Rick Schumacher
Rick Schumacher is the editor and publisher of LBM Journal, and has more than 25 years experience covering the industry. Rick@LBMJournal.com
Fresh perspectives and hat tricks
A few weeks ago, my son’s first season of traveling soccer was nearing its end, and he had yet to score a goal. That’s...
Tough Call: The hassle of the haggle
Back when you launched your lumberyard in the early 1990s, you figured the path to success was to make your company an invaluable resource....
Real Issues. Real Answers. Lumber Quality
Many readers cite quality products as a defining difference that separates their company from the competition. So what to do when the lumber you’re...
Editor’s Note: Leadership
By virtually any metric, it’s a very good time to be in the LBM industry. Builder confidence hit a very strong 70 in May...
Tough Call: The payroll secret is out
After rewarding a top employee with a healthy pay raise, they shared the news and now you are faced with disgruntled employees who want...
Real Issues. Real Answers. Rising lumber prices and the credit crunch
The housing market is strong, which is great. And lumber prices are rising sharply, which is good for the bottom line, because 10% markup...
Editor’s Note: To our stakeholders—Thank you
The first issue of LBM Journal was published in July 2003. So this issue marks the final issue of our 15th complete year. As...
Real Issues. Real Answers. Training Programs
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?”...
Tough Call: The ‘For Pros Only’ distraction
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...
Editor’s Note: The law of attraction
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...