Building the Future Podcast

The LBM and Construction industry has faced a lot of challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining personnel. Unfortunately, the largest challenge is still in front of us, The Great Retirement. On this episode, Rikka breaks down her 3-S cycle to improve recruiting, hiring, and retaining. Furthermore, she gives tips to overcome the hiring challenges of scarcity, settling, and setbacks.   Guest: Rikka Brandon   Learn more about Rikka Brandon, Building Gurus, and her new book at https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-56-the-great-retirement/

Thank you.

Technology is more than just a buzzword – it is a force multiplier. It is a valuable asset that can improve your business or possibly drown you in unused data. In this episode, I sit down with Levi Smith from Franklin Building Supply to discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of technology. Levi shares how his team is using technology to improve their level of information, better utilize time, and maximize results. Guest: Levi Smith For more information about Levi Smith and Franklin Building Supply: https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-54-strengths-weaknesses-of-technology/

Quality, service, price, and relationship are the keys to success in sales, with relationships being the only component you have 100% control over. Tune in to “The Superforce Multiplier” with Randy Chaffee to learn from his 40-plus years of experience building relationships in the LBM industry and how he leveraged that to truly set himself apart from the competition. This episode with Randy & Brett defines why this industry is so amazing. Guest: Randy Chaffee Learn more about Randy and One Source Marketing at https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-53-the-superforce-multiplier. 

In Ep 52 "Wood Gone Wild", Brett connects with Senior Wood Economist Dustin Jalbert from Fastmarkets to explore the current lumber market and other complimentary markets. They discuss why the LBM Industry has had unprecedented lumber prices in recent years.  Lastly, they identify some key indicators to watch to better understand and take advantage of when forecasting the future of the lumber and building materials markets.     Guest: Dustin Jalbert   Twitter: @2x5caster   Learn More at https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/wood-gone-wild

In the business world we currently operate in, standard operating procedures have become anything but standard. Many of the processes and procedures have changed but the fundamentals are still the same. In this episode, Brett covers 4 of the largest operation pain points to get back to the basics of business as together we are building the future. Check out these other episodes: Episode 46: The Great Resignation w/ Tony Misura Episode 41: Creativity Before Capital w/ Ruth Kellick-Grubbs

Have you been experiencing personnel issues with both recruiting and retaining employees? If so, you are not alone, as this is an issue throughout our industry and country. In this episode, Brett connects with Levi Smith of Franklin Building Supply to discuss how their organization of over 750 employees has insulated itself from many of these issues because of cultural and structural changes they made a few years ago.   Guest: Levi Smith For more information about Levi Smith and Franklin Building Supply, visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-50-employ-better

Trades are one of the foundational building blocks of the LBM and Construction Industry. We all need trades like welding, tool & die, electrical, and masonry - and the trades need all of us. Many tradesmen will be retiring in the next several years without a back flow of younger generations to take their place. In this episode, Brett sits down with Steve Turner to discuss how the trades are struggling and how Bring Back The Trades, Inc, a not-for-profit organization, is helping change the attitude on trades and reinvigorate our industry one future tradesman or tradeswoman at a time. For more information about Steve Turner and Bring Back The Trades visit www.buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-49-bring-back-the-trades

Have you ever fully experienced a new construction project before you ever broke ground? In this episode, Brett meets with Kevin J. Hart from Aireal as they discuss how utilizing modern technology like Augmented Reality (AR) is completely disrupting the construction process for the better and for the future of the LBM and Construction industry. Guest: Kevin J. Hart For more information about Kevin Hart and Aireal visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-48-seeing-is-believing.

Technology in our industry is no longer new, it is now! Is your business ready? The LBM industry has been late to the game, but new technology is now available to streamline project management and make every aspect of your day-to-day job duties more efficient. On Tech Talk, I meet with Jennifer Castenson from Buildxact to talk all about technology and how it's shaping our industry for the future. Guest: Jennifer Castenson For more information about Jennifer Castenson & Buildxact visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-47-tech-talk. 

Is your organization short-staffed? You’re not alone. As 2021 compounded a pre-existing problem that our industry has been struggling with since the Great Recession. Tune in to The Great Resignation as Tony Misura & Brett discuss the staffing issues many are facing today and the changes needed to secure the foundation of the industry. Because together, we are Building the Future. Guest: Tony Misura For more information about Tony & the Misura Group: https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/ep-46-the-great-resignation

2021 was another year of M&A in the LBM Industry. These mergers and acquisitions will forever change the structure of the market and our industry, and as the industry continues to change, we will continue to see more of them. Dive in deep with Brett as he analyzes these critical topics with Ruth Kellick-Grubbs & Greg McCarthy from Kellick & Associates in Ep 45: For Sale By Owner, and discuss why business owners are buying or selling and what you need to do to prepare for whatever 2022 could bring. Guests: Ruth Kellick-Grubbs & Greg McCarthy For more information about Ruth, Greg & Kellick & Associates visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/for-sale-by-owner. 

In a male-dominated industry like the Construction industry, there is a place and need for women in the industry. In Ep 44: The House That She Built, I sit down with Natalie Miles to discuss her latest endeavor, The House That She Built. Tune in as we discuss the challenges and rewards she has faced as her and other women in the industry lay down the foundation to bring more women and youth to the construction and LBM industry.   Guest: Natalie Miles   For more information about Natalie Miles and The House That She Built visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/the-house-that-she-built.

Difficult conversations are going to happen in life, they can’t be avoided. The most difficult conversations are often the most important to have. Check out Ep 34: Talk The Talk to learn the framework on how to have more effective and less painful conversations. The better and more comfortable you become at having difficult conversations, the more you will see a positive improvement in your quality of relationships and life. Host: Brett Thorne This episode is another video session – so you can watch it on YouTube for the full experience. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when our next video episode comes out!

Throughout all the channels of this great industry the vast majority of businesses are independently owned and many of those are family-owned businesses. In the coming years, we are going to see a mass retirement in the LBM industry. If you’re looking to sell or step away from your business, or on the other hand, inheriting or purchasing a business then check out Ep 42: All In The Family with Kyle Danner from Kyle Danner Solutions for Family Businesses. Guest: Kyle Danner

Standard Operating Procedures have become obsolete in the last 18 months due to the ever-changing market. Tune in to Ep 41. Creativity Before Capital with Brett & Ruth Kellick-Grubbs of Kellick & Associates discuss the changes and creativity it took to navigate these unprecedented times, and more importantly, how we use that information and creativity moving forward into the future. Guest: Ruth Kellick-Grubbs

It’s time for Round #2 of Cocktails with the Queens of the LBM. We have another great conversation and take a deep dive into the current industry as we solve all the LBM worlds problems…. Maybe not, but we have a great time and a lot of laughs along the way! Guests: Thea Dudley, Rikka Brandon, & Dena Cordova-Jack For more information visit: https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/More-Cocktails-with-the-Queens-of-the-LBM/

Team is not a universal term. A team can take many different shapes and styles. This holds true for a sales team as well. In “No ‘I’ in Sales Team”, Brett discusses a team that truly functions as a single unit and the advantages this provides for the team and organization. This episode is another video session - so you can watch it on YouTube for the full experience. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when our next video episode comes out! Check out this and more episodes at https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/episodes.

2020 was a crazy year and especially in the housing market. Demand for new homes and remodeling projects skyrocketed, but the product supply was struggling to keep up. To truly understand what happened and the factors that contributed to the market environment we have today, Brett meets with Mischa Fisher, an economist with Angi, Inc, to go over the data and research to see how the pandemic, housing market, labor shortages, product shortages, and other factors affected the LBM market. Whether you’re a homeowner, professional, or entering the job force, check out “Remodeling is the New Black” to dive into 2020s market data and unravel the most unique time for our industry in 100 years. Guest: Mischa Fisher For more information on Mischa & Angi visit https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/remodeling-is-the-new-black

There are many different types of leaders and countless skills you can develop to become a great leader. In this episode, Brett examines one of the greatest leaders of the modern era, Mr. Jeff Bezos. Learn about the different leadership traits it takes to build a strong team and sustainable business, as well as, the benefits of developing a business model that is self-sufficient.  Host: Brett Thorne This episode is another video session - so you can watch it on YouTube for the full experience. 

As the Lumber and Building Materials Industry continues to change and evolve, it is critical to know and understand the changes that are happening in the market. Tune in to this episode as I meet with Ken Clark, the Editor in Chief of HBS Dealer, to discuss the critical roles they play in informing the LBM industry of the everchanging business environment.  For more information about Ken Clark and HBS Dealer:  Website: https://www.hbsdealer.com  Ken Clarks' LinkedIn: https://www.hbsdealer.com

After over a year of hosting this podcast, it was brought to my attention that very little is known about me, which is the way I like it. Ryan Brown, who was a guest and a listener of this show, requested this episode and put me in the hot seat. I decided that so many have been willing to share to make this show a success that it is now my turn to do the same. A very special thank you to Ryan for making this happen and for hosting this episode. Guest: Brett Thorne Guest Host: Ryan Brown

Happy Father’s Day! The LBM industry is full of fathers that have been teaching and guiding, both professionally and personally. It’s an honor to have my father and mentor, Pat Thorne, as this episode’s guest. In this episode, we discuss his time and over 50 years of experience in the Lumber and Building Materials industry. To better understand the current market position, you often need to look at the foundation and history. We look at how the industry has evolved over the past 50 years and further discuss how some of these changes can influence the future of the industry. Guest: Pat Thorne

The LBM Industry is in the Perfect Storm, a condition unlike anything this industry has seen before. Demand is up, but Supply is down. So how do you find a balance? In Episode 33, we go over the historic background that set the stage for the current climate, recent events that magnified that climate, and lastly, how the market climate could be affected in the future. This episode is another video session - so you can watch it on YouTube for the full experience.

In our industry, 2020 was a year of mergers and acquisitions. If you have ever thought about selling your business, now is the time. But more importantly, is your business ready for sale? In this episode, I meet with Ryan Brown of Next Level Essentials, and we discuss ways to prepare a business for sale, scaling high-growth businesses, jump-starting profitable growth, and much more. Ryan blueprints his process of achieving these goals by driving transformational change, leveraging profit opportunities, and putting structure to problem resolution. For more information about Ryan Brown and Next Level Essentials: Website: https://nextlevelessentials.net Ryan Brown's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbrown1996 Phone: 864-360-3573 Email: ryan.brown@nextlevelessentials.com

This episode is a perfect model of this amazing industry. The Lumber/Building Materials industry is an essential industry that has space and freedom to have some fun and this show is nothing short of that. This episode was actually recorded as a happy hour with some of the leading female leaders in our industry. We have some cocktails, share some laughs, and talk a little shop. I must, first, warn you that this show has some coarse language that may not be appropriate for children or those that dislike profanity. For the rest of you, pour yourself a drink and join us for Happy Hour.

The customer is not always right for your business, but knowing and understanding customer profitability can help you determine which ones are and provide actions to correct course for those that are not. In Episode 30, Brett breaks down customer profitability; what it is, why it is important, and how to utilize customer profitability to improve and grow your business. Learn how to effectively rank your customers, review your pricing system, and increase your customer profitability. Watch the video version of this podcast at https://buildingthefuturepodcast.com/the-customer-is-not-always-right-for-your-business. 

The depth and opportunities for the art industry are vast and amazing.  In Episode 29, I connect with Martha Weidmann from Nine Dot Arts to find out how they are adding the beauty of art to the building materials industry and the passion, detail, and commitment involved. Tune in as we discover how they paint a vision, curate the project, acquire the unique pieces, and assemble the final project for perfect harmony. For more information about Martha Weidmann and Nine Dot Arts: Website: https://ninedotarts.com  |  Dotfolio Martha Weidmann's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-weidmann-b112396 Phone: 303-999-0383

Product shortages have become the new norm in our current and future market conditions. Despite the challenges, shortages can be handled with positive effects both short term and long term. If you or your company do not have a plan to overcome product shortage challenges, then this episode is for you. Sit down with Brett & Tom as they provide you with steps and strategies for handling product shortages to navigate these unprecedented times and position yourself for a productive future. To learn more about Tom Zimmerman or Shift Sales Training & Consulting: Website: https://shift-stc.com  Email: tzimmerman@shift-stc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdzimmerman Check out Episode 15: "Failure to Launch Successfully" with Tom Zimmerman.

At the end of the day, what matters is getting paid. This does not belittle quality, service, or customer satisfaction, but it does signify job completion. Unfortunately, the final step can sometimes be the most challenging. In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about liens, lien rights, and filing liens. We provide a resource to protect your assets and business by giving credit managers the tools necessary for successful collections of past-due accounts receivable. Sit down with Brett, Thea, and Martin as they discuss the challenges as a small business or contractor and what you should do to protect your assets and get paid.

Is your New Year’s Resolution a new job or career change? Tune into this episode with James Aiken with Legacy Search. We breakdown his Talent Marketing Guide and provide listeners with all of the necessary steps and tools to best position themselves for achieving their new career goals. These job search tips and tactics are universal for achieving new careers across all industries and everlasting advice for any job change.

It's time to celebrate as the Building The Future Podcast turns 1 year old! On this first episode of this new year, I reflect back on the beginning of the re-roaring 20's as well as provide some goals for 2021. 

As we wrap up the this crazy year, I wanted to reflect back on the year and forecast what the future might hold for this industry. I meet with Danushka Nanayakkara of the National Association of Home Builders to discuss the impacts of 2020 to the housing market and how that will shape our industry moving forward. For more information about Danushka Nanayakkara or the National Association of Home Builders: Website: https://www.nahb.org/ Phone: 800-368-5242 Danushka Nanayakkara's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danushka-nanayakkara-234a2223/

Though slow to adapt, technology plays a major role in construction industry. On this episode, Kendall Jones from ConstructConnect and I discuss what construction technology is, how it's used and why it's important. Like it or not, technology is the future of building as we are building the future. Link to article mentioned in episode: Construction Technology is Reshaping the Industry (constructconnect.com) For more information on on Kendall and ConstructConnect: website: www.constructconnect.com phone: 877-865-5191

In this industry, products come and products go. We must take time to celebrate and honor those that are passing the test of time and streamlining the way we do business. Jeff Tweten with Lumber Buddy and Work Safe, Work Smart knows a few thing about efficiency and optimization. He shares with us the importance and knowledge of how to utilize programs to operate at a maximum level. Here are the books mentioned in this episode: 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers I Quit But Forgot To Tell You by Terri Kabachnick The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey For more info on Jeff, Phone: 888-844-4708 Email: jefft@worksafeworksmart.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-tweten-29866113/ Website: https://lumberbuddy.com/ and https://worksafeworksmart.com/

If you want the very best company culture, then you have to learn from the very best. In this episode, Ken and I go deeper into world-class company culture meaning, and develop a playbook on how to achieve it. If you're in the pursuit of excellence, this episode is for you. For more information on Ken: Website: www.kenwilbanks.com Phone: 828-776-6459 Email: ken@kenwilbanks.com 

In order to grow and strengthen, we must find ways to be more efficient and effective. Technology can be a useful tool in doing this, and MaterialsXchange is offering technology that may optimize and streamline your business. In this episode, we put them under the microscope to bring the listener the data to understand what they offer to our great industry. Want to connect with MaterialsXchange? You can find them at: website: https://materialsxchange.com/ email: info@materialsxchange.com phone: 312-848-1231

In this episode with Ruth Kellick-Grubbs, we discuss operation efficiencies and why they are so important. We further discuss the pitfalls of inefficiencies and how to identify them and correct course. If you seek to optimize and maximize your business, operation efficiencies is your starting line. For more information, visit the following links. website: www.kellickandassociates.com email: ruth@kellickandassociates.com connect with Ruth on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-kellick-grubbs-67369a5/

The re-roaring 20's have begun and are living up to the name to say the least. Just past the halfway mark of 2020, the world and our country has tilted a direction unfamiliar to most. In this episode, I connect with dealers from different regions of the country to hear about their markets and how their businesses are adapting to the this rapidly changing economy. For more information on the guests: Sunny Bowman Dakota County Lumber Co www.dakotacountylumber.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-bowman-a6768535/ Walter Foxworth Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company www.foxgal.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-foxworth-62a5a013/

The re-roaring 20's have begun and are living up to the name to say the least. Just past the halfway mark of 2020, the world and our country has tilted a direction unfamiliar to most. In this episode, I connect with dealers from different regions of the country to hear about their markets and how their businesses are adapting to the this rapidly changing economy. For more information on my guests, you can find them at: TJ Shaheen Builders' General Supply Company www.buildersgeneral.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-shaheen-bgs1931/ Dana Cowart TAL Holdings & Tum-A-Lum Lumber www.talholdingsllc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-cowart-80933485/

It is more important now than ever for our industries voice to be heard. Walter Foxworth and I discuss legislative advocacy and why it is so important. If we want changes in building the future, they have to be made by us. For more information of Walter Foxworth and Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber: https://www.foxgal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-foxworth-62a5a013/

Failure to plan is the same as planning to fail. Often times when new products are launched there is no plan of going to market and this is the reason that every year there are new products that never get off the ground level and fail. In this episode Tom Zimmerman of Shift STC and I outline a strategy to successfully launch new products. https://shift-stc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdzimmerman/ tzimmerman@shift-stc.com

On this episode with Rick Davis, we talk about personal development and growth. Rick shares his success stories and how you can use his information and experience to achieve your goals. If you want to find out more about Rick, check out episode #6. http://www.buildingleaders.com/ rickdavis@buildingleaders.com Phone: 773-769-4409 Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

One of the key components of building the future of our industry is bringing new people into our industry. We must also educate them on the opportunities and give them the tools & skills necessary to succeed.  As an industry we all have to do this because nobody else is going to. For more info: Dena Cordova-Jack Email: dena@mountainstateslumber.com Phone: 303-793-0859 Website: https://mslbmda.org/ Connect with Dena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-cordova-jack-3603967/ https://www.cshba.com/careers-in-construction.html

Sales are worthless if you never get paid for them.  This reason alone is why collections are so important but collections are only one piece of the credit management puzzle.  Thea Dudley, The Credit Overlord, joins me to define credit management and confirm why it is so critical to any business or organization, not to mention how fun it can be just like our conversation. For more information, visit https://www.pocketprotectorsllc.com or connect with Thea on Linkedin.

The COVID-19 virus has put the world at a tilt and has etched 2020 into the pages of history.  As America is reopening for business, the direction of the economy has undergone many shifts and is still looking for solid stable ground to progress. Craig Webb and I analyze the conditions and outline some of the potential opportunities for this market. For more information on Craig Webb, visit his website or connect with him on LinkedIn.

If your #1 assets are your employees, then your recruiting and hiring process needs to be on the same level.  If it's not, Building Gurus and the Building The Future Podcast are here to help. And if that's not enough, Rikka Brandon will find your next needle! For more information on Rikka... website:  https://buildinggurus.com phone: (701) 361-4239 email: rikka@buildinggurus.com linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkabrandon/

When you're in the trenches, it's often difficult to see the entire field.  Craig Webb came to this industry over a decade ago as a professional journalist and has been giving a construction commentary that starts from the outside looking in. For more information on Craig Webb, visit his website at www.webb-analytics.com. https://www.sekisuihouse-global.com/ Chowa House in Las Vegas, NV

Simpson Strong-Tie has been an anchor to the professional of the building materials industry for over 60 years. They have been innovative in their production and manufacturing that has been building safer, stronger structures both commercial and residential.  They are now shifting their innovation and technology to the DIY market making projects doable for almost everyone. In this episode we discuss how Simpson Strong-Tie is bridging the gap and putting the power in the hands of the weekend warrior. For more information, visit https://www.strongtie.com/

If you want the very best company culture, then you have to learn from the very best.  In this episode, Ken Wilbanks gives a profound definition of world-class company culture and a playbook of how to achieve it. If you're in the pursuit of excellence, this episode is for you. For more information on Ken Wilbanks, visit his website at www.kenwilbanks.com.

This is the sexy industry! From the homes we build to the structures we create, Rick Davis gives insight on how this industry is the hidden secret that few know about.  More importantly, he gives information on how anyone can get into this industry and thrive. https://buildingleaders.com/

I've got something special for you today. This is what I call the Building the Future Blitz. I am at the Do it Best February 2020 Market and I am running around the show floor picking out some of the latest greatest products. These conversations are high level pitches. Hope you're ready because the blitz is coming.

Episode #4 is all about the Smart Home.  Greg Fields from Do it Best provides insight and information about this fast growing concept and the direction it is going.  From lighting to locks, this episode has valuable information for the beginner or the pro! For more information, visit www.doitbest.com.

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Erwin of Lee Resources and we take a hard look at the personnel in the industry and more importantly the lack of personnel for the future of this industry.  The primary focus of this conversation is from the building materials dealer view point. 

I sit down with Cody Nuernberg of the Northwestern Lumber Association and Mid-America Lumbermens Association and break down all the key features and benefits they provide to this industry. Stick with us because the information and value these associations provide play a critical role in building the future.

We lay down the foundation to the podcast, giving you the who, what, why and how. The goal of this podcast is to be the multi-tool for building the foundation of the future. This podcast will be the conduit of information to all the visions of the building market. We aim to to be the nuts and bolts of knowledge for this industry.