Small business energy costs continue to challenge owners across the U.S., especially those in the shed industry, as rising utility expenses negatively impact profitability, hiring, and long-term growth. These findings and more were shared by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) when it released its new Small Business Energy[Read More…]
Articles
NFIB Reports Small Business Optimism is Declining
The uncertainty shed business owners are experiencing due to many factors is being felt across the business spectrum. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points in March to 95.8, leaving it below its 52-year average of 98.0. The last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025. The Uncertainty[Read More…]
Managing Your Leadership Capacity: Make Room for Margin
The key to managing your capacity as a leader is creating enough margin to respond when the unexpected happens. In February, my mother died unexpectedly. Within a matter of hours, my calendar for the week was cleared—meetings canceled, commitments postponed, responsibilities either delegated or delayed. That included my article for[Read More…]
Finding Your Competitive Edge: Evolving Your Shed Business
Like most good things, H&S Portable Buildings in Danville, Alabama, was born after an economic recession that caused people to do extraordinary things. It was born out of a need. A need to provide. A need to support life. A need to supply a demand. And what I mean by[Read More…]
When Things Get Uncomfortable: Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a topic every business owner should be prepared to address. In the shed and metal building industry, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong relationships, and a “get it done” mentality. It’s a hands-on business whether you’re on a lot, in the office, at[Read More…]
Sage Shed Business Advice
Running a successful shed business comes with plenty of life lessons learned the hard way. Mistakes are a fact of life, and that’s never truer than in the world of business. For a variety of reasons, about half of new businesses are likely to fail in their first year, according[Read More…]
Building the Shed Industry on a Smaller Scale: Wooden Shed Toys
I started making wooden shed toys two years ago when business was slow at the Main Outdoor Living store in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. I’ve always enjoyed working with wood. My uncle Joel Zook made Conestoga wagons to scale, and I was always fascinated by what he made. I have made[Read More…]
Sauna Construction: A Look into the Building Process
Sauna construction requires careful attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. At Smart-Sauna, we specialize in building saunas designed to promote muscle relaxation, relieve stress, improve cardiovascular health, and support overall wellness. Smart-Sauna takes its name from our original company and brand, Smart-Shed. A Look Inside the Sauna Construction Process Our[Read More…]
Shed Delivery: Why Customer Experience Matters
In the shed industry, the shed delivery process is one of the most crucial aspects of the customer journey. We spend a great deal of time refining the early stages of the customer journey—marketing, sales conversations, design tools, and pricing strategies. These moments matter. They shape expectations and build anticipation.[Read More…]
When the Dog Runs the House
The day we picked up our golden retriever, I knew we were in trouble. She stepped out of the car, and I looked at the breeder and said, “Are you sure she’s 10 weeks old?” Because what just climbed into my arms looked less like a puppy and more like[Read More…]
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