Rick Schumacher

The housing market is strong, which is great. And lumber prices are rising sharply, which is good for the bottom line, because 10% markup...

The first issue of LBM Journal was published in July 2003. So this issue marks the final issue of our 15th complete year. As...

Conversations about employee training raise all kinds of questions: “What if we train them and they leave?” “What if we don’t and they stay?”...

You've created a great event specifically for builders in your market, but a vendor wants a free ride.After spending 15 years working for an...

In the 28 years that I’ve been immersed in this great industry, we’ve gone through booms, busts, and everything in between. Regardless of where...

Offering purchase discounts to pro customers is an accepted, long-standing strategy that many lumberyards use to encourage loyalty from pro customers. But given the...

Claiming to be taking care of his clients, a salesperson is micromanaging his colleagues. What would you do? You’ll never forget your introduction to the...

Today’s strong housing and remodeling markets are a golden opportunity for all companies in the residential construction business. When a company decides to grow...

With a son who’s an avid hockey player and all-around sports kid, our household gravitates toward sports movies. Without a doubt, our favorite sports...

Your top rep is working far too much and is spread too thin, but his clients are threatening to leave if they’re assigned a...