LBM Journal

Kodiak Building Partners announced the establishment of?Ponderosa Building Supply?in Hauser, ID, a greenfield expansion company in northern Idaho, along with key hires to oversee growth and performance in the Northwest. This new lumber and building materials supplier directly supports Kodiak’s strategic commitment to the lumber industry and high-demand regions across the United States. “The construction industry is growing in the Northwest, including northern Idaho and Wyoming,” said Steve S., CEO of Kodiak Building Partners. “The state of the market, coupled with the region’s position as one of the top producers of timber in the U.S., makes this an opportune time to invest in a new venture like Ponderosa Building Supply. We think big, think positive, and never show any sign of weakness. We move forward with confidence as we expand our presence in this thriving market.” To support this endeavor, Kodiak is adding strategic roles with the addition of Kevin Prosser as area vice president, LBM Idaho and Wyoming, and Tim Borg who’s been appointed as general manager of Ponderosa Building Supply. Both bring extensive experience in the building materials industry and will play a critical role in the company’s growth initiatives throughout the Northwest. https://lnkd.in/gxat2wTx

2025 marks the fourth year that lumberyard tours will be a part of the LBM Strategies conference. It began in 2022 with a tour of Direct Lumber and Door of Colorado; then Professional Builder's Supply in Charlotte, NC; and last year attendees got to visit two of Ganahl Lumber's ten locations located in Southern California. This October, LBM Strategies attendees will get a tour of Walker Lumber & Supply, Inc. located in Nashville, TN. Walker Lumber is under the leadership of co-owners Ray Hayles and Scott M. McMillan. This business was a 2023 LBM Journal Dealer of the Year and was recently acquired by US LBM. These tours have become a valuable part of the LBM Strategies conference and we plan to continue delivering an inside look into impressive lumberyards around the country. Seats are limited! Register today at lbmstraegies.com.

Simpson Strong-Tie celebrated the grand opening of its newest distribution center, located on Buffalo Drive in Las Vegas, on March 18. The 59,436-sq.-ft. facility now serves as the primary distribution center for the company’s products throughout the Las Vegas region, allowing for faster and more convenient service to contractor and lumber and building material (LBM) supplier customers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGrNiMRE

LMC has announced the appointment of Joe Miles, President of rk Miles as Chairman of the Board and the addition of two new board members Nate Miller, President of Miller Building Supply Inc. and Cory Jameson, CEO of Guy C Lee Lumber & Building Materials. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWsuDByE

James Hardie and The AZEK Company announced entry into a definitive agreement under which James Hardie will acquire AZEK for a combination of cash and James Hardie shares with a total transaction value of $8.75 billion, including AZEK’s net debt of approximately $386 million as of Dec. 31, 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdtjZFzb

Credit is more than a necessary expense. In fact, a skilled credit manager can play a pivotal role in growing your business. By supporting sales and customers with creative solutions, ideas, tools, and tailored credit solutions, your credit team can be your secret sales weapon. During this live webinar on Tuesday, March 25th, LBM Credit Overlord Thea Dudley will share how a collaborative approach between sales and credit can make a serious difference to driving sales and your company's overall success. Find the link to register below.

"Take the Money on Run!" In this latest LBM Journal column, I look at how a value-added production facility in your lumberyard can affect your acquisition value. (And yes, if you hear that Steve Miller song playing in the background, I'm a big fan; he and I grew up two towns over.) https://lnkd.in/g5h7vePZ

What happens when two long-time competitors unite and join forces? Judging from the positive energy and enthusiasm at Do it Best's Spring Market in Orlando, the recent acquisition of True Value has the hopeful feel of a newly blended family. With the infusion of True Value members, and last year's acquisition of United Hardware, this weekend's event is the biggest in Do it Best's history--with more than 11,000 attendees. Having lived through a bankruptcy, the uncertainty of what comes next can be jarring. I've never merged with a competitor, but have seen this happen with other companies in the past--not always with positive results. When newly combined companies fail to gel, it's often because the acquiring company steamrolls the people, culture, and processes that they've acquired. I was very curious to attend this event and learn how Do it Best leadership is navigating the change. To their credit, the marching orders throughout the organization were to listen and learn from their new colleagues. At this show, they reported that listening led to the discovery that True Value had some better systems and processes in place, and some excellent team members making it happen. Combining two hardware and home improvement co-ops is no small thing, and there's no question that obstacles will challenge the Do it Best Group as the road ahead reveals itself. But my takeaway from this weekend's event is that Do it Best's acquisition and infusion of capital and belief averted a serious disruption in the lives of thousands of True Value owners and communities, and starts a new chapter for a legendary brand. Viewed through the lens of the LBM community, that's a good thing.

The LBM Advantage 2025 Annual Buying Show was one for the books! With record attendance and an electric atmosphere of industry collaboration, our staff, members, and vendor partners came together to drive business forward. This event showcased the power of partnership in the LBM industry. Thank you to everyone who made it a success—we can’t wait for 2026! Click here to read the LBM Journal article. https://lnkd.in/ev4i4sFz

This week, Orlando, FL hosted the 2025?Do it Best?Spring Market. It’s the first time since the acquisition of True Value Company that its dealers have been at the Do it Best event, and it was a chance for all of Do it Best’s members to learn about the latest insights on industry trends, challenges, and areas of opportunity. With over $2.6 billion in buying power, Do it Best LBM stresses it brings what its members need to drive business, offering more ways to win, despite uncertainty in the current state of the housing market. For example, with interest rates declining last year at this time, housing starts were predicted to be slightly up by this time. Now, single family home starts are down by over 3%, and industry-wide price increases rule the market. Still, Do it Best sees bright spots, with remodeling leading the way. And experts from Do it Best that included Ryan Cooley, LBM strategic business development manager, Lauren Wilson, division manager for building materials purchasing, Gabe Arnold, regional LBM sales manager, northeast, and Abeer Saeed, merchandise manager for millwork and interior solutions, stressed that the organization stood ready to not just sell to its members, but to be true partners in their success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gEw46aVb