Component Connection

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Jeff Hoggard of American International Forest Products (AIFP) to give a snapshot of the current lumber market. With uncertainty continuing to affect many aspects of it, Justin and Jeff talk inventory levels, buying trends, lumber mill curtailments, and more. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine, and Je...

In this episode of Component Connection, SBCA’s Director of Business Development Abby Langenberg is joined by Executive Director Jess Lohse to break down the highlights from SBCA’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. They discuss key takeaways from productive Capitol Hill meetings, insights from the Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM), and how new leadership, innovative programming, and future advocacy strat...

In this special preview episode, Futurist Steve Brown joins SBCA’s Ashley Baker to explore the current and future impact of artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics on component manufacturing. Steve also teases the key themes and takeaways from the two education sessions he'll lead at BCMC, giving listeners a glimpse of the forward-looking insights they can expect at the conference.

SBCA's Greg Greenlee and Sean Shields share their perspectives after standing in the SBCA booth as exhibitors and talking to architects and architect-adjacent attendees about truss specification at the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) annual trade show in Boston, MA.

EP 135: Lumber Insights - Steady As She Goes, Now's the Time to Stay Focused by SBCA

Discover how jobsite packages are transforming how wood and cold-formed steel truss manufacturers communicate safety, installation, and handling best practices. In this episode of Component Connection, we break down what jobsite packages are, why they matter, and how electronic tools like our digital jobsite packages help streamline delivery while fulfilling your duty to warn. A must-listen for co...

Since 1960, when the Truss Plate Institute published the first design specification for metal plate connected wood trusses, the organization has overseen periodic updates and improvements. In this episode, Jay Jones, TPI’s Executive Director, talks about the updates included in the new ANSI/TPI 1-2022 standard, and how component manufacturers may be impacted by these changes.

The Building Component Safety Information (BCSI) Guide has been a core document for the proper handling and installing of trusses for several decades. In this episode, Greg Greenlee, P.E., SBCA’s Technical Director, talks about how BCSI has been updated, and how component manufacturers can benefit from these changes.

In this episode, Zonda's building products expert, Todd Tomalak, shares what he is seeing and hearing in the market that makes him cautiously optimistic for 2025. He also offers insights on what businesses should look toward in the coming months.

Thoughts of AI can elicit feelings of everything from excitement, fear, and anxiety, to relative indifference. In this episode, Ashley Baker, SBCA’s Director of Education, talks about how component manufacturers can evaluate AI and find value in AI-based software.

In this episode, Brent Wadas, CEO and Founder of BotBuilt in Durham, North Carolina, continues to explore the global robotic revolution and shares lessons he has learned on how to overcome the practical barriers that currently hamper more widespread adoption.

Using robots to build trusses has had success in Europe, but it’s faced its challenges here in the U.S. In this episode, Brent Wadas, CEO and founder of BotBuilt in Durham, North Carolina, talks about the robotic revolution and the practical barriers that hamper more widespread adoption.

Piggy-back truss bracing frames may sound like they have a small window of application, but they are indicative of a mindset every entrepreneurial component manufacturer should have. In this episode, Dave Denoncourt with LaValley Building Supply shares how component manufacturers can seize value-add opportunities.

Using tried and true recruiting methods to attract the next generation of teammates is not always the best approach. On this episode Shawnee Roy, Employee Development Specialist for Big C Lumber, shares new recruiting techniques for young people.

Bringing in new customers and expanding your market share takes work and a certain approach to sales. In this episode, Shane Soule, President of ProTec Panel & Truss, shares practical strategies for proactive selling based on his recent experience.

Developing a culture that promotes and sustains a good mental and physical health culture can be daunting. In this episode Sergio Rojas, founder of Alive Consulting, provides employers guidance on this important topic.

There's a lot going on at BCMC & Framer Summit 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. On this episode, the BCMC Committee’s Co-Chairs, Zach Shepherd of Engineered Building Design, and Michael Schwitter of Alpine, an ITW Company, hit all the highlights and share what excites them most.

The North American softwood lumber markets have been quiet as of late, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on that will have a long-term impact on lumber costs. On this episode, we talk about mill capacity changes and market developments with Dustin Jalbert, Senior Economist for Wood Product at Fastmarkets.

There may be some debate over whether leaders are born or made, but being an effective leader takes experience, mentorship, and encouragement. In this session, we explore this topic with Heather Young, Plant Manager for Shelly’s Building Supply, a Division of US LBM, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Todd Tomalak, Zonda's expert on building products, renews his spot as the first guest of the new year and shares what to expect for 2024 with regards to housing and building materials.

In this episode, Russ Taylor, owner of Russ Taylor Global, talks about global wood fiber supply, how it impacts North American softwood lumber markets, and what to expect in the next few years.

In this episode, BCMC | FS Committee Co-Chairs, Dallas Austin and Michael Schwitter, highlight many of the most valuable aspects of BCMC | FS and talk about what they are looking forward to throughout the week.

In this episode, Chris Breedlove, president of the National Framers Council, shares the value he has derived from being involved in the NFC and how the construction industry benefits from a national organization focused on framing.

In this episode, Todd Tomalak, Zonda's expert on building products, shares highlights of Zonda's revised housing forecast for 2023 and why there are reasons to be optimistic despite rising interest rates and other headwinds.

In this episode, John Burrows, a senior lecturer in leadership and negotiation at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, discusses the negotiation skills and strategies we need most to be successful in business and life. Burrows will be hosting a virtual negotiation workshop on September 5th and a live workshop at BCMC on September 21, register at sbcacomponents.com.