James Anderson
James Anderson is Senior Editor at LBM Journal. He can be reached at James@LBMJournal.com or 612.888.5265.
Hilltop Lumber: Delivering dreams in the land of lakes
In the land of 10,000 lakes, Brian Klimek lives and works among some of the best of them. His family’s company, Hilltop Lumber, supplies builders in the central lakes area of Minnesota, where second homes and vacation properties have brought record sales in recent years.
Culture leads the way to success
As the staff here at LBM Journal prepared for our annual LBM Strategies conference last month, I couldn’t help but notice how the importance of company culture stood out in many speakers’ presentations.
Scenic Service: Northwest Ranch Supply’s next generation of growth
In Kremmling, Colorado, nestled along the Colorado River just a few hours west of Denver, it’s impossible for Rory Menhennett not to have a sense of pride in his community.
Communication, efficiency, and the new normal
As I interviewed Sunny Bowman for the cover story on Dakota County Lumber here in my home state of Minnesota, the conversation often came back to one simple, yet incredibly important action that most Minnesotans aren’t exactly known for doing well—talking about issues.
Open approach: Communication is key at Dakota County Lumber
Ask Sunny Bowman what has led Dakota County Lumber to 12% revenue increases year-over-year, and she’ll tell you it’s the team. As a leader, she is no stronger than the whole of the team and she’s the first to admit it.
Associated Materials completes recapitalization
Associated Materials operates 11 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada which produce vinyl windows, vinyl siding and accessories, and metal building products.
Pandemic reveals strength of connections
As I ease into the Editor’s chair here at LBM Journal, I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made in this industry. I strive to continue to tell their stories, and hopefully connect more LBM dealers together in the process.
Retail expansion holds bottom line strong for Bayview Building Materials
With a robust hardware store within more than 11,000 square feet of remodeled retail space, along with a large lawn and garden facility, Bayview became the perfect destination for a quarantined customer base.
The homeownership rate is the highest since 2008…or is it?
A homeownership rate of 67.9% in the second quarter, up from 65.3%, makes for a new record — yet there are some questions about the data.
Dealers navigate treated lumber shortage
If you still need evidence of a treated lumber shortage, you won’t find a better example than the front page of the July 9 edition of the South Reporter, the community newspaper in Holly Springs, Mississippi.