I’m not sure if there is a playbook on celebrating a new beginning in a time of flat home sales and economic uncertainty. But we did our best. You may know that Wilson Lumber now has a location in Fairview, Tennessee serving the greater Nashville market.
And last week, as we celebrated this opening, I had to wonder if it would have been different if the market was more active. Not that things are terrible, but we sure aren’t seeing the same new home sales we did a couple of years ago.
After some thought, I believe the celebration would have been the same no matter what the market was like. Oh sure, maybe we could have had steak instead of sandwiches or pie instead of cookies (not that there was anything wrong with those cookies), but it is possible that it was better this way.
Celebrating a new beginning was hopefully a reminder that even in a down market, the sun always rises. Our revenue is down; we’ve had to make some tough decisions. And if you’re reading this and you’re in our industry, yours may be as well. But it is true that the sun always does rise.
I don’t really like the cyclical nature of this business. And just like it’s good to remember that when things are great, don’t get ahead of yourself; it’s also good to remember that when things aren’t great, don’t get to down on yourself. Proper planning, keeping some cash on hand, being ready for changes as they come; it’s all a part of market leadership. And that’s what we do.
Hopefully, you’re confused by this writing, and things are great for you. If not, take heart, down markets do not last forever. And if there’s anything we can do for you, please give us a call.