Catalog
-
Contains 7 Component(s)
In today’s high-stakes, margin-sensitive lumber and building materials industry, every decision counts. This practical training series, built specifically for NAWLA members, shows how to harness the power of AI—without IT support or complex systems.
Smarter decisions. Stronger margins. No coding required.
In the fast-moving, margin-sensitive lumber and building materials industry, every decision matters.
This hands-on training — designed specifically for NAWLA members — shows wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers how to use AI tools that work right now. No IT team or complex systems needed.
Walk away ready to:
✅ Strengthen sales and customer loyalty
✅ Improve forecasting and inventory planning
✅ Make faster, data-driven leadership decisions
✅ Boost operational efficiency and communication
✅ Enhance cross-functional collaboration
What You'll Learn:
Understanding AI in the LBM Industry: What AI is (and isn’t), where it’s already embedded in your supply chain, and how to lead confidently — without being a tech expert.
Getting Started with AI (No Matter Your Budget): Free and low-cost tools like ChatGPT, ready-to-use prompts, and simple workflows for every department.
Sales, Forecasting & Operations: Predict demand, spot slow movers, streamline SOPs, and replace bottlenecks with smarter, faster solutions.
Whether you’re in sales, operations, HR or leadership, you’ll walk away ready to put AI to work for real results.
-
Register
- Non-member - $225
- Member - $125
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 5 Component(s)
Whether you are new to lumber wholesaling, looking to sharpen essential skills needed for the role, or don’t understand how board feet and freight costs impact the bottom line of your lumber orders, then this course is going to help you understand the importance of lumber math. Through a series of real world lumber orders, we’ll walk you through how freight, mill and company pricing all impacts the final price to your customer. Its essential to provide the best and most accurate pricing to your customers. This course will help you walk through the steps of creating that final price. Every wholesaler needs to understand the basics of lumber math to do their job and do their job well. This course’s purpose is to teach you those basics, practice them through a few real world orders and give you the tools and knowledge necessary to complete this on your own.
Description
The NAWLA Lumber Math Course equips learners with the essential skills to confidently handle measurements, conversions, and calculations that drive success in the lumber industry. Rather than theory alone, this course immerses participants in a series of realistic case studies and simulated orders.
As learners progress, they’ll work hands-on with multiple lumber species and dimensions, mastering board foot calculations, differentiating between nominal, actual, and metric sizes, converting units, and accurately estimating freight costs.
By the end of the course, participants won’t just understand the math—they’ll have the practical experience to approach complex orders like seasoned professionals, improving accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able
- Calculate lumber orders and measurements into board feet.
- Generate freight costs based on lumber orders and lumber volume.
- Produce an accurate price per piece cost for a customer.
- Demonstrate the differences between nominal, actual and metric lumber measurements.
Who should enroll?
This course is designed for lumber wholesalers at any stage of their career, sales reps, and anyone involved in pricing or managing lumber orders. If you're stepping into the industry or feel unsure about board feet calculations, freight costs, or how mill pricing affects your margins, this course is for you!
Why this course matters?
Lumber math is the foundation of successful wholesale trading. Understanding how to calculate board footage, factor in freight costs, and apply mill pricing directly impacts your bottom line. Without accurate math, you risk underpricing orders or losing margin. This course equips you with the essential skills to confidently price lumber, ensuring you deliver precise quotes and maintain profitability with every customer interaction.
Ben Jerkins
Capital Forest
Ben Jerkins is a dedicated Lumber Trader with Capital Forest Products, based in Atlanta, GA, serving the South and Southeast regions. He joined Capital Forest seven years ago as a Sales Representative for James Hardie Building Products, where he introduced cement fiber siding and trim to the Shed Building industry. During the pandemic, Ben transitioned to his current role, where his passion for the wood industry has only grown.
Ben holds a B.S. in General Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of North Alabama. Outside of work, he’s a passionate musician with over 40 years of experience, sharing his love for music with his children. Family is at the heart of Ben’s life, and he finds joy in cooking and creating delicious dishes.
Thomas Mende
President & CEO
Binderholz Timber
Thomas Mende is the President and CEO of Binderholz Timber and joined the company in 2019. With extensive experience in the wood products industry, Thomas has worked with leading companies such as Klausner Trading USA and New South Companies. He also serves on the Board of Directors for NAWLA.
-
Register
- Non-member - $225
- Member - $125
- More Information
-
Contains 3 Component(s)
Differences in housing types, home sizes, location, and construction techniques mean that one housing start isn’t the same as another. The same goes with lumber production; how much mills sell and where they sell it varies from year to year. (Witness Canada’s revived effort to do more business in Asia.) Here’s why it’s important to understand these differences to make certain you’re reading the housing numbers properly. They could be crucial to producing and buying wisely.
Differences in housing types, home sizes, location, and construction techniques mean that one housing start isn’t the same as another. The same goes with lumber production; how much mills sell and where they sell it varies from year to year. (Witness Canada’s revived effort to do more business in Asia.) Here’s why it’s important to understand these differences to make certain you’re reading the housing numbers properly. They could be crucial to producing and buying wisely.
Craig Webb
President
Webb Analytics LLC
Craig Webb is a nationally recognized expert in the lumber and building materials industry, known for his deep insights into dealer and distributor operations across the U.S. As President of Webb Analytics, he provides strategic consulting, custom research and industry analysis to help manufacturers, distributors and investors navigate market trends and challenges. With a journalism degree from Indiana University and decades of editorial leadership—including 12 years as editor-in-chief of ProSales magazine—Webb has built a reputation as a trusted voice through his writing, speaking engagements and creation of the ProSales 100 Conference. His career spans influential roles at The Wall Street Journal, McGraw-Hill, American Banker and UPI and he’s visited dealers in 49 states and multiple countries to stay closely connected to the industry’s pulse.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 2 Component(s)
Discover how Epicor Warehouse Management System (WMS) empowers wholesale distributors to streamline operations, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce labor costs. You'll hear from Jim Houser, Epicor WMS expert, and WMS customer Carl Lamb, Executive Vice President at Snavely Forest Products, about how Epicor WMS has helped drive operational excellence and scalability. Learn how features like real-time inventory tracking, automated workflows, and seamless ERP integration can help your business gain control, reduce waste, and improve throughput across the supply chain.
Discover how Epicor Warehouse Management System (WMS) empowers wholesale distributors to streamline operations, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce labor costs. You'll hear from Jim Houser, Epicor WMS expert, and WMS customer Carl Lamb, Executive Vice President at Snavely Forest Products, about how Epicor WMS has helped drive operational excellence and scalability. Learn how features like real-time inventory tracking, automated workflows, and seamless ERP integration can help your business gain control, reduce waste, and improve throughput across the supply chain.
Carl Lamb
Executive Vice President
Snavely Forest Products
Carl Lamb is a dynamic, results-driven executive with over 30 years of leadership experience driving transformative growth and operational excellence in the wholesale building materials industry. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to innovation, Carl has a proven track record of elevating business performance through market insight, financial discipline, and leadership development.
As Executive Vice President of Snavely Forest Products, Carl has designed and executed strategies that expand market presence, enhance profitability, and optimize operational performance. His leadership philosophy centers on teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement—cultivating a culture aligned with the industry’s evolving demands and opportunities.
Jim Houser
Senior Territory Manager
Epicor
Jim Houser is a seasoned warehouse operations leader with over 30 years of experience with warehouse management, logistics, and operational optimization. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in inventory control, workflow design, and performance improvement across fast-paced distribution and retail environments. Over the last 20 plus years, Jim has been involved in NAWLA and other industry associations serving on board of directors and advisory council positions and has worked with numerous other NAWLA members who have implemented Epicor Warehouse Management Solution.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 3 Component(s)
A restaurant might offer a Soup du Jour every day, but what goes into it changes constantly based on the quantity and quality of the ingredients. It’s the same with lumber pricing: How much higher or lower the price goes depends on what’s happening with key fundamental ingredients. Which will influence the direction of lumber prices over the coming months? In this special report, NAWLA will report on what’s happening now, and is likely to happen in the future, with five issues that will play a key role in determining future lumber prices.
A restaurant might offer a Soup du Jour every day, but what goes into it changes constantly based on the quantity and quality of the ingredients. It’s the same with lumber pricing: How much higher or lower the price goes depends on what’s happening with key fundamental ingredients. Which will influence the direction of lumber prices over the coming months? In this special report, NAWLA will report on what’s happening now, and is likely to happen in the future, with five issues that will play a key role in determining future lumber prices.
Craig Webb
President
Webb Analytics LLC
Craig Webb is a nationally recognized expert in the lumber and building materials industry, known for his deep insights into dealer and distributor operations across the U.S. As President of Webb Analytics, he provides strategic consulting, custom research and industry analysis to help manufacturers, distributors and investors navigate market trends and challenges. With a journalism degree from Indiana University and decades of editorial leadership—including 12 years as editor-in-chief of ProSales magazine—Webb has built a reputation as a trusted voice through his writing, speaking engagements and creation of the ProSales 100 Conference. His career spans influential roles at The Wall Street Journal, McGraw-Hill, American Banker and UPI and he’s visited dealers in 49 states and multiple countries to stay closely connected to the industry’s pulse.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 3 Component(s)
Shifts in labor markets, demographic changes, and population trends are transforming the workforce faster than ever before. NAWLA members are facing a competitive landscape where attracting, developing, and retaining top talent depends not just on pay and benefits—but on the quality of leadership. In this session, participants will explore the latest workforce data on population growth, generational shifts, and employment trends, and connect it directly to what matters most: leadership excellence. Together, we’ll uncover how leadership practices influence retention, employee development, and organizational culture—and highlight the five leadership skills proven to create high-performing, engaged workplaces. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Interpret current labor and economic data to identify critical workforce challenges and opportunities. Understand the connection between leadership behaviors and employee attraction, retention, and development. Identify the five most critical leadership skills that strengthen leadership capability and prepare organizations for the evolving labor market.
Shifts in labor markets, demographic changes, and population trends are transforming the workforce faster than ever before. NAWLA members are facing a competitive landscape where attracting, developing, and retaining top talent depends not just on pay and benefits—but on the quality of leadership. In this session, participants will explore the latest workforce data on population growth, generational shifts, and employment trends, and connect it directly to what matters most: leadership excellence. Together, we’ll uncover how leadership practices influence retention, employee development, and organizational culture—and highlight the five leadership skills proven to create high-performing, engaged workplaces.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Interpret current labor and economic data to identify critical workforce challenges and opportunities.
- Understand the connection between leadership behaviors and employee attraction, retention, and development.
- Identify the five most critical leadership skills that strengthen leadership capability and prepare organizations for the evolving labor market.
Claudia St. John, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
President
The Workplace Advisors
Claudia St. John, SHRM-SCP, SPHR is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the Founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, a leading HR consulting, recruiting, and training firm specializing in equipping businesses with the consulting support and people skills they need to grow. The Workplace Advisors is the North American Wholesale Lumber Association's endorsed HR and workplace resource.
Claudia is an SHRM Certified Senior HR Professional and a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst who empowers organizations with evidence-backed insights, so they can navigate the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, engagement, and retention with confidence and foresight. Known as The Workplace Advisor, she helps organizations zoom out, shift their mindset, and build businesses that lead their industry.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Contains 3 Component(s)
Lumber duties and Section 232, Tariff developments, economic impact generally, economic impact builders, what to expect By Craig Webb, President, Webb Analytics
In this edition of NAWLA Market Pulse, Craig Webb unpacks the latest developments in lumber duties and Section 232 tariffs, exploring their implications for the broader economy and the building industry. From trade shifts to cost pressures on builders, Craig offers expert insights on what stakeholders should expect next and how to prepare for potential changes in the market.
Craig Webb
President
Webb Analytics LLC
Craig Webb is a nationally recognized expert in the lumber and building materials industry, known for his deep insights into dealer and distributor operations across the U.S. As President of Webb Analytics, he provides strategic consulting, custom research and industry analysis to help manufacturers, distributors and investors navigate market trends and challenges. With a journalism degree from Indiana University and decades of editorial leadership—including 12 years as editor-in-chief of ProSales magazine—Webb has built a reputation as a trusted voice through his writing, speaking engagements and creation of the ProSales 100 Conference. His career spans influential roles at The Wall Street Journal, McGraw-Hill, American Banker and UPI and he’s visited dealers in 49 states and multiple countries to stay closely connected to the industry’s pulse.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 2 Component(s) Recorded On: 08/25/2025
Join Nicole Molczan, Sr. Sales Manager of Building Supply at Epicor, for an inside look at how strategic business process innovation is revolutionizing the lumber and building materials industry. This session will explore how leading companies are leveraging ERP systems to streamline workflows, maximize resource utilization, and achieve greater visibility across their operations.
Join Nicole Molczan, Sr. Sales Manager of Building Supply at Epicor, for an inside look at how strategic business process innovation is revolutionizing the lumber and building materials industry. This session will explore how leading companies are leveraging ERP systems to streamline workflows, maximize resource utilization, and achieve greater visibility across their operations.
Nicole Molczan
Senior Sales Manager
Epicor
Nicole is a seasoned sales leader with over 18 years in the building supply industry and more than 25 years in the software space, she is passionate about helping businesses grow through smart, tailored ERP solutions. At Epicor, she works alongside incredible teams to deliver tools like Epicor BisTrack & LumberTrack, designed to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and drive meaningful value for our customers.
Her focus is on sales enablement, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth—all while consistently exceeding customer expectations. She thrives on solving complex challenges and leveraging deep industry knowledge to uncover new profit channels and reduce operational costs.
Bob Texter
IT Systems Administrator
Eastern Engineered Wood Products
Bob has been an IT professional for the last 20-plus years, he has always prided himself on providing the best user experience as possible with reliable network and software performance. He has spent 16 years of his career in the US Army as a Signal Corps Officer, he installed, operated, and maintained Army networks and systems with the sole intent of ensuring that the message gets delivered.
For the last two years, He brought that same mindset to Eastern Engineered Wood Products. He is driven by the need to solve complex problems and to look for ways to improve the overall user experience and systems efficiency.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 3 Component(s) Recorded On: 08/06/2025
In the lumber and building materials industry, where relationships, operational know-how, and long-term vision are critical, leadership succession is more than a plan—it's a strategic advantage. This session offers a practical roadmap for developing future-ready leaders from within your organization, ensuring business continuity and long-term growth. Through a real-world case study, participants will explore how to: Build a strong governance foundation with a board and strategic committees aligned to long-term goals. Structure capital and incentive plans to support growth and retain top talent across sales, operations, and leadership. Identify key contributors and create tailored investment and ownership opportunities Establish performance benchmarks and review processes to adapt succession strategies over time. Manage leadership transitions with thoughtful liquidity planning that preserve company cash flow and empower rising leaders. Speaker: Alberto del Pilar, Managing Director | ButcherJoseph & Co.
In the lumber and building materials industry, where relationships, operational know-how, and long-term vision are critical, leadership succession is more than a plan—it's a strategic advantage. This session offers a practical roadmap for developing future-ready leaders from within your organization, ensuring business continuity and long-term growth.
Through a real-world case study, participants will explore how to:
- Build a strong governance foundation with a board and strategic committees aligned to long-term goals.
- Structure capital and incentive plans to support growth and retain top talent across sales, operations, and leadership.
- Identify key contributors and create tailored investment and ownership opportunities
- Establish performance benchmarks and review processes to adapt succession strategies over time.
- Manage leadership transitions with thoughtful liquidity planning that preserve company cash flow and empower rising leaders.
Whether you're a regional manufacturer or a national wholesaler, this session will help you build a leadership pipeline that keeps your business strong for generations to comeSpeaker: Alberto del Pilar, Managing Director | ButcherJoseph & Co.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Contains 3 Component(s) Recorded On: 06/12/2025
This discussion will analyze the balance between environmental factors (regulations, mortgage rates, and local demographics) and execution factors (supply chain efficiency, operational strategy, and market positioning) in maintaining a competitive advantage in the lumber and forest products sector. Speaker: Michael Swanson Ph.D. Senior Vice President Agricultural Economist and Consultant, Wells Fargo & Company.
This discussion will analyze the balance between environmental factors (regulations, mortgage rates, and local demographics) and execution factors (supply chain efficiency, operational strategy, and market positioning) in maintaining a competitive advantage in the lumber and forest products sector.
Speaker: Michael Swanson Ph.D. Senior Vice President Agricultural Economist and Consultant, Wells Fargo & Company.
Michael Swanson
Senior Vice President, Agricultural Economist and Consultant
Wells Fargo & Company
Michael Swanson is an agricultural economist and consultant for Wells Fargo, the largest commercial agricultural lender in the United States since 1997. Based in Minneapolis, his responsibilities include analyzing the impact of energy on agriculture and strategic analysis for key agricultural commodities and livestock sectors. His focus includes the systems analysis of consumer food demand and its linkage to agribusiness. Additionally, he helps develop credit and risk strategies for Wells Fargo’s customers and performs macroeconomic and international analysis on agricultural production and agribusiness.
Michael joined Wells Fargo in 2000 as a senior economist.
Prior to working at Wells Fargo, he worked for four years at Land O' Lakes, a large national dairy cooperative based in Minnesota. Before working in the dairy processing business, Michael lived in South America for four years working for Cargill. His first position was with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad as transportation systems analyst.
-
Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
