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

In this episode, Ashley Baker, SBCA’s Director of Education, revisits one of BCMC’s most talked about education sessions, “Speaking the Same Language,” featuring Gil Capelini of Next Level Construction, Jacob Knott with Ace Carpentry, and Tony Acampa from Shelter Systems Limited. Together, they break down how clear, consistent communication between component manufacturers, framers, and other industry professionals can make or break a project. From terminology and delivery coordination to building trust and collaboration across trades, this conversation builds on the wisdom shared at BCMC and highlights simple habits that create smoother jobsites and stronger partnerships across the industry.

EP 158: Building Better Communication Between CMs and Framers

In this episode of Component Connection, Abby Langenberg and SBCA Executive Director Jess Lohse introduce SBCA Component Craft, a brand-new regional symposium series created to connect architects, engineers, code officials, and designers. We walk through why SBCA Component Craft was developed, who it’s designed for, what attendees can expect, and how this event aims to improve clarity, consistency, and communication across the structural components industry.

EP 159: Inside SBCA Component Craft: Building Clarity in Structural Components

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 an end of the year wrap up with updates on transportation, curtailments, 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 160: Lumber Insights

In this episode, Sean Shields, Director of Marketing for SBCA, is joined by Jay Jones, P.E., Executive Director of the Truss Plate Institute (TPI). They discuss two industry standards TPI has started to develop, and Jay provides insight into how they may impact the structural building component industry.

EP 161: TPI Embarks on Development of Two Industry Standards

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.