Lumber, growth and Tim Tebow
Dave DeJoy, CEO of LBM Advantage, like his predecessor Steve Sallah, joined the lumber industry co-operative from the blue chip corporate halls of IBM.
“I just changed one letter,” DeJoy told HBSDealer. “But it is a world of change. I keep telling everybody that I have not looked back one day since I got here about three and a half years ago. It's just a great industry, and a great company.”
DeJoy joined New Windsor, New York-based LBM Advantage in 2021 and later replaced the retiring Sallah as CEO in August of 2024. Following the recent LBM Advantage Annual Buying Show, DeJoy shared insights with HBSDealer on a variety of topics.
On economic outlook and future growth
The economic forecast remains a mix of optimism and uncertainty. He was quick to point to tariffs as a cloud of uncertainty. Still, while some members are aiming for 4% growth in 2025, others anticipate stronger growth in 2026. “I keep hearing that the second half of 2025 will be better,” DeJoy said. “And 2026 is going to be a big year.”
The ongoing housing shortage—estimated at 4 million under-built homes—suggests strong demand in the long run. However, obstacles such as mortgage rates and tariffs continue to present challenges. “There are a lot of headwinds,” DeJoy acknowledged. “But we remain optimistic. We are all about growth.”
Looking ahead, LBM Advantage plans to expand both organically and through new members. “We should have some big ones coming soon,” DeJoy hinted. “Despite an unsteady economy, we’re happy with where we’re headed.”
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Members, vendors, and industry pros explored new products and engaged in networking on the show floor.
On the recent buying show
LBM Advantage recently wrapped up its annual buying show in Orlando, an event DeJoy described as their “best show ever.” More than 1,200 people attended, with 60% member representation and 200 vendors.
“The energy in the hallways was fantastic,” DeJoy noted. “Our traders did a great job of driving members to vendors, strengthening those relationships.”
The event also featured several standout sessions, including a women’s panel titled Breaking Barriers, hosted by Kate Weissmann, and a fraud-prevention seminar led by John Smith from PLM. Heisman Trophy winner and football icon Tim Tebow delivered a keynote. “His message was great, and the way he delivered it was just spot on for our members,” DeJoy said.
Beyond the main sessions, the show also facilitated key business meetings, including a forest products committee meeting, pool group discussions, an ECI user group meeting, and a board meeting that introduced a new chairman and vice chairman.
Growth and stability in a shifting market
Despite the challenges facing independent lumberyards—closures, acquisitions and industry consolidation—LBM Advantage continues to thrive. “We have almost 1,500 yards, represented by over 500 members,” DeJoy said.
The co-op actively works with members to keep yards in the network, even when ownership changes. “We may lose a member, but we work to keep the yard or yards,” he said. "That strategy has kept us stable.”
On the move from IBM to LBM
Obviously, LBM Advantage does not operate under the Wall Street-imposed quarterly pressures under which IBM and the publicly traded companies operate. Also, DeJoy sees the culture at LBM Advantage, shaped largely by its cooperative structure and leadership (past and current), as a differentiator.
“I have to say, I got a world-class training at IBM, but I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything.”
