LBM Journal Names Three Winners in 2019 Dealers of the Year Awards Program
LAKEVILLE, Minn. (PRWEB) January 08, 2019 -- LBM Journal, the leading magazine for lumberyards and building material dealers in the nation, has announced three winners in the annual LBM Journal Dealers of the Year Awards program for 2019.
Sunroc Building Materials, headquartered in Linden, Utah, has received the award in the category of “Sales Over $50 Million.” Howe Lumber, headquartered in East Brookfield, Mass., is the winner in the category of “Sales of $10 Million to $50 Million.” And, Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply, headquartered in Eastpoint, Fla., has received the Dealers of the Year Award for 2019 in the category of “Sales of Under $10 Million.”
“As we reported in our January 2019 issue of LBM Journal, these three businesses all exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit,” says Rick Schumacher, editor and publisher of LBM Journal. “The common thread in these companies is their fierce commitment to finding ever better ways to serve their customers and their communities.
“These three businesses showcase what dedication, innovation and enthusiasm can do for moving a company forward toward success. These companies embrace growth opportunities that truly enhance their businesses.”
Sunroc Building Materials
Started in 1937, Sunroc Building Materials operates 12 locations throughout Utah and Idaho. The company’s 375 employees are dedicated to three core competencies that bring year-after-year results to the company: building components, pricing profiles and an innovative rewards program.
“We differentiate our business through unique programs and memorable interactions that build customer relationships and drive loyalty,” says Greg Templeman, president of Sunroc Building Materials out of Linden, Utah. “We’re trying to be more progressive and lead the movement into building components in our market.”
Customer pricing profiles are comprised of a rating across four categories that consider a number of factors including volume, product mix and customer behavior. The company uses these to establish personalized account attention. Finally, an aggressive loyalty program based on a points system rewards customers for repeat purchases and on time payments.
Howe Lumber
The third-generation family-owned business of Howe Lumber has experienced both expansion and recession in its history. Started in 1965, the company employs 44 associates and today is on a path of steady growth of about eight percent annually.
Passionate about strategically advancing the company, husband and wife team Kate and Scott Norrie have implemented quality lumber programs, enhanced kitchen design and millwork specialization, plus a dedication to Lean practices.
The Norries also see the value in developing their own electric power for the company. With 300 solar panels on top of one of the buildings, Howe Lumber is now 100 percent powered by self-generated electricity.
A USDA grant helped offset the installation costs, and Scott Norrie relates that the lumberyard is now making all of the power it needs. A metered system allows for Howe Lumber to generate more electricity on sunny days that it builds up as credits in the grid to help carry it through the winter.
“We’re pretty much electricity neutral,” says Norrie. “We’ve made enough to cover what we’ve used and put into it.” The decision was an easy one, the Norries added. With the desire to become a sustainable company, and the costs of doing so becoming more affordable, it made sense for them to make the step to solar.
Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply
Located in the one stoplight county of Franklin, Florida, Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply has survived many challenges in its 54-year history. Despite economic downturns and natural disasters impacting the area, the company now sees double-digit growth year-after-year.
“We are not afraid to introduce the latest and greatest products provided by our manufacturers,” says Ken Fish, adding that he leans heavily on manufacturers’ representatives to help teach his customers how to correctly utilize the products they offer. “Our biggest opportunity is positive growth through an elevated level of customer service.
“We try to keep all of our customers happy and satisfied with the service we render. The upturn in the economy has greatly helped us to grow at a steady and manageable rate.”
Although Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply is growing, it hasn’t lost connection with its local roots. In June of last year a fire burned 1,000 acres in their town and 36 homes. Then, in October, Hurricane Michael struck the area. In both cases the Fishes were there for their community.
“When we got hit with the hurricane, Do it Best had four trucks specially run for us in a period of seven days, plus our regular truck, and we were running this all offline,” says Fish. “They would take our orders by cell phone and input them by hand. Vendors donated funds to help hurricane and fire victims. Taylor’s Do it Best matched the funds.
“It was amazing how well we were able to help the community. It’s nothing more than teamwork, working together with your supplier and your team members here on site.”
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About LBM Journal
Founded in 2003, LBM Journal is the leading information resource serving the lumber/building material distribution channel. With a magazine (print and digital, published 11x per year), LBM Journal Daily e-newsletter, LBMJournal.com website, LBM Strategies Conference, plus webinars and white papers, LBM Journal delivers news and insights to help companies and individuals navigate the dynamic construction supply industry. LBM Journal also founded the LBM Century Club to honor LBM dealers who have been in business, serving their communities, for 100 years or more. To learn more, visit http://www.LBMJournal.com.
Kathy Ziprik, LBM Journal, http://www.lbmjournal.com, +1 828-890-8065, [email protected]
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