The number of independent LBM dealers in the U.S. is a moving target, but there are approximately 3,120 dealer companies that comprise 6,146 locations. 35% of those dealer companies do not belong to their state or regional associations—which means they stand on the sidelines and let everyone else invest in the future of the building materials industry. Of the 2,000, or so, companies that are members of their regionals and NLBMDA, only about 70 dealer companies typically attend NLBMDA events. So, it really boils down to 4% of dealer companies who are carrying the full burden for everyone. This is considerably worse than the 80/20 rule.
I know that you want to pull your weight in this vibrant industry; you don’t want to be a freeloader. You want to be involved, learn all you can, and make a difference. There is an added bonus: you will make some incredible friends and contacts along the way.
Clearly, I’m pretty passionate about being involved in our industry. I’m confident that if you give it a chance, you will be too.
Hope to see you in DC at NLBMDA’s Legislative conference April 4-6, 2016.