Shelter - Jan/Feb 2009

Volume 48, Issue 1 - January/February 2009

From the Editor
THE ISSUE AT HAND

Inspiring Information
Articles Sure to Motivate You

I’ve been inspired by the editorial content of this issue, and I believe that you will be too. While it’s my job to report on plant closings (see item on page 12), I have vowed to bring you positive information as well.

I highly respect Michael Collins, vice president, building products group at investment bank Jordan, Knauff & Company. I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on one of Collins’ presentations at a past convention of the Association of Millwork Distributors as well as attend a webinar put on by his company last year. Not only is Collins smart, but he can explain things so the rest of us who might not be so investment-savvy can understand them.

It was after reading Collins’ blog on Shelter’s sister publication’s site, www.dwmmag.com, that I decided I wanted to expand on his post titled, “Three Calls Everyone Should Make Today,” for an article in this issue (see page 16). I wasn’t particularly anxious to burn up the phone lines asking readers how they are coping with the recession. Quite frankly, I’ve been a little scared of the answers. But after reading Collins’ blog and then talking with him, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve already communicated with some readers to find out what they are doing to survive this downturn (see news section on page 10), and with some of you I had to leave a message. But don’t be surprised if you hear my voice—with its clear Southern accent—on the phone soon.

One of the best things I heard this week was from Shelter’s new blogger and columnist Keith Castleman, who is the general manager of the 84 Lumber location in Blue Springs, Mo.

When I asked Castleman what kind of features he would like to see in Shelter, he said, “I like to read things that make me smile – or better yet – laugh out loud. I’m so sick of reading all these passion-less articles about cutting corners and saving money. Tell me a funny story, make me feel a little bit better about myself and send me out to save the world. I hate reading things that remind me of Microeconomics class in college.”

We still will be publishing the economic information, but, as Castleman wishes, I will also try to find stories to make you smile or laugh. Castleman’s column on page 24 will actually do exactly that. It is going to make you laugh out loud. You won’t be disappointed, and you can sign up to receive his blog posts by following the link to “A Manager’s View” on www.sheltermagazine.com.

I look forward to hearing what you want to read about. And if you want to beat me to the phone, you can reach me at 540/720-5584, ext. 192.

Happy New Year!