Attacking the labor problem at its source
Strategies for the tight labor market include software solutions to improve planning, products that speed up production cycles and materials that can be installed and used in a wider range of temperatures. And then there’s the longer-term solution – recruiting the next generation to enter the building trades.
Rick Lierz, president of Boise, Idaho-based Franklin Building Supply and chairman of the National Association of Lumber and Building Material Dealers, says business is strong and growing at his 14-unit lumber industry. But there’s no doubt the lack of job site labor is a headwind at Franklin and other dealers around the country.
The NLBMDA and other regional dealer associations have been beating the drum for trade education and support for years. Meanwhile, Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s jumped into the movement in a significant way last week with plan to encourage and support its employees to gain training and skills in the building trades.
“We don’t see the labor problem getting better for awhile,” Lierz told HBSDealer. “And it’s certainly hurting our customers and all the trades.”
That’s a common viewpoint. A recent HBSDealer poll question finds dramatic solidarity behind the idea that the tight labor market is either directly or indirectly affecting business. HBSDealer specifically asked: “How is your business affected by the tight labor market?” More than 100 respondents generated the following breakdown:
At Franklin Building Supply, the company is concentrating on lean business practices to boost productivity and efficiency of its own work force. It’s also implemented a new software system to “help us do more with less.” The company is also growing its business with trusses, cabinets and doors – products that help the builder customer speed up production. All these efforts are bearing fruit, he said.
But there’s also the long-term approach, and that’s where the NLBMDA and the regional associations come into play.
“As an industry, we need to entice more kids who aren’t on a college track to explore careers in the trades,” he said. “ There’s a whole generation missing from our industry.”
He said lumberyards – with a boost from their state, regional and national associations -- are taking steps to attract young talent. They’re meeting local school districts and business leaders and promoting the idea that the lumber distribution business is “sexy.”
Those in the business understand the rewards of the career in LBM. The challenge is promoting that message to as large an audience as possible.
Lowe’s stepped up its support for the trades with an announcement last week of a labor development initiative that provides financial support to Lowe’s workers to pursue a skilled trade. The program is called “Track to the Trades.”
"The trade profession is a high-demand, high-opportunity field for the next generation workforce, and today, there is a massive unmet need," said Jennifer Weber, Lowe's chief human resources officer.
Her comments echo those of the Boise pro dealer.
“We need do more to get out and talk about it how that it’s a great career, and you can make a really decent living,” Lierz said.
Rick Lierz, president of Boise, Idaho-based Franklin Building Supply and chairman of the National Association of Lumber and Building Material Dealers, says business is strong and growing at his 14-unit lumber industry. But there’s no doubt the lack of job site labor is a headwind at Franklin and other dealers around the country.
The NLBMDA and other regional dealer associations have been beating the drum for trade education and support for years. Meanwhile, Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s jumped into the movement in a significant way last week with plan to encourage and support its employees to gain training and skills in the building trades.
“We don’t see the labor problem getting better for awhile,” Lierz told HBSDealer. “And it’s certainly hurting our customers and all the trades.”
That’s a common viewpoint. A recent HBSDealer poll question finds dramatic solidarity behind the idea that the tight labor market is either directly or indirectly affecting business. HBSDealer specifically asked: “How is your business affected by the tight labor market?” More than 100 respondents generated the following breakdown:
- 61% — Directly
- 9% — Indirectly
- 20% — Directly and indirectly
- 11% — What tight labor market?
At Franklin Building Supply, the company is concentrating on lean business practices to boost productivity and efficiency of its own work force. It’s also implemented a new software system to “help us do more with less.” The company is also growing its business with trusses, cabinets and doors – products that help the builder customer speed up production. All these efforts are bearing fruit, he said.
But there’s also the long-term approach, and that’s where the NLBMDA and the regional associations come into play.
“As an industry, we need to entice more kids who aren’t on a college track to explore careers in the trades,” he said. “ There’s a whole generation missing from our industry.”
He said lumberyards – with a boost from their state, regional and national associations -- are taking steps to attract young talent. They’re meeting local school districts and business leaders and promoting the idea that the lumber distribution business is “sexy.”
Those in the business understand the rewards of the career in LBM. The challenge is promoting that message to as large an audience as possible.
Lowe’s stepped up its support for the trades with an announcement last week of a labor development initiative that provides financial support to Lowe’s workers to pursue a skilled trade. The program is called “Track to the Trades.”
"The trade profession is a high-demand, high-opportunity field for the next generation workforce, and today, there is a massive unmet need," said Jennifer Weber, Lowe's chief human resources officer.
Her comments echo those of the Boise pro dealer.
“We need do more to get out and talk about it how that it’s a great career, and you can make a really decent living,” Lierz said.