Digital Transformation & Technology Essentials
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Register
- Non-member - $250
- Member - $125
Technology is transforming every aspect of the lumber supply chain. This bundle provides practical guidance on AI, cybersecurity, process optimization, and emerging technologies that help professionals improve efficiency, reduce risk, and drive innovation across their organizations.
Key Outcomes:
- Apply AI tools to everyday business challenges
- Strengthen cybersecurity awareness
- Understand technology trends impacting lumber businesses
- Identify opportunities for operational improvement
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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.
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Every day, manufacturing and distribution companies are targeted by cybercriminals looking to disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, and demand costly ransom payments. One successful attack can impact production, shipments, customer relationships, and profitability. Join NIC for an executive-focused discussion on the growing cybersecurity threats facing the lumber and building materials industry, and learn practical steps to protect your business, reduce risk, and maintain operational continuity before an incident occurs.
Every day, manufacturing and distribution companies are targeted by cybercriminals looking to disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, and demand costly ransom payments. One successful attack can impact production, shipments, customer relationships, and profitability.
Join NIC for an executive-focused discussion on the growing cybersecurity threats facing the lumber and building materials industry, and learn practical steps to protect your business, reduce risk, and maintain operational continuity before an incident occurs.
$i++ ?>Helen Leonidas
Vice President of Business Development
NIC Inc.
As Vice President of Business Development at NIC Inc., Helen Leonidas brings more than 18 years of experience in business operations, strategic planning, risk management, and technology services. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping organizations grow by aligning business objectives with innovative technology solutions.
At NIC, Helen works closely with clients, partners, and internal teams to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver meaningful business outcomes. With expertise spanning managed IT services, cloud technologies, Microsoft 365, and business operations, she is known for translating complex technical concepts into practical strategies that help organizations operate more efficiently and confidently.
A Microsoft Certified Professional and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Helen combines technical knowledge with a strong business background to help clients navigate change, improve processes, and leverage technology as a competitive advantage. Her experience in business financing and operations provides a unique perspective that enables her to connect technology initiatives to measurable business value.
Helen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from California State University, Northridge. She is committed to continuous learning and professional development and enjoys helping both clients and colleagues succeed in an ever-evolving technology landscape.
When she’s not at NIC, Helen can often be found logging miles on the road and training for her next marathon. Her dedication to long-distance running reflects the same discipline, perseverance, and goal-oriented mindset that she brings to her professional life.$i++ ?>Michael Leonidas
President
NIC Inc.
Michael Leonidas is the President of NIC Inc. and has spent more than 20 years helping businesses use technology to solve problems, improve operations, and support growth. With a strong background in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and technology strategy, Michael enjoys helping organizations turn technology into a business advantage rather than just another expense.
Since founding NIC Inc. in 2002, he has worked with companies of all sizes to modernize their technology, improve efficiency, strengthen security, and build systems that can grow alongside their businesses. He’s especially passionate about helping business leaders make smart technology decisions that deliver real-world results—not just technical upgrades for the sake of technology. Prior to becoming the owner and CEO of NIC, Michael worked as a Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Office at several global companies, building knowledge and experience to lead his own company.
Michael has extensive experience working with clients in the lumber and building materials industry, helping them streamline operations, improve reliability, enhance cybersecurity, and leverage technology to support continued growth in an evolving marketplace.
Known for his practical, hands-on approach, Michael has led countless infrastructure upgrades and process improvement initiatives throughout his career. He also brings many years of experience developing and launching new products and technology solutions, giving him a unique perspective on both the technical and business sides of innovation.
A firm believer that learning never stops, Michael is committed to staying current with emerging technologies, cybersecurity trends, and industry best practices. Over the years, he has earned numerous professional certifications and regularly invests in continuing education through seminars, training programs, and industry events. This commitment allows him to bring fresh ideas, current knowledge, and proven strategies to the clients he serves.
Today, Michael leads the strategic direction of NIC Inc., working closely with clients to align technology with business goals. Whether he’s helping a company strengthen its cybersecurity posture, planning a complex technology rollout, or advising leadership teams on long-term IT strategy, his focus remains the same: delivering practical solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce risk, and grow with confidence.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and children. When he's not helping clients navigate technology challenges, you'll often find him on the golf course, planning his next travel adventure, or coaching his children's basketball teams. He values the lessons that sports, travel, and family life teach about teamwork, leadership, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that also influence his approach to business and client relationships.
$i++ ?>Kalem Ison
Technical Operations Manager
NIC Inc.
When clients need someone who can connect technology strategy with real-world business results, they turn to Kalem Ison. As Technical Operations Manager at NIC Inc., Kalem brings nearly two decades of experience helping organizations improve operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and leverage technology to support growth. A Computer Science graduate from the University of Utah, he has built a career around solving complex technology challenges and turning them into practical, reliable solutions.
Kalem's expertise spans managed IT services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, data center operations, and infrastructure modernization. He is especially known for his ability to keep businesses running smoothly while helping leadership teams navigate technology decisions with confidence. Whether he's improving system reliability, reducing operational risk, or planning for future growth, Kalem focuses on delivering solutions that make a meaningful impact on the business.
A significant part of Kalem's career has been dedicated to supporting companies in the lumber and building materials industry. He understands the critical role technology plays in managing inventory, purchasing, accounting, logistics, and customer service operations. His experience with ERP systems and industry-specific workflows allows him to bridge the gap between technology and day-to-day business operations, helping clients increase efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.
In his free time, Kalem enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs in St. George, Utah, where he is currently building a new home. He hopes to spend more time there enjoying off-roading and hiking.
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The world of technology has reshaped countless industries, and now it's time to explore the transformative capabilities of ChatGPT. Join us for an eye-opening webinar led by Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, as we delve into the myriad possibilities that ChatGPT offers for your organization, regardless of your role or department!
Presenter: Wendy Sellers
The world of technology has reshaped countless industries, and now it's time to explore the transformative capabilities of ChatGPT. Join us for an eye-opening webinar led by Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, as we delve into the myriad possibilities that ChatGPT offers for your organization, regardless of your role or department!
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Where is the industry headed? Listen as our expert panelists, Anthony Muck, Jason Niemi, Gordon Summer, and Nate Watson as they talk about the industry and answer questions from the audience.
Presenters: Anthony Muck, Jason Niemi, Gordon Summer, and Nate Watson
Where is the industry headed? Listen as our expert panelists, Anthony Muck, Jason Niemi, Gordon Summer, and Nate Watson as they talk about the industry and answer questions from the audience.
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Contains 2 Component(s) Recorded On: 08/24/2025
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.
$i++ ?>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.
$i++ ?>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.




