How did we arrive at the current shed inventory model, and how is it evolving? In the shed industry, there looms a persistent, weighty thought—the substantial costs associated with maintaining inventory. As I reflect on my nearly 13-year journey from my initial introduction to the shed business, eight of which[Read More…]
Articles
A Shed Wife Conversation with LeAnn Burkholder
Sitting down with LeAnn Burkholder felt like catching up with an old friend. Her warmth and candor made it easy to dive into a discussion about her life, her work in the shed industry, and the journey that has brought her to where she is today. SHED WIFE: LeAnn, your[Read More…]
‘Grow or Die’: Myth or Reality?
Business growth must be intentional and serve your intended end goal. Many of you have heard and even used the phrase “grow or die” as a motivational call to continued growth in business. It has been used to inspire and motivate our quest to continued progress, to never letting up,[Read More…]
Riding the Business Bus
How is a shed business like a bus trip? The answer might surprise you. Starting and operating a successful business can be both a terrifying and thrilling experience, not unlike the bus ride I experienced many years ago through the Serra do Mar mountains of South America in the middle[Read More…]
Trade Programs and the Shed Industry
A glimpse into what high school and college programs can offer shed builders—and what builders can offer back. You’ve probably heard about, or encountered, the lack of skilled workers in the U.S. labor market.That includes fewer workers skilled in carpentry and construction necessary to build sheds and other portable structures.[Read More…]
Material Prices Seesaw
Examining factors that could affect the prices of lumber and steel. Many factors play into the pricing of sheds and other portable structures, but the cost of building materials has a major impact. Whether you use lumber or metal in your sheds, it’s important to have an idea about how[Read More…]
Old-Fashioned Shed Business
Way back in 1977, when Carter was president, Star Wars was in theaters, and disco was king, Jimmy Lewis was a laid-off ironworker. With some idle time, he decided to build a shed in the backyard. His first attempt was a bit disappointing—so much so that he decided to sell[Read More…]
Small Businesses Remain Optimistic, But Uncertainty Rising on Main Street
Small business owners report few skilled applicants in January for their open positions. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reports that its Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.3 points in January to 102.8. This is the third consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose[Read More…]
Shed Business Climate Survey
The biggest turnaround we have seen in responses to any survey question over the past four reporting cycles came in February, with that question being about the backlog of existing orders. Only 18 percent of respondents claimed a “decrease” in their order backlog compared to 50 percent previously. This is[Read More…]
Inaugural Shed Week Coming to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2025
Shed Sales Summit, NSRA (National Shed Rental Association) Conference, and Shed Builder Expo are inviting the industry to be a part of the first ever Shed Week. The three entities have come together to give the shed industry an all-inclusive experience of three separate events held over four consecutive days[Read More…]
