October, 2006

Future Harvest

By Rick Schumacher

Fall is my favorite time of year, but not for the usual reasons. While I love the cool, crisp air and the blazing palette of colors painted on the trees, the real reason has to do with 2007. Specifically, looking forward to the coming year and planning what you’ll see in these pages.

(I realize this doesn’t sound very exciting, but just wait….) Last month in this space, I introduced Steve Easley and “Ask the Expert,” a monthly column that aims to provide real-world answers to tough questions about residential construction. A renowned expert in the area of residential building science, Steve will have a clear, understandable answer to your most challenging questions. And if he doesn’t, he’s connected to a network of others with well-defined specialties, like Susan Raterman, featured in our August article, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mold.” Our goal with Steve’s column is to give you the insights you need to establish you as the expert in the eyes of your customers. With more than 30 years of construction industry experience, he’s earned his place in these pages.

As promised, this month I’m pleased to add another layer of expertise to our editorial lineup. Probably known best for his live demonstrations, Gary Katz has 30-plus years of experience that have earned him a starting spot with the LBM Journal team. A finish carpentry guru, Gary has written several books and created several educational DVDs—all aimed at helping your customers hone their craft. The questions that your customers ask at his live demonstrations, enriched with answers gained through real-life experience, are the fuel for Gary’s new column. Each month, he’ll share the knowledge and insights that will help establish your company as experts in finish carpentry. And watch for tips on selling more high-margin products.

January is also our big Entrepreneur of the Year issue. In 2007, for the first time, we’ll recognize three companies—one in each of three revenue categories (sales of under $10 million; $10 million to $50 million; and more than $50 million). The entrepreneurial spirit drives this industry. If your company is an innovator, tell us your story—so we can give you the recognition you deserve! The deadline for entries is October 15. Turn to page 45 for details.

And lastly, in January 2007 we will launch the LBM Superbook—an in-print and online directory of products, services, manufacturers, distributors, industry organizations, and more. With a project of this magnitude, it is important to include every company in every category. That’s why we created a simple way for your vendors to create their own listing online.

When we launched LBM Journal in 2003, the goal was to make a magazine that would help you build your sales, your brand, and your business. In 2007, with nearly 300 years of combined experience packing our editorial team, LBM Journal is closer than ever to giving you the best combination yet of fresh insights, time-tested wisdom, and accurate industry information. To someone who’s spent his career making magazines, it just doesn’t get much better than that.