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Time sure has flown by since construction began in October 2013 on the BCMC Build house. The photos above compare the work done during the show with recent progress on the project, and the home is tentatively scheduled for completion in February.
Name: Seth Stormoen
Company: Blenker Building Systems
Position: Project Manager
Years in the industry: 14
- Everyone buying raw materials for structural components or conventional framing applications is purchasing design values and related properties for use in engineering equations to resist loads for a given load path.
- It is not well known that lumber design values are global in nature and not specific to the piece of lumber being used.
- Design values written into the building code become the law, whether they are scientifically correct or not.
- If the law is treated forthrightly as written, professional engineers have great value in the market.
On October 7, 2013, the Truss Manufacturers of Texas (TMAT) hosted a golf tournament at the Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio to raise money for Operation Finally Home and BCMC Build, who constructed a home for Pfc. Cody Nusbaum. This charity event raised $10,000 for the project.
- This year, SBC expanded from 24 to 28 pages, thanks to the commitment of our industry’s suppliers who advertise in the magazine.
- Be sure to check out the weekly email newsletter, SBC Industry News, which offers insight into general industry news and trends involving CMs, suppliers and the economy.
- If you find yourself doing something a bit differently, or you complete a project you’re particularly proud of, let SBC staff know so they can share it with the industry.
Component manufacturers (CMs) and their suppliers went to Capitol Hill this May to help their Congressional lawmakers understand how the structural component manufacturing industry can be a valuable bellwether for our nation’s economic health. Indeed, the improving economy was evident in the increase over last year’s conference attendance. This year, 59 lawmakers were visited, but more importantly, 19 states were represented by 31 attendees.
- SBCA is not your typical trade association. At its foundation is a focus on developing, sharing and promoting industry best practices.
- SBCA has refrained from participating in a “pay-to-play,” direct-lobbying approach.
- However, on issues ranging from tax reform to housing finance, there are proposals floated by lawmakers that could put many of us out of business very quickly. We have a duty to warn.
- The problem with advanced framing is there’s no mention of modern-day wall panels, raised heel roof trusses, floor trusses or the versatility of connections between the floor, wall and roof systems.
- Our products, and all the tools and materials that make our products possible, are the best way to meet the demand for efficiencies in structural performance, material use, labor and cost.
- As we look to the future, we know we can talk knowledgeably about innovative framing because we have a sure-fire way to back up our approach: the SBC Research Institute (SBCRI).
Two years have passed since we covered Integra Steel Truss (“Men of Steel,” August 2012). At that time, they were just starting out, leasing a portion of a warehouse to produce their first big job with a handful of part-time employees. Today, they lease the entirety of that original warehouse, have opened a second facility, grew their workforce to over 20 full-time employees and expanded their workload tenfold.
- My heart, as always, was to serve our members and SBCA staff to the best of my ability.
- Support SBCA with your membership, your donations, your time, and your love and passion for our industry.
- I’m turning this over to one of my great friends and mentors—a man who I have so much respect and admiration for, Mr. Rick Parrino.
It is an understatement to say a lot has happened over the past decade in our industry. In 2004, we were Revvin’ Up the Components Industry with a little over 1.9 million housing starts (see above right). Little did anyone know, the housing market would top out at 2.1 million housing starts the very next year. When BCMC returned to Charlotte in 2010 (see above left), housing starts had spent their second year under an unimaginably low total of 600,000. This year, we return to Charlotte, Standing Strong and Gearing Up for Growth, experiencing our first year over one million starts since 2007. Will we see you in our photos of BCMC 2014?
In 2015, SBC Magazine will embark on an ambitious project. In each of its nine issues, we will begin to record the history of the components industry through the eyes of several of its early pioneers.
Don't miss all that this year's show has to offer in Charlotte, NC!
At this year’s SBCA Annual meeting, held in conjunction with BCMC in Charlotte, NC, the industry’s annual awards were announced:
At 3,426 square feet, the 2014 BCMC Build project was the most ambitious house built over the weekend prior to the BCMC show. With the help of several volunteers, including a professional framing crew supplied by US Framing, the house went from a bare slab to a fully framed and sheathed building in just four days!
- Given how dependent we are on each other, you could argue our relationships with our suppliers are more important than any other.
- Respect and trust are qualities that separate our “go-to” suppliers from everyone else out there.
- Look up and down your supply chain and encourage the companies you respect and trust to participate either in SBCA OQMs or in chapter meetings.
The theme for BCMC 2015 is Building Innovation, Framing Success. This year we are going to take a look back at the last 35 years of the BCMC show and highlight the ways it has enhanced the structural components industry’s ability to foster innovation throughout light-frame building construction. To do this right, we need your help.
Early in the new year is always a great time to make resolutions on how to improve your life (and your business). Here’s a look at five powerful things component manufacturers (CM) can resolve to do in 2015.
Usually, a picture is worth a thousand words, except when it is worth a million “ooohs” and “aaahs.”
William “Al” James passed away at the age of 87 on February 26, 2015.
- In order to illustrate how important it is to make connections, build friendships and, ultimately, reap the benefits of giving back, Rick shares his past experiences and influencers.
- Rick became the leader he is today through being led by others who had a long-term vision for the companies he was a part of, and for the industry as a whole.
- The SBCA Board is currently considering the development of an “Emerging Leaders” program to give our industry’s next generation of leaders an opportunity to begin networking with each other today.
In March, SBCA undertook ASTM E119 floor assembly fire testing at NGC Testing Services in Buffalo, NY.
This flow chart has taken the informal approach of dealing with industry issues in the past and provided a framework that better delineates a process that any TPI or SBCA member can become engaged in.
- Sometimes the benefit of building a relationship is just the sense of camaraderie, but other times, the value can be much more profound for your business.
- Having a close working relationship with your local building officials can not only help you better navigate code changes and jobsite inspection issues, it can help increase market acceptance of your products.
- Forming relationships with your state lawmakers is an easy process, and given their broad connections throughout your community, they’re good people to get to know.
Fairbanks Truss Company in Fairbanks, AK, held a plant tour last month for 20 students in the Fire Science Building Construction class at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Afterward, the instructor (who is also a Captain at nearby Steese Fire Dept.) said he found it informative and a worthwhile experience for his students by giving them a unique hands-on exposure to modern roof construction.
Villaume Industries was incorporated 134 years ago, and it has stayed in business by sticking to the leading edge of innovation.