Editor's Note
How This Soccer Legend Relates to the ProSales 100 ... and You
Keep Johan Cruyff's advice in mind when you scan this year's list, ProSales' editor suggests Read more
Dealers Changing How They Stock Treated Wood, Survey Finds
ProSales poll finds big shift is under way Read more
Dealers Tell Congress: We Have Seven Issues You Should Tackle
Proposed reforms span health care, regs, lawsuits, and the Internet Read more
Could a new regional LBM superpower be on the rise? Read more
10 new locations slated for 8 states Read more
Steal This Idea: Thank Your Staff for Safety
Here's how McCoy's Building Supply reinforces the message Read more
BlueLinx to Close 4 Distribution Centers, Cut Stock, Seek Sale/Leaseback of Property
Moves aim to reduce company's debt Read more
USGBC's Pilot Test Renews Tussle Over Which Lumber Qualifies for Green Building Programs
SFI, ATFS, and PEFC-certified wood all could join FSC in qualifying for LEED points Read more
Trade Group's New Campaign Touts Concrete Construction Over Wood
NRMCA's Build with Strength has already launched in Washington state and Maryland Read more
Sell Sheet
Avoid This Trap When You Start Talking with Customer Prospects
The urge to give away pricing info is strong, ProSales "Sell Sheet" columnist Rick Davis says. Here's his advice on how to resist that urge and ultimately make the sale. Read more
This often overlooked business segment brings high margins and low inventory requirements. Read more
ProSales columnist Don Magruder argues that while national suppliers can restrict their salespeople's decision-making, independents offer autonomy. Read more
Thea's Mailbag: What To Do When People Like You But Not Your Team
Here's how to develop a group that does the job without angering people Read more
ProWatch
How--and Why--to Improve Your Business Using Lean Principles
The LBM industry has been slower than some others to embrace a lean culture. Here's why Scott Morrison says that should change, and how to make it happen. Read more
ProWatch
Dealers Tell Us: What It Takes to Succeed in the Flooring Business
Five tried and true tips from six dealers who have cracked the code on selling flooring. Read more
Get a Quick Intro to the New Silica Rule With These 3 Reads
Pay special attention to the table on which business practices will keep pros out of trouble Read more
The 2016 ProSales 100
The nation’s largest pro-oriented construction supply firms saw sales rise 10.2% in 2015 from their year-earlier performance to reach $41.74 billion, while they increased the number of facilities by 9.7% and grew payrolls by 10.5%, the latest ProSales 100 survey shows. Read more
Paradise Found: How HPM Thrives in Hawaii
We profile a 95-year-old newcomer to the ProSales 100: HPM Building Supply of Hawaii. Read more
Charlie Gillman Fights the Retail Wars with Gusto
This ProSales 100 newcomer has three keys: Know your town, know how to buy, and know how to price Read more
Guy C. Lee's Hands-Off Business Model Helps It Thrive, Even in Tough Times
Our ProSales 100 report includes several profiles, including this one of the No. 57 company on the list, North Carolina-based Guy C. Lee. Read more
Hayward Lumber’s Owner Aims to Monetize Air Quality Concerns
Bill Hayward's new venture, Hayward Healthy Home, is partly a consultancy promoting indoor air quality that uses his own house as the showroom. Read more
Product Monitor
A New Generation of Windows
As consumer demand evolves and younger buyers enter the market, manufacturers are embracing what they see as long-term trends Read more
My Yardsticks
For Family Company Bliffert Lumber, What's Old is New Again
This Milwaukee dealer is celebrating its more than 100-year history in one the city's interactive museum exhibits--and planning to keep growing. Read more