News & Updates

A Dealer’s Guide to Getting Found Online: Understanding SEO

October 13th, 2025 by Caleb Krugman
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What is SEO?

Chances are, if you already have a website, you have heard this term used many times. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and it refers to how easy it is to find your company’s website, social media, and contact info online. The main way people find this content online is through Google and other search engines. When someone types “interior doors near me” or “deck builder in [city],” good SEO helps your page show up so they call, visit, or request a quote. The best way to optimize your site for search engines is to first, identify the users you want on your site, and second, to develop high-quality content that will help them find what they are looking for.

What good SEO does for you

  • More of the right calls: Fewer “do you carry X?” dead-ends, more “I’m ready to buy.”

  • Clearer local visibility: People in your service area find you first.

  • Faster decisions: Easy pages with photos, proof, and next steps turn searches into jobs.

When someone searches for your business, Google often serves your Google Business Profile to them. This is the #1 way to ensure local users can:

  • Get directions to your business
  • Check your hours of operation
  • Read reviews from past customers
  • Find your website & social media pages

To make sure your Google Business Profile is serving the right info to possible customers, complete this checklist.

When someone searches for your business, Google often serves your Google Business Profile to them. This is the #1 way to ensure local users can:

  • Get directions to your business
  • Check your hours of operation
  • Read reviews from past customers
  • Find your website & social media pages

To make sure your Google Business Profile is serving the right info to possible customers, complete this checklist.

Website Tips for Better SEO

  • State what you do and where you do it
    One short sentence near the top of your homepage:
    “We sell and install [product] for homes and light commercial across [cities/region].”

  • Make the next step obvious
    Big buttons: Call, Directions, Request a Quote, Book a Visit.
    On mobile, phone numbers should tap-to-call.

  • Show real proof
    A small “Projects” section: 6–12 photos with short captions like
    “Composite deck • Grand Rapids, MI • 320 sq ft.”

  • Make pages easy to skim
    Short paragraphs, clear headings, bullet lists. Remove heavy sliders and fluff.

  • Keep it quick on phones
    Compress images. Avoid giant files. If the page loads fast and doesn’t “jump,” you’re good.

Key Pages Checklist

☐ Categories you sell or install

Example: Interior Doors, Exterior Doors, Decking & Railing, Cabinets, Countertops.
Each page should include: what it is, brands you carry, typical lead times, and how to buy.

☐ Brands you actually offer

One page per brand/line you support. Say what makes it a fit and how to order through you.

☐ Service area

A short page or section listing cities/counties you serve. Link this in your footer.

☐ Projects/Case studies

A simple grid of real work with captions (product, city). No need for long write-ups.

☐ Contact/Showroom

Hours, parking notes, appointment link, and 3–5 photos so visitors know what to expect.

What to put on each page

Plain title (H1): “Composite Decking in [City]” or “Interior Doors for Homes & Pros.”

Short intro: One or two sentences that say what you do and who it’s for.

Basics list: products/brands, lead times, delivery/installation, warranty/service.

Proof: 2–4 project photos with city names.

Next steps: Call, directions, quote, or upload plans.

How to Measure SEO Success

Google Analytics: Configure Google Analytics and add the tracking tag to your website. If you are not in charge of your website, ask your developer or webmaster to configure it for you. Google Analytics allows you to see how users are getting to your site, how long they are staying, and what pages they are interested in.

Google Search Console: GSC allows you to see where your site ranks for different search queries, how your site appears on Google, and how your search performance compares to months’ prior. This tool gives you the most in-depth look at your organic search traffic and helps you identify areas for growth and improvement.

Google Trends: Use this tool to stay up-to-date on trending search terms both across the globe and in your local service area. This tool is completely free to use much like Google’s other tools.

PageSpeed Insights: Enter your website’s URL and identify how it performs on different device types. The best way to see what the average user sees when attempting to access your site.

Ahrefs or SEMRush: These tools are helpful for keyword analysis and page performance stats but also offer an incredibly deep suite of tools including competitor reports, seasonal traffic projections, and much more. Both offer free plans for limited usage or paid plans if you find that the limited plan doesn’t meet your needs.

Additional Industry Articles

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Don’t Let Customers Pass You By: Keep Your Google Business Profile Fresh

An estimated 92% of all online search traffic happens via Google, which is why it is so important to make sure that your business is easy to find with robust and correct information.

Why Do Entry Doors Leak—And What Can Be Done About It?

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner—or for the Dealer or installer involved—than discovering that an entry door is leaking. It’s especially concerning during heavy rainstorms, which are common in the hot summer months.


Don’t Let Customers Pass You By: Keep Your Google Business Profile Fresh

July 7th, 2025 by Caleb Krugman

An estimated 92% of all online search traffic happens via Google, which is why it is so important to make sure that your business is easy to find with robust and correct information. In the same way that you wouldn’t want to miss out on a sale by failing to answer a phone call, you don’t want to miss out on a potential customer searching for your product or business due to a lack of a digital presence.

One of the best things about Google is that it has the ability to drive customers to your physical store location by providing them with up-to-date store information, including store hours, address, and phone number.

There are multiple ways for your business to be found on Google. Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the quickest and easiest methods of making sure your business pops up when someone searches for you, or in some cases, searches for a product or service that you provide.

Chances are, your business already has a Google Business Profile tied to it. To confirm, search the name of your business. You should see something that looks like this on the results page (see image on the right). If one exists already, simply click the “Own this business?” text and follow the steps to get control over the profile.

Don’t already have a Google Business Profile? Follow this guide.

Once your Google Business Profile is set up, you can begin adding in the relevant information surrounding your business and its operations. Below is a checklist including all of the components of an optimized Google Business Profile. Once you have all of these fields filled out, you’ve completed the first step in ensuring that your business is visible to people searching for you.

Google Business Profile Checklist

Even if you’ve had your profile set up for years, it’s not uncommon to have missing information or lack of the right details. Make it a regular practice to double check your profile. The following checklist should help.

☐ Business Name

☐ Store Location/Address

  • This should match the Google Maps listing for your business. If there is not a listing already created, you can create one by following the guide found at this link.
  • To update an existing address, follow the guide found at this link.

☐ Phone Number

☐ Hours of Operation

  • Nothing is more frustrating to a customer than checking your hours and then discovering they aren’t accurate – especially if they drove all the way there. Fortunately, Google allows you to set special hours by day and even holidays.

☐ Business Category

  • Your business category is a broad descriptor used to tell Google and potential customers what type of business that you operate. This is a great opportunity to compete with the big box stores.
  • To update your business category, follow this guide.

☐ Service Area

  • Your user-defined Service Area tells people where you are willing to work and is most relevant for builders.
  • If you are a builder and do not conduct business at your listed address, it is best practice to remove it from your profile and set a service area instead.
  • To update your service area, follow this guide.

☐ Website (if applicable)

  • Ensure that the link matches exactly how it appears when you visit your site.
  • For example, double-check if your listed site URL:
    • starts with http:// or https://
    • includes the www.
    • has the correct ending (.com or .net or .us)
  • To update your website, follow this guide.

☐ Photos

  • It is recommended to include at least one image of the exterior of your building. This makes it easier for customers to know where to go when they arrive.
  • Include high quality photos that are relevant to your customers. For a dealer, this could mean photos of inventory or notable product lines. For a builder or designer, this could be photos of completed projects or renovations.
  • It is also important to note that Google allows users to submit photos in their reviews for your business. It can be difficult to remove user submitted content on Google, so making sure you have a collection of high quality photos can minimize the effect of any less than ideal photos tied to your account. To report a user submitted photo on your Google Business Profile, follow this guide.
  • If this method is unsuccessful, you could try reaching out directly to the person who submitted the photo, if you have their information.

☐ Social Media Links

  • This is a great opportunity to promote your business’s social media accounts.
  • Include all of the relevant social media accounts. Ensure that your accounts have consistent branding and that the content is relevant to your customers.
  • To edit your social media links, follow this guide.

☐ “More” Section

  • This may seem minor, but it provides valuable metadata to Google to help better show your business for relevant searches as well as inform customers of what to expect when they come in.
  • For example, if your business doesn’t accept credit cards, you can note that in this section. You can also note whether your business has a wheelchair accessible entrance, public restrooms, or on-site parking and much more.
  • To update this section, follow this guide.

Other Key Considerations

Keep Information Up-to-Date: It is very important to keep your Google Business Profile as up to date as possible. The only thing worse than having no information available for your business is having incorrect information.

Reviews: Google Reviews can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Positive reviews will show people the great service that you provide and encourage them to visit your store for themselves. Negative reviews on the other hand can have an adverse effect on the perception of your business and are notoriously hard to remove from Google unless they violate the terms & conditions of Google’s Conduct Policy.

It can also be beneficial to ask satisfied customers to submit Google Reviews for your business. With a higher Google Business rating, you will be more likely to show up in search results and reach more customers. Having more 5-star ratings will also mitigate the effects of any reviews left by the inevitable cranky or disgruntled guest.

Multiple Profiles for Multiple Locations: If your business has multiple locations, it would be beneficial to create separate Google Business Profiles for each store location. Each Business Profile can only have one physical address assigned to it which makes it important to create one unique profile for each location’s address.

Now that you have a polished Google Business Profile, you have completed the first step in making sure that your business has a digital presence on Google. The next step is optimizing a webpage for Organic Search traffic by developing high quality content centered around your business, your products, and what separates you from your competition. This is a wholly different endeavor that presents its own challenges and opportunities. Check back here in the future for more tips on keeping your business in the front of mind for your potential customers.

Additional Industry Articles

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Why Do Entry Doors Leak—And What Can Be Done About It?

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner—or for the Dealer or installer involved—than discovering that an entry door is leaking. It’s especially concerning during heavy rainstorms, which are common in the hot summer months.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.


Why Do Entry Doors Leak—And What Can Be Done About It?

July 7th, 2025 by Caleb Krugman

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner—or for the Dealer or installer involved—than discovering that an entry door is leaking. It’s especially concerning during heavy rainstorms, which are common in the hot summer months.

Fortunately, with proper installation practices, routine maintenance, and a little knowledge, most leaks can be prevented or corrected.

Why Might an Entry Door Leak?

There can be several contributing factors:

1. Defective Product or Assembly

Occasionally, leaks result from a failure of a component—such as water seeping through a glass insert—or from improper assembly. Examples include missing caulk or fasteners, or the wrong components being used for a specified unit.

2. Poor Application

A door unit installed in an opening exposed to harsh weather without proper protection is vulnerable. For instance, a double door or ADA sill configuration that faces prevailing winds and rain without an overhang is at higher risk for leakage.

3. Improper Installation

If a door unit isn’t installed plumb or square, isn’t properly caulked or shimmed, or if incorrect caulk (such as silicone where it shouldn’t be used) is applied, leaks can occur. Two of the most critical installation steps—caulking the weather seal and installing the seven corner pads in the correct direction and configuration—are outlined in steps 3 and 4 of this video.

4. Extreme Weather (Acts of God)

Sometimes, conditions simply exceed what any door system can withstand.

The Importance of Maintenance

Just like any other part of your home, an entry door needs regular care. Paint and caulk don’t last forever—rot doesn’t happen overnight, but small failures can escalate if not addressed promptly. At the first sign of a caulk gap or paint breakdown, repairs should be made to prevent further damage. Inspect your door at least once a year, and always after severe weather.

How to Improve Door Performance

If your door is already installed, here are steps you can take to protect it:

  1. Check caulk joints for gaps. Remove any loose or damaged caulk and reseal using the appropriate product.
  2. Inspect the sill cap, weatherstrip, and corner pads for wear. Replace if necessary.
  3. Maintain the finish by repainting or re-staining as needed.
  4. Install a rain deflector if the door is exposed to direct rainfall.
  5. Check the sweep at the bottom of the door. Ensure the ends are properly caulked where the sweep meets the door slab. Missing or damaged caulk at this point can lead to water infiltration.

Additional Resources

For more guidance on care and maintenance, check out these helpful videos from Therma-Tru:
👉 Therma-Tru Door Care & Maintenance Videos

Additional Industry Articles

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.


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.


Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 3: Developing and Leading a Sales Team

July 10th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

Lumbermen’s is proud to present Episode 3 of our Piece By Piece business podcast.

“I really believe that there is a difference between motivation and discipline,” shares Shawn Montague, Vice President of Building Materials. “So finding disciplined people who are intrinsically motivated…that’s one of the first things that we look for.”

Join us for a conversation about how Lumbermen’s approaches this topic and gain insights to help enhance strategies and development of your own sales team in the building materials industry and beyond.

Subscribe to us on YouTube to catch new episodes.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.

Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s

After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.

3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business

Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.

4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers

When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

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.


Lumbermen’s & Therma-Tru Launch Social Media Campaign Aimed to Drive Leads to Dealer

June 3rd, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

Lumbermen’s and Therma-Tru have recently initiated a dynamic social media campaign with the goal of enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales leads for dealers. This approach uses digital marketing strategies to emphasize the distinctive qualities and benefits of their products. The campaign cleverly combines engaging content with targeted advertising to improve dealer visibility and stimulate customer interactions. Additionally, it encourages prospective buyers to easily connect with local dealers, streamlining the transition from online exploration to in-person transactions.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.


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.

lumbermen thumbs up

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

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.


Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 2: Developing Customer Relationships

April 24th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

Lumbermen’s is proud to present Episode 2 of our Piece By Piece business podcast.

During this conversation, Shawn Montague, Vice President of Building Materials, dives in to the balance of achieving great results, while also caring for others. “Developing relationships with your customer requires providing value, while also achieving an understanding of each customer’s needs,” he shares.

Join us for a conversation about how Lumbermen’s approaches this topic, and gain insights to help enhance your own customer relationships!.

Subscribe to us on YouTube to catch new episodes.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.

Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s

After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.

3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business

Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.

4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers

When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

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.


Unlocking Innovation: Door Industry Highlights from the International Builders Show 2024

March 12th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman
IBS entrance

Every year, Las Vegas welcomes members of the building industry to the International Builders Show, and Lumbermen’s was there, along with thousands of other folks from around the world! There is so much to see and do, it is hard to take it all in, so here are some highlights from our friends in the Door industry and what they are excited about in 2024.

Simpson Door Company

One of the first booths we visited was Simpson Door Company, producers of some of the best wood doors in North America. The display that immediately caught our eye was the pivot door system, featuring a Monster XL-sized door for the entry or special space in a customer’s home. In addition to the impressive size, the door opened and shut smoothly and easily. Simpson also offers plenty of customizable options when it comes to style or operations of these pivot doors. Exciting stuff to see from a wood door and truly a differentiating feature!

Neuma Doors

The next stop on the floor were our friends from Neuma Doors, makers of high quality fiberglass entry doors. These guys are known for the style and energy efficiency when it comes to their gliding door systems, and that portion of their display was a big focus of visitors during our time there. A popular topic was Neuma’s Full Lite Gliding Panel door system, as natural light and a maximum viewing area continue to be top priorities for customers in the market.

Therma-Tru & LARSON Doors

Certainly one of the most impressive and comprehensive designs for a booth at all of IBS this year was the one that featured Therma-Tru, Larson Doors, and other products. The massive display offered examples of different Therma-Tru products, with the highlight for most attendees being the massive Veris door display that featured the product’s ability to fold and slide, creating an epic entry option for porches or backyard. Another big hit was the English-style garden display, with its impressive entry door and panel of windows. A big theme for Therma-Tru and Larson in 2024 is connecting the indoors to the outdoors, and they certainly showed off their capabilities to do so!

IBS has us excited for what is to come this year in terms of styles and functionality in the door category. For more information on any of these products, connect with a Lumbermen’s door sales representative.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.


Piece By Piece Podcast, Episode 1: Business Strategies for 2024

March 12th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

 

Welcome to Piece by Piece, a new Podcast by Lumbermen’s!

In this episode, Shawn Montague, VP of Building Materials, talks about strategies and expectations for 2024. “Find a way to create win-win scenarios between all the people that are involved in your business” was one strategy shared.

Subscribe to us on YouTube to catch new episodes.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. Homeowners are eager to complete projects before winter weather arrives, and many want everything wrapped up before the holidays. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.

Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s

After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.

3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business

Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.

4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers

When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

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.