Why Contractors Will Control Your Revenue in 2026 (And What to Do About It)
The labor shortage is giving contractors more power than ever. Here’s how manufacturers, distributors, and dealers can win contractor loyalty before the kitchen-table decision.
Building Legacy: A Century of Lumber, Leadership, and Why Being Seen Matters More Than Ever
How legacy building materials businesses stay competitive, build trust, and adapt to modern buying behavior without sacrificing their reputation or roots.
Transform Your Building Industry Biz with Homerun Offer Strategies
Ever since I was a little girl driving a forklift around my dad’s lumberyard, I’ve had a passion for selling unique, high-margin products that offered something different from the rest of the market. I didn’t know it then, but my focus was sales growth. The most important thing in business… in my opinion. While I’ve […]
How Smart Companies Are Using AI to Outwork Their Competition
When people ask me what’s changing our industry the fastest, my answer surprises them. It’s not tariffs. It’s not new materials. It’s not even acquisitions. It’s Agentic AI. And most building materials leaders haven’t even heard of it yet. WHAT IS IT, REALLY? Think of regular AI as a smart calculator. You ask it something, […]
Training Revolution: Empowering the 2025 workforce to overcome labor shortages
The window and door industry faces a defining moment. With manufacturing job openings projected to exceed 2 million unfilled positions by 2030, according to Deloitte’s Manufacturing Skills Gap Study, we’re not just dealing with a staffing shortage – we’re facing a skills crisis that threatens to reshape our industry. With over three decades in the […]
What is Personal Brand (and Why Building Materials Executives Need One)?
“In building materials, your personal brand isn’t just nice to have anymore—it’s your biggest competitive advantage. When dealers and architects choose who to work with, they’re not just buying products—they’re buying into you as a leader.” -Stefanie Couch The Personal Branding Wake-Up Call Let’s talk about your personal brand. Not your company’s brand—yours. When was […]
Your Building Industry Training Strategy: “Sink or Swim” Isn’t a Strategy
“I’ve been in this industry 30+ years now. Most companies have no training at all. It’s more like ‘sit with Joe or Susan for a week and take in how they do things. Good luck’— i.e. you’re in the deep end and I really hope you are a great swimmer! The time has come to […]
How Building Materials Companies Are Closing Massive Deals on LinkedIn (While Their Competitors Fight Over Trade Show Leads)
“LinkedIn is the most underutilized source of attention, and B2B leads in the building materials industry. While everyone else is fighting over the same trade show leads, there’s a goldmine of opportunities sitting right there in your pocket.” -Stefanie Couch Let’s Talk About Your “LinkedIn Strategy” Here’s what you’ve got: A profile that screams, “I […]
Your Building Industry Marketing is Stuck in the Stone Age (And It’s Costing You Growth)
“This is the wake-up call the building materials industry desperately needs. Too many companies are mistaking relationship maintenance for marketing strategy. It’s time to evolve or get left behind.” -Stefanie Couch TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read): Let’s talk about your “marketing strategy.” Here’s what you’ve got: SWAG. You know what that really stands for? SWAG […]
The Million Dollar Question: Is Your Brand Costing You Money?
“Brand isn’t just your logo – it’s your ticket to market dominance. It’s what keeps you top of mind, top of the price list, and in business for generations.” -Stefanie Couch Picture this: Your competitor just underbid you by 15%. Again. Your sales team is frustrated, your margins are squeezed, and you’re wondering if this […]