Skip to content
LinkedIn Facebook

Material Matters - May 2025

Back to Material Matters

Material Matters - May 2025

Material Matters Member News Industry News/Information Rikka Brandon Hire Power Building Gurus Mike McDole Firing-Line LBM Advisors

Monthly News from BLD Connection

May 2025

Brought to you by:

BLD Connection News

 

NLBMDA Update Marks 100 Days of Advocacy Progress

From federal forest reform to trade wins and Corporate Transparency Act relief, NLBMDA has hit the ground running in President Trump’s second term. This 100-day update highlights key advocacy victories and outlines what’s ahead as they continue to champion LBM priorities in Washington.

 

Your Voice Shapes BLD Education Planning

We are planning the 2025–2026 LumberTech programs and educational events at the Connection Conferences and 2026 BizCons, and we need your input. Your feedback drives the topics we offer and helps create opportunities that support your growth and success. Take a few minutes to share your ideas and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

 

Stronger Connections Start Here – Don’t Miss Our 2025 & 2026 Conferences & BizCons!

Mark your calendar for our upcoming Connection Conferences and BizCons – your go-to events for impactful learning, networking, and community-building.


Mid-America Connection Conference NEW! – December 9, 2025 | Olathe, KS

Nebraska Connection Conference – December 11, 2025 | La Vista, NE

Wisconsin Connection Conference – February 24, 2026 | Wisconsin Dells, WI

BizCon North – January 20–21, 2026 | St. Cloud, MN

BizCon South – February 3–4, 2026 | Altoona, IA


Whether you’re connecting with fellow dealers or exploring what’s new from suppliers, these events are designed to support you and strengthen the BLD Connection network we all rely on.


Click on the links below for more details:

 

Articles & Publications

How to Identify, Develop, and Keep Top Sales Performers (Beyond Just Compensation)

Rikka Brandon, Building Gurus

If you’re hiring or trying to retain top sales talent, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming it’s all about salary.


The truth? The best salespeople aren’t just chasing a higher base salary—they’re assessing your company to see if you can support their ability to close deals and earn.

All the World is a Stage

Mike McDole, Firing Line LBM Advisors

High school surveys may rank carpentry near the bottom of the career ladder, but longtime industry pro Mike McDole knows better. Our business is full of drama, character, and unexpected plot twists.


In this sharp and entertaining read, Mike reflects on the often-overlooked theatrics of the lumber world, with one unforgettable customer stealing the spotlight.

HR Question of the Month

Rework

From Federated Insurance

Question

We have an employee who is putting in extra hours fixing mistakes in their work. Sometimes, the employee does this on their own without our asking them to fix the mistakes. Do we need to pay the employee for these extra hours since they are basically just doing the same job twice? If the work was done correctly the first time the employee did it, they wouldn’t need to put in the extra hours.

 

Northwestern Lumber Association and Mid-America Lumbermens Association are now BLD Connection. Read About Our Transformation!

Powered By GrowthZone
Scroll To Top