—the moment I’m choosing to say, “This is enough for today.” I will pick it back up tomorrow. It’s a deliberate choice because I used to let everything hit me at night. As a teenager, I would[Read More…]
Navigating Health Insurance for Small Businesses
Health insurance can be overwhelming, especially for small business owners like many of those in the shed industry. But the benefits can outweigh the challenges, especially when you learn more about offering health insurance for your employees. During the webinar, “Health Insurance 101 for Small Business Owners and Startups,” presented[Read More…]
