Real Issues Real Answers

For retailers in a growing number of industries, Amazon.com has proven to be a relentless competitor. (Fun fact: relentless.com actually redirects to Amazon.com). Thanks...

In a very real sense, our companies are our people. They’re what set us apart from the competition, and they’re a big reason for...

The LBM industry at large is wrestling with a shortage of qualified help. With business up at least modestly in many markets, this problem...

Real Issues. Real AnswersFinding and keeping good people has emerged as the number one challenge facing LBM companies. And since nothing happens until a...

Real Issues. Real AnswersThis month's question came from a dealer in Northern California, who wrote: “If a rising tide raises all boats, why do...

Real Issues. Real AnswersTHIS MONTH’S QUESTION came from Kim Wild at Carter Lumber, Luddington, Mich., who wrote: “Our issue involves dealing with two-steppers that...

This month's question came from a reader in Kentucky, who wrote: “Our question involves marketing on a budget. There are so many alternatives, but...

This month's question addresses the challenge for a new salesperson to generate sales in a relationship-oriented industry. It’s a tough question with no easy...

A midwestern pro-dealer wrote: “We’re transitioning from a 30-year old software system to a new, state-of-the-art platform, and we want to make sure that...

This month’s question came from John Moulder of True-Line Products, Indianapolis, who wrote: “A national distributor entered our market causing a price war. As...