The Independent Spirit: Building Resilient Businesses in a Changing Market | Rick Schumacher, LBM Journal | Sponsored by Do it Best Group

Rick Schumacher of LBM Journal shares how independent lumber dealers can thrive amid industry giants by focusing on customer service, community connection, and embracing new technologies like AI. The conversation explores the power of storytelling in the building materials industry and how print media remains relevant in a digital world.• Started LBM Journal in 2003 from home after previous magazine went bankrupt• Built LBM Journal to become the #1 industry publication by focusing on "audience first" rather than "digital first"• Creates community through telling stories of independent dealers like Baker Lumber (owned by daughters despite "and Sons" name)• Shares how exceptional service at independent dealers creates competitive advantage against big box stores• Highlights LBM Strategies Conference which intentionally limits sponsors to focus on dealer experience• Established Century Club honoring lumber dealers over 100 years old, with combined 38,000 years of business experience• Created 40 Under 40 program to recognize young industry leaders and foster next generation of talent• AI presents an 18-24 month "arbitrage moment" before fundamentally changing the industry• Emphasizes opportunity for young people in an industry with stability, community, and growth potentialBuild Authority. Gain Visibility. Drive Growth.You do great work. The right people should know it.Grit Blueprint helps building industry companies and leaders build authority, increase visibility, earn trust, and turn that trust into revenue.📅 Book a Strategy CallReady to become more visible, more trusted, and easier to choose?https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/stefanie-couch📧 Join the NewsletterGet practical strategies and tools to build your authority, grow your visibility, and strengthen your business.https://421r60.share-na2.hsforms.com/2RMwQMXe2QLyk3sl9dv2gXQ🎥 Watch More Grit BlueprintSubscribe for honest conversations and growth strategies for the building industry.https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniecouch🚀 About Stefanie CouchStefanie Couch is the founder of Grit Blueprint and a third-generation building industry professional.Grit Blueprint helps manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and industry leaders build authority, grow visibility, and become unmistakable in their market.🔗Learn more: https://gritblueprint.comInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie Couch