News You Can Use - Special Feature

Rader's Edge: How To Pick Vendors
Sometimes the biggest successes in LBM come from something as simple as a vendor and dealer teaming up for mutual benefit
By Chris Rader

In today's LBM business, the relationship between the vendor and supplier can't be taken for granted. A strong vendor-supplier relationship can not only outflank the competition but also ensure profits. Below you will find my account of a partnership between a vendor and a dealer that has existed for more than 10 years. You will also find nine ideas regarding how to find the best vendors. This is the story of how two guys have built their business by supporting each other. To protect their identities against competitors, I will call them Victor the vendor and Larry the LBM dealer.

Victor started his career working at an airline ticket counter for a number of years. He began to understand people and how to take care of them. He had to make last-minute decisions to board or not board passengers and to turn every plane, always shooting for on-time performance. Victor then moved to a sales job at window manufacturing plant. Read more.

Poetry Corner

The old man stood at the Pearly Gates, his face was scared and old
He stood before the man of fate for admission to the fold
“What have you done” Saint Peter said “to gain admission here?”
“I was in the lumber business for many a many a year.”
Saint Peter lifted up his arm and gently rang the bell.
“Come in and choose your harp, you’ve had your share of hell.”

From Brian and Sam your association Credit Card Guys