BLD Connection honors Wisconsin’s best
BLD Connection, the Midwest LBM trade association, recently honored its best in Wisconsin
Shane Schwingle of Pukall Lumber Company in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, has been honored as the 2024 BLD Connection Wisconsin Dealer of the Year.
Additionally, Novo Building Products of Zeeland, Michigan was honored as the 2024 BLD Connection Wisconsin Association Supporter of the Year.
The awards were presented at the 2024 Wisconsin Connection Conference on March 21, at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Hotel in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
The honorees were nominated by retail members of BLD Connection Wisconsin, the BLD Connection Wisconsin Board of Directors, and members of the staff. Award recipients are recognized for standing out as being ethical, committed to their industry and community, and respected by their peers.
Dealer of the Year
Schwingle began his career in the lumber and building material industry in 2014 with Pukall Lumber Company as a CDL truck driver – delivering lumber, shavings, and finished products to customers in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada.
In 2016, he became the retail general manager and is responsible for working with Lakeland’s professional contractors to supply a broad range of products, from roofing to basement systems and everything in between, including other value-added items manufactured on-site such as tongue-and-groove paneling, wood siding, molding, and decking.
BLD Connection said that Schwingle has a knack for recruiting talent and managing staff. He puts a significant amount of time into staff development and leadership training, working hard to “find the right fit” for each employee at Pukall.
Schwingle is an active and engaged member of BLD Connection and LMC where he not only builds his own skill set but also ensures that members of the Pukall Lumber team receive training and career advancement opportunities.
Association Supporter of the Year
Novo Building Products is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of stair parts, mouldings, doors, and specialty millwork, along with a variety of board products. Novo Building Products (formerly known as Empire Moulding & Millwork) operates Ornamental Decorative Millwork, L.J. Smith Stair Systems, and Novo Direct.
Novo means “from the beginning” or “make anew.” Just as their products are used to build something new and inspire others to make living spaces more beautiful, Novo endeavors to positively impact the people and communities they serve every day.
For years, Novo has committed its team and resources to ensure that BLD Connection – and especially the Association’s activities in Wisconsin – are supported. The team at Novo Building Products can be seen at all the Association’s events.
Also, Novo Regional Manager Tony Camardo has served the organization – as many of his Novo peers have – as Associate Director to the BLD Connection Wisconsin Board of Directors and the Wisconsin Lumber Dealer Education Foundation.
BLD Connection represents building material dealers and suppliers in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Upper Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The association was formed last October following the merger of the Northwestern Lumber Association and the Mid-America Lumbermens Association.
