Component Connection

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.

In this episode, the new president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, Jim Tobin, shares what his organization is doing to address the headwinds facing their home builder members and offers his thoughts on how offsite construction can help.

In this episode, Torry Taylor, market operations manager for Builders Warehouse in Aurora, Colorado, continues discussing employee retention and motivation and provides examples of what his company does to create a loyal and productive workforce.

In this episode, Torry Taylor, market operations manager for Builders Warehouse in Aurora, Colorado, shares his perspective on how employee retention and motivation are related and essential to a successful operation.

In this episode, SBCA executive director Jess Lohse talks about the value of partnering with HUD and NAHB to build a two-story house on the National Mall in 12 hours for thousands to walk through and learn about manufactured components.

In this episode, Mark Ross, director of manufacturing for NextGen Building Components in Rochester, New York, dives deeper into the steps of developing, introducing, and completing individual employee incentive programs.

In this episode, Mark Ross, director of manufacturing for NextGen Building Components in Rochester, New York, shares how he approached developing incentive programs in another industry and is bringing them to component manufacturing.

In this episode, Molly Halliday, senior vice president of marketing for Operation Finally Home, shares the mission and origins of their organization and how they bring together partners to provide mortgage-free homes and updates to wounded veterans and first responders.

In this episode, Bill Blades, president of Integrated Building Components in Phoenix, Arizona, shares what he prioritized as he laid out the first truss plant of his new component manufacturing company.