In this episode, Blake and Pat Schwieters of JL Schwieters Construction near Saint Paul, Minnesota, share how their company grew from a small framing company to a fully-integrated contractor by gradually adding manufactured stair units, wall panels, floor panels and roof trusses—all to improve the efficiency of their field labor.

EP 66: Schwieters Share How All Components Benefit Framers

In this episode, John Herring, CEO of A-1 Industries in Fort Pierce, Florida, explores what the industry was like in the early 1970s in the industry’s birthplace. John also shares how his mindset changed about running a component manufacturing company after the housing bubble burst in the mid-2000s.

EP 81: Herring Shares Mindset Change After Housing Crash

In this episode, Joe Hikel, owner of Shelter Systems Limited in Westminster, Maryland, shares why he has been a driving force behind the creation of the new SBCA Foundation & Endowment, and how he envisions this charitable entity will give the component manufacturing industry an effective avenue to give back to the communities they serve.

EP 99: Hikel Shares His Passion for Industry Charity

In this episode, Bill Blades, president of Integrated Building Components in Phoenix, Arizona, shares what he prioritized as he laid out the first truss plant of his new component manufacturing company.

EP 107: Blades Explores Laying Out a New Truss Plant

In this episode, Torry Taylor, market operations manager for Builders Warehouse in Aurora, Colorado, shares his perspective on how employee retention and motivation are related and essential to a successful operation.

EP: 112 Taylor Gives Tips on Motivation and Retention

In this episode, Chris Breedlove, president of the National Framers Council, shares the value he has derived from being involved in the NFC and how the construction industry benefits from a national organization focused on framing.

EP 117: Breedlove on How NFC Benefits Framing Industry

There may be some debate over whether leaders are born or made, but being an effective leader takes experience, mentorship, and encouragement. In this session, we explore this topic with Heather Young, Plant Manager for Shelly’s Building Supply, a Division of US LBM, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

EP 121: Young Talks About Intentional Leadership Development

Piggy-back truss bracing frames may sound like they have a small window of application, but they are indicative of a mindset every entrepreneurial component manufacturer should have. In this episode, Dave Denoncourt with LaValley Building Supply shares how component manufacturers can seize value-add opportunities.

EP 127: Denoncourt Explores Value-Add Opportunities

Since 1960, when the Truss Plate Institute published the first design specification for metal plate connected wood trusses, the organization has overseen periodic updates and improvements. In this episode, Jay Jones, TPI’s Executive Director, talks about the updates included in the new ANSI/TPI 1-2022 standard, and how component manufacturers may be impacted by these changes.

EP 133: Jones Explores Key Aspects of New ANSI/TPI 1-2022 Standard

In this special preview episode, Futurist Steve Brown joins SBCA’s Ashley Baker to explore the current and future impact of artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics on component manufacturing. Steve also teases the key themes and takeaways from the two education sessions he'll lead at BCMC, giving listeners a glimpse of the forward-looking insights they can expect at the conference.

EP 137: BCMC Education Sneak Peek: AI, Humanoid Robotics, and Their Future in Component Manufacturing

In this episode of Component Connection, SBCA’s Director of Business Development Abby Langenberg is joined by Executive Director Jess Lohse to break down the highlights from SBCA’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. They discuss key takeaways from productive Capitol Hill meetings, insights from the Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM), and how new leadership, innovative programming, and future advocacy strategies are shaping the association’s direction. From forging legislative connections to experimenting with speaker formats and launching the idea of a PAC, this episode is packed with updates, takeaways, and a call to action for member engagement.

EP 138: Building Connections in D.C.: SBCA's Legislative Fly-In & OQM Highlights

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Jeff Hoggard of American International Forest Products (AIFP) to give a snapshot of the current lumber market. With uncertainty continuing to affect many aspects of it, Justin and Jeff talk inventory levels, buying trends, lumber mill curtailments, and more. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine, and Jeff has been with AIFP since 2012, focused on MSR and European lumber. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

EP 139: Lumber Insights

The new SBCA Academy is live, and user engagement is increasing steadily. In this episode, SBCA's Education Committee Chair, Tony Acampa, and SBCA's Director of Education, Ashley Baker, dive into the transition to the new LMS and the positive changes it’s driving. They highlight the shift to micro-learning, improvements to existing courses, and what’s on the horizon for education and training. Most importantly, they break down how members can easily access the content and get the most value from these resources.

EP 140: Inside SBCA’s New Academy: Micro-Learning, Member Access & What’s Up Next

In this episode, SBCA's Director of Marketing, Sean Shields, talks with Ben Tabolt, the Director of the Technical Development Group at MiTek. They take a look at the role of the architect and briefly discuss what it might look like for component manufacturers (CMs) to work more closely with architects, and what benefits may come from that collaboration.

EP 141: Looking at the Benefits of Collaboration Between CMs & Architects

In this episode of Component Connection, SBCA Executive Director, Jess Lohse, joins host Abby Langenberg to preview what’s in store on the BCMC 2025 show floor in Omaha. With more than 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, 120+ exhibiting companies (including 20 brand-new ones), and dozens of live equipment demos, there’s a lot to take in. Jess shares insights on key tech trends—from robotics to BIM integration—and offers practical advice for navigating the floor, making meaningful connections, and getting the most out of your time at the industry’s premier event. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a show floor veteran, this conversation will help you hit the ground running. Visit www.bcmcshow.com for more information.

EP 142: Inside the BCMC 2025 Show Floor - What to See, Who to Meet, & How to Navigate It All

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) who provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Several factors seem to be contributing to a largely stable lumber market, but there are hints that some markets are showing signs of growing strength. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

EP 143: Lumber Insights

Tune in to hear from Dusty Robotics' Zach Reiss-Davis about their Supplier-led Education Session at BCMC 2025! Their autonomous robot turns digital designs into precise onsite layouts, boosting speed and accuracy for framers, designers, and builders. In this episode, we touch on integration, Dusty's role in framing and pre-manufactured components, and the quick learning curve for crews. Catch this BCMC education preview to gain insight before the session begins! And be sure to join us in Omaha to see the robot in action!

EP 144: From Blueprints to Reality - How Dusty Robotics is Transforming Jobsite Layouts

In this episode, SBCA Director of Business Development, Abby Langenberg, and SBCA Executive Director, Jess Lohse, talk the Component Warning Notice (CWN) - a critical communication and safety tool designed with the installer and those coming into contact with trusses in mind. This tool is vital for protecting everyone involved in the construction process. By making sure it’s visible and understood, we’re helping raise awareness, prevent mistakes, and strengthen trust across our industry. Whether you're a CM, a framer, a supplier, or another professional in the industry, this episode explains why the CWN should be part of every conversation about jobsite packages and jobsite safety. 

EP 145: What You Need to Know About the Component Warning Notice

Join SBCA staff, Jess Lohse, Greg Greenlee, and Ashley Baker, as they unveil the brand-new BCSI training launching in the SBCA Academy on September 2nd. In this episode, the trio dives into how this streamlined, highly accessible training delivers the most essential content from the BCSI guide, making it easier than ever to understand and apply. Learn why this new resource is a must-have for anyone in the structural building components industry, how it complements the full BCSI guide, and why it's a game-changer for industry education and on-the-job training. 

EP 146: BCSI Training Drops Sept 2: Your Guide Starts Here

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) who provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. The market remains mostly unchanged with a potential lean toward the buyer; now may be the time to stock up. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

EP 147: Lumber Insights

In this episode, SBCA Director of Marketing, Sean Shields, is joined by Mike Kozlowski, President of Apex Technology, to explore what it looks like when component manufacturers get involved in building design earlier in the process and how it can yield benefits to everyone involved.

EP 148: The Benefits of Early Involvement in Building Design

This episode is your backstage pass to “Celebrating Women in Construction” at BCMC and Framer Summit 2025. SBCA’s Director of Education, Ashley Baker, sits down with Shawnee Roy of TrussWorks Operations - one of three featured speakers - to preview the stories, strategies, and takeaways you’ll hear at the event, plus why this conversation is a can’t-miss for anyone building the future of our industry.

EP 149: Sneak Peek: Celebrating Women in Construction at BCMC and Framer Summit 2025

Join Abby Langenberg, SBCA Director of Business Development, and Jess Lohse, SBCA Executive Director, as they take listeners inside the Big Green House at HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase. Discover how SBCA and its partners brought a 3,000-square-foot duplex to life on the National Mall in less than 12 hours using roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels. Hear about reactions from policymakers, builders, and the public, and learn how offsite construction is helping address housing affordability, availability, and accessibility—showcasing the future of smarter, faster homebuilding.

EP 150: SBCA Highlights The Big Green House at HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase

In this episode, Sean Shields, SBCA’s Director of Marketing, is joined by Steve Mickley, Executive Director of the American Institute of Building Designers. They discuss the profession of residential building designers and how component manufacturers can begin to build better lines of communication with them.


EP 151: Connecting with the Residential Building Designer

In this episode of Component Connection, Abby Langenberg, SBCA’s Director of Business Development, sits down with SBCA's Executive Director, Jess Lohse, on the final day of BCMC 2025 in Omaha. Together, they reflect on a show packed with innovative machinery, a strong surge in wall panel manufacturing, and over 20 new exhibitors bringing fresh perspectives to the floor. They also discuss the SBCA Foundation’s growing impact, the spirit of community that defines BCMC, and what’s in store for BCMC 2026 in Columbus, OH. Tune in for a recap full of energy, insight, and optimism for the future of component manufacturing.

EP 152: Inside BCMC 2025: Innovation, Energy, and What’s Next for Our Industry

In this episode, SBCA Director of Education, Ashley Baker sits down with the new SBCA Education Committee Chair, Adam Finkenhoefer, Components Area Manager with 84 Lumber, to reflect on this year’s BCMC educational sessions and discuss the path forward for 2025 and 2026. Together, they explore how SBCA is evolving its education strategy to look beyond the component manufacturer’s plant walls -- focusing on the needs and expectations of builders, homeowners, and other end users. This conversation highlights how understanding what’s happening outside the plant will help shape more impactful, relevant, and forward-thinking education for the industry.

EP 153: Shaping the Future of SBCA Education with Insights from BCMC and Beyond

In this episode, Sean Shields, SBCA Director of Marketing, is joined by Greg Greenlee, P.E., SBCA’s Technical Director, on the heels of exhibiting at the annual summit for the National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA) in New York City. They recount a week of great conversations with structural engineers from across the country and break down the value of having a presence at this event.

EP 154: The Incredible Value of Talking with Structural Engineers

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) who provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Tune in for a thorough update on supply, demand, curtailments, volatility (or lack thereof), and more. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

EP 155: Lumber Insights

In this episode of Component Connection, SBCA’s Director of Business Development, Abby Langenberg, is joined by Executive Director Jess Lohse to talk about what component manufacturers can do to stay proactive and resilient in a shifting housing market. From developing new business and promoting components locally to diversifying offerings and learning from peers, this conversation breaks down real-world strategies manufacturers can use to keep growing — even when demand slows. Whether you’re a seasoned CM or new to the industry, you’ll come away with fresh ideas for building a stronger, more adaptable business.

EP 156: How Component Manufacturers Build Resiliency

In this episode, Sean Shields, Director of Marketing for SBCA, is joined by Greg Greenlee, SBCA’s Technical Director, to discuss the 2027 model code development process and provide an update on SBCA's proposed changes to the code to better reflect recent changes to the ANSI/TPI 1 Standard and BCSI-2025.

EP 157: SBCA's Efforts to Influence the 2027 Model Codes

SBCA's podcast focuses on everything from production and marketing best practices to risk management and leadership tips.  We are interviewing fellow component manufacturers and industry experts and teasing out valuable nuggets you can use to improve your company.

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