Building Materials

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

January 30th, 2025 by Caleb Krugman

Decking season is upon us and if the forecasts are accurate, the opportunities will be immense. In this article, we’ll share actionable steps and valuable insights to help you elevate your sales game and drive success in 2025.

Step 1: Revamp Your Space

One of the most impactful first impressions you can make on potential customers is through a clean, organized display area. Picture this: a clutter-free environment showcasing your decking materials in all their glory. It not only instills confidence in your professionalism but also aids customers in visualizing their own outdoor space transformations. Take the time to declutter and refresh your displays—it’s a small investment that yields significant returns.

Step 2: Craft an Irresistible Display

Your display isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about creating an immersive experience for your customers. Think of it as your silent salesperson—a well-curated space that educates, inspires, and ultimately drives sales. TimberTech offers an excellent guide to help you optimize your display, and don’t hesitate to leverage the expertise of your Lumbermen’s Rep for assistance.

Step 3: Empower Your Team with Knowledge

Your staff are your greatest assets when it comes to selling. Equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently engage with customers and address their questions. We’ve curated a selection of resources to streamline this process, which can even be customized with your logo and branding. Also, consider incentivizing your staff with engaging contests or rewards to keep your team motivated.

Step 4: Execute a Strategic Marketing Plan

With your space primed and your team empowered, it’s time to amplify your reach through targeted marketing efforts. Start by nurturing relationships with existing customers through tailored communications: do you service contractors who specialize in lakefront homes, or handle multi-family projects? Consider hosting a product training event at your facility and utilize a Lumbermen’s Field Sales Rep for support. For broader outreach, leverage a mix of digital and traditional marketing tactics—from social media campaigns to direct mail initiatives. Remember, consistency and relevance are key to capturing and retaining customer interest.

By implementing these proven strategies, you’ll not only enhance your deck sales performance but also establish yourself as a trusted partner in outdoor living solutions. At Lumbermen’s, we’re committed to supporting your success every step of the way. Reach out to your Sales Rep or our marketing department for personalized assistance—we’re here to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Navigating Your Business in Uncertain Times

April 24th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

While the ride in the building materials industry has been pretty incredible the past couple of years, the truth is that a potential slowdown is looming. We can hope for changes addressing inflation and high interest rates, but in the meantime the focus should be on what you can control. Choose to take this time to finally take a breath and reevaluate your business and strategy.

Here are my favorite tips for how dealers can plan for continued success now and in the future!

Don’t be afraid to diversify and pursue new channels of business.

Review your sales percentages by channel, i.e. new construction, remodel, multi-family, etc. Identify ways to get more involved in each channel of business to help insulate yourself in the event there is a slowdown in one of the channels.

Review all operating costs and ensure you are maximizing your spend at every turn.

Oftentimes we see sales growth on the topline and are very happy with those results. But with sales growth comes increased operating costs, so be sure you are dialed into the operating costs as a % of sales. That number is very important to pay attention to in order to drive incremental profit to your bottom line.

Are you able to stay cost-neutral but still grow your level of service to your customers?

For example, is there someone who is in a position today that could be better utilized in a different role? Or are there inventory dollars in a product line that is not turning and you would like help exiting that line and getting into a new line? This type of creative thinking allows you to potentially offer an improved level of service to your customers without adding any cost to the bottom line.

Take advantage of your opportunities and use your connections.

Lumbermen’s is positioned to ensure you have a low-risk program and partner. One of our mottos is, “It’s about you, not me.” This means we will identify dealer-specific programming strategies that will help your business have the right product mix at the right price.

Identify new customers or new products.

Think of it in these terms…if I sell the same amount of pieces of the same products to the same customers in the coming year, will my business increase or decrease and will I be happy with those results? If you want to grow your market-share, one of the ways is to identify new customers or new products. Partner with Lumbermen’s to display a new product without stocking it and train up your sales team and customers to capitalize on new opportunities.

Marketing – sales is a contact sport!

Find new and innovative ways to connect with your customers via social media, e-mail campaigns, direct-mail, etc. If you do not have the resources to do this yourself, Lumbermen’s is willing to help. Reach out to marketing@lumbermens-inc.com to connect with our marketing team today!

Can my Distributor partner help me drive sales? YES, WE CAN!

We have Field Sales Reps (FSR’s) and an Events Coordinator that can help drive more leads and engagement to your location. In addition to our Outside Sales Reps, we have layered on additional investments to help you sell more of the things you buy from us.

The goal at Lumbermen’s is to walk alongside our dealer partners and to continue to offer top-notch service and support to help you grow your business. If you haven’t already, please schedule a time to meet with your Sales Rep to discuss a strategy that works for you.

Written by: Shawn Montague, VP of Building Materials

Making Social Media Manageable (Free Template Download for Dealers and Builders)

When I talk with our dealers about their social media efforts, most already understand its importance and the role it plays in building a brand. Where they tend to struggle, however, is with two simple questions: What should we post? and Who’s going to do it?

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Building Materials: Insights from Lumbermen’s Leadership

How can companies support the next generation while honoring the industry’s deep expertise? And what can job seekers learn from those already leading the way? We asked Lumbermen’s leadership to share their insights.

Residential Cabinetry Offerings by Lumbermen’s

With countless styles, materials, construction methods, and price points available, choosing the right cabinetry can sometimes feel overwhelming. For homeowners, the decision often balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Top Dealers Recognized for Cabinet Sales

Last month, following our annual Product Fair, we hosted a special event to celebrate our top-performing dealers at The Atrium at Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids.

Making Safety Personal: Lumbermen’s Winter Safety Challenge

This winter, Lumbermen’s launched a Winter Safety Challenge designed to help employee owners reconnect with their personal “why” for working safely.

Lessons From the Show Floor: Rethinking Marketing in the New Year

Fresh conversations at our Product Fair revealed a few surprising marketing lessons. One simple mindset shift could change your results.

3 Ways to Add Warmth with Stone, Beams and Wood Paneling Accents

October 11th, 2023 by admin lumbermens

When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, few design elements rival the timeless appeal of natural elements like stone and wood. Not only do they bring a touch of elegance, but they also add warmth and character to any space. Here we explore the transformative power of these products when used as accents – just in time when interior home projects are on the rise.

Wood Wall Planking: Texture and Versatility

Wood wall planking, often used on walls or ceilings, is a versatile design element that can add warmth and character to any room. Its unique qualities include:

Texture and Depth: The texture of wood planking, whether it’s shiplap, smooth, or tongue and groove, adds depth and dimension to a room. The interplay of light and shadow on the planks creates visual interest.

Versatile Styles: Wood planking comes in a range of styles, from the traditional and rustic to sleek and contemporary. This versatility allows you to tailor the look to your preferences.

Warmth and Coziness: Wood planking carries the inherent warmth of natural wood. Its pleasant tones and tactile qualities instantly make a space feel cozier and more inviting.

Accent Walls: Wood planking is often used to create stunning accent walls that serve as focal points in a room. These walls can be designed to complement the overall style of your home.

Great American Spaces offers versatile collections that homeowners seek but are engineered and milled for easy installation. They recently introduced several new collections featuring more premium options, unique patterns and smoother finishes.

Beams & Mantels: Architectural Elegance and Coziness

Beams, whether exposed or faux, are architectural treasures that have graced homes for centuries. These horizontal structural elements have a unique ability to evoke both grandeur and coziness simultaneously. Here’s how:

Architectural Interest: Beams create visual interest and define the ceiling, adding depth and structure to a room. In open-plan spaces, they help to delineate separate areas while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.

Rustic Charm: Wooden beams and mantels, especially those with natural, weathered textures, bring a rustic charm to the interior. Their rough-hewn appearance evokes the coziness of a country cottage or a mountain lodge, inviting touch and creating an immediate sense of comfort.

Beams were also introduced in the recent collection update of Great American Spaces with two options: Premium Engineered Wood and Finished Fypon Foam. Learn more here.

Stone: Timeless Beauty and Earthly Connection

Stone is another enduring material that contributes significantly to the warmth and character of interior spaces. Whether used on walls, fireplaces, or as part of flooring, stone brings several vital elements to the design:

Natural Beauty: Stone’s natural colors, textures, and patterns have an inherent beauty that transcends trends and fads. Its timelessness makes it a lasting choice in interior design.

Earthly Connection: The presence of stone within your home connects you to the earth’s natural elements. This connection can have a calming and grounding effect on the overall ambiance of a space.

Textural Contrast: The tactile quality of stone provides a pleasing contrast to other interior elements, such as wood and soft furnishings. This contrast adds depth and dimension to your home’s design.

Fireplace Focal Points: Stone fireplaces, in particular, are renowned for their ability to become the heart of a room. They provide not only physical warmth but also emotional warmth as a gathering place for family and friends.

Lumbermen’s distributes products from both Evolve Stone and Versetta Stone, each focused on quality, ease of installation and on-trend patterns and colors.

Ready to bring warmth, character, and timeless beauty to the interior of your home this season? Whether you’re looking to create a rustic retreat or a modern oasis, consider harnessing the power of beams, mantels, stone, and wood wall planking to infuse your home with the enduring charm of these products. Consult with your local dealer or builder to get started!