Technology

A tool for siding estimators
In the spirit of productivity, LP teams with Go Figure for an iPad app that speeds up the process.
Extreme growth blueprints
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest differences. Then again, sometimes it’s the big things. 

The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp., fresh from its October Market in Indianapolis, is advancing a slate of initiatives both large and small. Projects range from reprinting its field staff’s business cards to building what it calls a digital World Class Commerce Center. And as CEO Bob Taylor sees it, they are all in service of one overarching goal: serving the members.  

Let’s start with the big plans first.

Hooten’s successful leap

When Orgill first heard of Hooten’s Hardware’s expansion plan, it was a simple sketch drawn...
Porter-Cable sponsors solar decathlon team

Towson, Md.-based Porter-Cable announced its sponsorship of the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 University of Maryland team.

Porter-Cable donated a variety of tools, including cordless and corded drills, circular saws, batteries, chargers, compressors, routers, pneumatic nailers and much more to aid in the construction of the team’s solar-powered house, which the University of Maryland team will assemble and operate during the competition.
Small Businesses Hit Harder by VOC Regulations

Many retailers who carry paint and coatings, whether they’re small or large, national or local,...
3M expands Novec manufacturing facility

St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M is breaking ground on an expansion at its Cordova, Ill., facility, which manufactures specialty chemicals and adhesives, including 3M’s Novec brand products.
Quikrete reaches out to smartphone users

Quikrete has announced the launch of new smartphone-friendly features, including a mobile website and Quick Response codes, which will be printed on advertisements and retailer bin tags wherever Quikrete products are sold.

The QR codes are paper-based bar codes, and may be scanned with smartphone cameras, using a previously downloaded application that's increasingly common.
DuPont signs deal with Weatherization Partners

DuPont changed its Tyvek Distributor Geographic Market Area (GMA). Effective immediately, the GMA encompassing portions of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas formerly represented by Four States Supply, has been assigned to Weatherization Partners, Limited (WPL).
Menards project approved with $1.6 million tax incentive

A 162,340-sq.-ft. Menards has received final approval in Howard, Wis., outside of Green Bay, in a controversial deal that included $1.6 million in tax incentives, according to an article in the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Guardian names new president

Greenville, S.C.-based Guardian Building Products has named Steven Ziessler as president of the fiberglass insulation manufacturer and building products distributor.

Ziessler replaces the retiring Duane Faulkner, and will oversee the worldwide operations of Guardian's building products business, including manufacturing, marketing, distribution and product development.

Ziessler’s background includes positions at Kimberly-Clark, Cellu Tissue and Clearwater Paper.

A tool for siding estimators

Extreme growth blueprints

Hooten’s successful leap

Porter-Cable sponsors solar decathlon team

Small Businesses Hit Harder by VOC Regulations

3M expands Novec manufacturing facility

Quikrete reaches out to smartphone users

DuPont signs deal with Weatherization Partners

Menards project approved with $1.6 million tax incentive

Guardian names new president