A Top Dealer Perspective at the 2024 LBM Strategies Conference
Wilson Lumber’s Josh Fowler, a proud recipient of this year's 40 Under 40 Award at the LBM Strategies Conference, shares his experiences at the event. Wilson Lumber was recognized during LBM Strategies' Top 100 Dealer Celebration. Here are some of Josh's highlights, key takeaways, and thoughts on why conferences like these are crucial for the lumber and building materials industry.
LBM Strategies Conference Most Anticipated Moment
I was most excited to hear and participate in discussions around attracting the next gen to our industry. It’s something I’m passionate about, having started as a young adult myself with a strong drive to succeed. Mentoring and discovering the next generation of talent is incredibly fulfilling for me, and these events are perfect for that.
The networking aspect was also exciting! Getting to sit with and learn from so many successful industry leaders like CEOs, presidents, and other owners was invaluable. I’d heard and read great things about the conference, so I couldn’t wait to see it all in action. And, of course, attending to accept the 40 Under 40 nomination made it even more special.
3 Key takeaways from the LBM Strategies Conference
1. Shared Challenges Across the Industry
Regardless of a company’s size or focus, we all struggle with similar issues, like hiring, retaining top talent, and exceeding customer service expectations. It was refreshing to hear others face the same challenges and explore solutions together. Leadership and culture were recurring themes, with a lot of focus on making sure people are in roles that allow them to shine, even if that means transitioning them into a different position to unlock their potential.
2. The Ganahl Lumber Experience
Visiting Ganahl Lumber, a company that’s been around since 1884, was eye-opening! Their dedication to their customers and innovative approach to customer service were truly inspiring. Their golden rule is to make every interaction valuable for their customers, and that philosophy has undoubtedly played a big part in their success.
3. Investment in Growth
Wilson Lumber and many other companies showed a strong commitment to investing in growth. It was great to see so many in the industry dedicated to pushing boundaries and raising standards for both customers and employees. It aligned closely with the values and culture we prioritize at Wilson Lumber.
Also - I must mention the location, Costa Mesa, California was fantastic. The venue and accommodations were top-notch!
The Importance of Attending Events Like the LBM Strategies Conference for our Industry
Conferences can be hit or miss, but for me the LBM conference was a must. Many conferences are more passive, where you just sit, listen, and absorb. But this one felt different; it was interactive with small groups and round-table discussions, which made the content so much more engaging.
Being part of these conversations means that we’re prepared to implement these new tools and strategies early—keeping us a step ahead.
The industry is changing rapidly, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. There’s a wave of experienced leaders retiring in the next 5-10 years, and the knowledge they have will be hard to replace. Conferences like LBM give us insights into strategies that can help us manage that transition, and they also showcase emerging trends like AI and advanced software that could transform our operations.
Top Favorite Moments at the LBM Strategies Conference
One highlight was listening to Bradley Hartmann talk about his upcoming book, The Air Raid Sales Offense, which is all about shifting from a defensive to an offensive sales strategy. It was inspiring and filled with practical insights for driving new sales.
Another memorable moment was receiving my 40 Under 40 award. I was nervous heading to the stage—hoping not to trip and create a viral moment! Thankfully, it all went smoothly, and it was a proud achievement I’ll cherish.