Afleveringen
-
We often hear that the Canadian economy is built on small to medium sized business, but they face some of the largest challenges to thrive and prosper. Join us as Peter Turkstra, owner of Turkstra Lumber and industry advocate, joins Liz Kovach on this episode of Across the Yard to talk candidly about the issues impacting his retail business in Ontario.
The building supply sector is a significant employer and contributor to the economy across the country, but it’s often overlooked by government. To achieve affordable housing in Canada, government at all levels must engage with all facets of the construction industry to understand how their policies and bureaucracy have a negative impact and create obstacles.
Many of our independent retail members will likely relate! With more tariffs looming, it is critical for government to work with industry to remove barriers to successful business.
Enjoy the show!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca
Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you:
wrla.org/shop-local.html
Turkstra Lumber: https://turkstralumber.com/
Sponsor info:
This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser.
Elevate inventory, elevate sales.
Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers.
Learn more at hilinetreated.com -
Let's Talk Tariffs
Understandably, tariffs are at the top of everyone's mind right now. On again, off again, on again - it's incredibly hard to keep track of and, if you're a business owner, especially in the building materials industry, it's making it tougher than ever to make the right decisions. The spreading of misinformation and more voices than ever in the conversation, with varying degrees of trustworthiness, doesn't help, either. In times like these, it's great to be able to rely on experts in the field who can look at the whole situation and present some grounded perspective.
This week, Liz welcomes Don Humphrey, National Commodity Wood Manager for Sexton Group Ltd, one of the industry's major buying groups. Together, they discuss the story so far, what to expect now that we've got a new prime minister and an election on the way, and why everyone is watching the negotiating table so closely.
Don shares some insights on how these tariffs are lining up with the buying cycle, and what the newest tariffs on steel and aluminum mean for the average lumber yard as well as other impacts we're likely to see if the situation continues. Finally, Liz and Don talk about how supporting local is more important than ever.
It's a great conversation on a very tough subject, and we can't thank Don enough for sharing his experience with us once again!
Enjoy the show!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca
Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you:
https://wrla.org/shop-local.html
Sexton Group Ltd: https://sextongroup.com/
Sponsor info:
This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser.
Elevate inventory, elevate sales.
Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers.
Learn more at https://hilinetreated.com -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
The Building Supply Industry is vast, and there are more options than ever for materials and finishings. So how does a new company break through? How do they bring their product to market and stand out from the crowd?
This week, Liz sits down with Dean Petrillo and Kristyna Traynova from ABI Mouldings to hear their story. They discuss the beginnings and growth of the company, including how attending Supply-Build Canada events last summer as hole sponsors helped get their name out to the industry in a big way.
But wait - there's more! Liz, Dean, and Kristyna get into discussions on recruiting, bringing young people into the industry through internships, and what the growth trajectory of a new employee can, and often should, be.
There's also a very special mystery guest that pops in at some point, but we won't spoil the surprise. Enjoy the show!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca
ABI Mouldings: https://createwithabi.caen -
What is the secret to being a great leader?
When hard work is a given, what else do successful CEO's, coaches, and management do to lead their team forward?
To begin to answer these questions, we invited Kevin Eastman, who coached the Boston Celtics to a World Championship in 2008, about what it takes to make the best The Best. He's also the author of the bestselling book. "WHY THE BEST ARE THE BEST: 25 Powerful Words That Impact, Inspire, and Define Champions"
Liz and Kevin talk about the work that great leaders put in to elevate their game, how to approach the tough conversations that come with the territory, and a few of the 25 powerful words that can change how you approach your own career, starting today.
It's all happening on this week's episode of Across the Yard. Enjoy the show!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca
Kevin Eastman: https://kevineastman.net/
Why the Best Are the Best - Book Orders: https://kevineastman.net/book-orders -
Technology is top of mind for everyone these days. It's changing the way we do everything, including retail.
Diego Mazzone is on the show this week with Liz to talk about the advancements in the retail space that are using tech to elevate the in-store shopping experience. The inventory and pricing automations that JRTech Solutions offer with their electronic shelf label systems are freeing up employees to spend more time getting to know their customers and less time looking for product pegs and shelf locations. Customers are enjoying many of the benefits of the online shopping experience, combined with that in-person connection and care that only other humans can provide. It's great news for business owners and customers alike - and it makes for a fascinating conversation. Enjoy the show!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca
JRTech Solutions: https://www.jrtechsolutions.com -
Welcome to Season 3!
Across the Yard is back for our new season with new interviews, new topics, a new brand, and we’re ready to rock n’ roll!
Kicking things off, Liz welcomes performance coach Travis Thomas, author of “3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And” and his latest, “Confidence is Overrated: Why Courage is the Antidote and Feelings Make Cowards of Us All.”
Liz and Travis discuss his background in improvisation, and how it led to a life-changing realization about how to approach challenges and changes. Then, they get into how courage, not confidence, is what can be counted on to win the day.
It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking episode as we kick off 2025 on Across the Yard. Enjoy!
Links:
Supply-Build Canada (formerly WRLA): https://supplybuild.ca
Book Travis: https://www.liveyesand.com/book-travis -
2024 is coming to a close, and what a year it's been!
Liz, Amanda, and Chris from the WRLA team take a moment to look back on some highlights from the year, including the roll out of our new Building Material Fundamental Suite, our many new Affiliate partnerships, and our ever-present commitment to helping our members be successful.
Then, we look ahead to 2025, and the upcoming WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase, and the reveal of our new brand.
As of this episode, Across the Yard will be on a break until after the Showcase. We'll see you in 2025, and from all of us on the WRLA team, we wish you and yours the very best for the holiday season. -
Let’s Talk Commodities. Across the Yard with Don Humphries from Sexton
This week, we’re taking the plunge and talking about commodities and the lumber market. To guide us through it, we welcome guest Don Humphrey, National Commodity Wood Manager for Sexton Group Ltd. He and Liz talk about the regionality of the lumber industry, and how provincial regulations play a role in the success of mills across the country. They also touch on the tariff situation – both historical and present day, and what’s to come in the ongoing saga of selling softwood to the USA. Don takes us through it, and shares some keen observations as we all look for the way forward, examining Canada's inflation rate, the renovation bubble, and even mortgage trends!
It's a conversation you’ll want to hear – enjoy the show!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
Sexton Group Ltd: https://sextongroup.com/ -
Mental conditioning goes a long way. Your resilience and willingness to ask yourself tough questions can prepare you to deal with the pressures, stress, and even fear that come with running, or working in an organization. How do elite performers do it? What's the secret?
Our guest today is Lauren Johnson. Lauren helps elite individuals develop mental toughness so they can perform their best regardless of circumstance. Lauren’s clients include Google, the US Women’s National Soccer Team, Johnson & Johnson, and the FBI. She and Liz talk about mental conditioning, and what people can start doing right away to start performing at a higher level.
We are thrilled to be welcoming Lauren back to the WRLA Building and Hardware Showcase in Edmonton this January. She'll be talking about the advantage of being able to perform under pressure, and how to leverage it for success. Make sure to register for the trade show today - you won't want to miss this!
Links:
WRLA Showcase: https://wrlashowcase.ca
Lauren Johnson: https://www.laurenjohnsonandco.com/ -
One of the biggest pieces of a business' marketing puzzle is branding. Everything begins and ends with how your business represents itself. What message is your brand telling customers before they ever walk through your door or pick up the phone (or click that link, etc.)
This week, Liz is joined by Kiirsten May of UpHouse, a branding agency located in Winnipeg, with dozens of successful rebranding campaigns under their belts. Chris Allinotte also steps out from behind the podcast editing booth to weigh in on the process as an in-house marketing professional who has seen three companies through the rebranding process.
Find out the how, when, and most of all - the "why" of rebranding. Learn what to expect from the process, and common pitfalls to avoid along the way.
Get your pencils ready - you'll want to take some notes! Enjoy the show.
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
UpHouse: https://uphouseinc.com/
Also:
The Bud Light Marketing Case Study discussed in today's episode:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90888756/bud-light-inclusive-marketing-right-wing-outrage -
At this year's WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase, we're facing off for a great cause. We'll be holding the first ever Hockey for Habitat Event. Participating WRLA Members will be drafted to either Team TIMBER MART or Team CertainTeed.
On this week's episode, Liz sits down with the captain of Team TIMBER MART - and the person who almost single-handedly conceived this event - Joel Hartung of The LumberZone.
Liz and Joel talk about the game, which will be receiving the full NHL game production treatment (and how Joel managed to get that done) and why it was important to bring everyone together in support of Habitat for Humanity.
After the first period, the conversation turns to business matters, the US election, and the Softwood Lumber situation - you know, easy topics like that.
Finally, Joel weighs in on the workforce, and the resilience it's taken to build a successful business in today's economic climate.
Lace up those skates, and hop the boards - you're going to want to hear this one!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
The LumberZone: https://thelumberzone.ca/
Hockey for Habitat: https://bit.ly/3YT7x7m -
The WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase is in Edmonton, Alberta for our 31st annual event.
It's our first time hosting the show in Edmonton, so we invited on a guest who knows a thing or two about this wonderful city - Peter Cottan from Explore Edmonton. They talk about the significance of the show coming into the city, how the newly revitalized Expo Centre is ready to provide a world class experience. Learn how the city and venue are leading the way towards a cleaner, more eco-friendly, power-saving future. Most importantly, find out where to get the best pint of Guinness in Edmonton!
Enjoy the episode, and we can't wait to see everyone in Edmonton!
Links:
WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase: https://wrlashowcase.ca
Explore Edmonton: https://exploreedmonton.com/ -
This is our 50th Episode!
We started Across the Yard (formerly the very creatively titled, "WRLA Podcast") to share with the world what we already knew - that the Lumber and Building Materials industry is home to so many incredible business leaders and employees. We've invited 50 episodes worth of guests to join us for a chat and, quite often, a few laughs. We've talked about the market, the nature of sales, and so much more.
With all that, we think this week's guests are the perfect encapsulation of that entrepreneurial spirit, and examples of resilience in business. Liz welcomes Wade Laurent and Shane Chapman of The Ultimate Deck Shop in Regina and Saskatoon, SK. They share their "origin story" and talk about how their journey to expansion led right through the middle of a global pandemic.
Thank you, the listener, for joining us for 50 episodes. We can't wait to bring you even more stories, discussions, and laughs in the episodes to come.
Enjoy!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org/
The Ultimate Deck Shop: https://tuds.ca/ -
It's no great secret that experience (or the school of hard knocks) is the ultimate teacher. While education and theory can impart critical thinking skills and a baseline of knowledge, there's no substitute for on-the-job experience. That's where internship can help - specifically the WRLA's internship program.
This week, Liz is speaking to three recent students who found full-time employment through internship and career fair opportunities! Olivia Lloyd took part in a program through the Calgary Board of Education in partnership with WRLA. John Carlo Mendoza got his start on a student internship with us and then found his new career at the Career Fair at last year's Building & Hardware Showcase, and Camilla Josef is now a full-time member of the WRLA team after completing a design internship. Check out the episode and hear how they arrived on their current career path, and what advice they have for their fellow students!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
The Cedar Shop: http://www.cedarshop.com
Sexton: https://www.sextongroup.com -
"Am I the a**hole if I buy groceries with my company credit card?"
"How many drinks is too many at a work function?"
"Would I be the a**hole if I suspect something's up with the person that calls in sick every single Tuesday after a long weekend?"
These are just some of the questions that can keep a manager or business owner up at night. Lucky for us, we've got people and culture consultant Natalie Bell on hand to field some of these questions for us.
Liz and Natalie start out with a great discussion about the nature of human resources and how every business can benefit from taking a closer look at their HR policies and practices.
Then ... Natalie walks us through some HR tips and strategies as she and Liz navigate some real-life workplace horror stories where clear expectations and sensible policies would have saved the day.
It's a fun (and funny) jaunt through some truly wild workplace challenges that you won't want to miss.
Enjoy the episode (and then sign up for Natalie's Webinar on November 21 where she'll walk you through the HR Basics).
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
Natalie Bell Consulting: https://nataliebell.ca/
WRLA Webinar: HR Basics with Natalie Bell -https://wrla.org/events-calendar.html/event-info/details/id/81 -
"All you need is love ... and receipts" ~the Beatles' accountant, probably.
Expenses are one thing that every business has in common. Regardless of your product or service, there are expenses involved with doing business, and keeping track of spending is one of the most important things you can do for your bottom line.
If only it wasn't so much WORK.
Our guest this week is Paul Ansloos from ExpensePoint. We'll find out how Paul saw a need to make things easier for businesses to track expenses, keep track of receipts, and automate much of the work needed to produce month-end reporting.
The story of how Paul took this program from idea to multi-national success story is incredible, and you'll never look at your expense processes the same way again.
Enjoy the show (and share the link with your accounting departments asap!)
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
ExpensePoint: https://www.expensepoint.com/ -
We've got a very special episode for you this week! Liz was at the Women of Lumber and Forestry (WOLF) conference in British Columbia, and had a chance to catch up with a group of women who are taking the industry by storm!
What does it take to get established in a new job? How does one even find jobs in this industry? And once you have that job - how do you get better? To find out, we're talking to Layne Chand'Oiseau (Mountain View Building Materials and student at University of Calgary), Claire Welikoklad (Executive Home Building Centre), and Taylor Reynolds (Dakeryn Industries Ltd.) about their experiences.
We're talking about mentorship, and how working with people who want to see you succeed can make a world of difference, especially when you're starting out. Further down the career path - we're also talking to Helen Smith (Star Building Materials, Calgary) about her commitment to lifelong learning, including the new Executive Mastermind Course from WRLA, presented by the incomparable Lauren Johnson.
Enjoy the episode!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
Mountain View Building Materials: https://www.mountainviewbm.ca
Executive Home Building Centre: https://www.hbcpro.ca/
Dakeryn Industries Ltd: https://www.dakeryn.com
Star Building Materials - Calgary: https://www.starbuildingcalgary.ca/
WOLF Conference: https://womenoflumberandforestry.com/
Lauren Johnson: https://www.laurenjohnsonandco.com/ -
What did your career path look like? How did you arrive where you are today?
More importantly - if you could tell that things weren't working out, did you make a change?
That's the conversation we're having this week on Across the Yard with Colin McColl of Windsor Plywood Sherwood Park in Alberta. Liz and Colin talk about how he came to get involved in the building supply business. He also talks about what it's like to go from working alongside a team, to running that same team as a co-owner.
It's a great conversation you'll want to hear. Enjoy the show!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
Windsor Plywood: http://www.windsorplywood.com -
It's one thing to be an effective salesperson, but when you're in charge of the team, it's a whole other ballgame!
Jil Reid of Federated Co-operatives Ltd. joins Liz to talk about her journey from outside sales to successfully running a team of sales professionals. They talk about coaching, fostering a collaborative workplace, and how to approach (and train your team to approach) Contractor Sales. You'll also learn why it's super important to keep some fun in your Fridays!
Enjoy the show!
Links:
Federated Co-operatives Ltd: https://www.fcl.crs/home/
WRLA: https://wrla.org/ -
The job of a sales representative is simultaneously one of the most straightforward, and most complex roles on your business' team.
On the one hand, you are going out and getting people to agree to buy products from you; on the other, you're managing personal relationships, histories, preferences, and the unique needs of possibly hundreds of contacts across hundreds of businesses - and that's if you're doing it right!
This week on the podcast, Liz is joined by Derrick Czayka, Alberta Territory Manager for Regal Ideas Inc. They chat about how relationships, honesty, preparedness, and good old fashioned numbers can make a world of difference, especially if you're just starting out.
Thanks to Derrick for spending time with us Across the Yard, and sharing his time and wealth of experience with us!
Links:
WRLA: https://wrla.org
Regal Ideas: https://www.regalideas.com - Laat meer zien
