Across the Yard Podcast

Nav Singh left city life behind to buy and rebuild a struggling hardware store in Leader, Saskatchewan. This episode is about resilience, risk-taking, and what it really means to build both a business and a community from the ground up. In this episode, Nav sits down with Liz to share his journey from immigrating to Canada at 18, to working construction jobs across Western Canada before stepping into entrepreneurship. He opens up about the setbacks, financial uncertainty, and steep learning curve of running a small-town hardware store where the owner wears every hat, from cashier and delivery driver to estimator and bookkeeper. The conversation also explores the realities of rural retail, the importance of supporting local communities, mentorship, succession planning, and why small businesses remain the backbone of towns across Canada. If you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, community building, small business growth, and taking risks before you feel fully ready, this conversation is worth your time. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Leader Hardware & Building Centre: https://www.facebook.com/leaderhardwareACE/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by DeckRite Canada Sundecks – a smarter product for your yard. Learn more at deckritecanada.com This episode is also brought to you by Burrows Lumber. Proudly serving Western Canada and Ontario—Trusted for generations! Learn more at burrowslumber.com

Marketing is louder, faster, and more measurable than ever, but does that actually make it better? This episode is about building a brand people feel something for, not just one that converts. In this episode, Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer at John Fluevog Shoes, sits down with Liz to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded market. Drawing on more than 20 years with one of Canada’s most unconventional retail brands, Stephen shares why differentiation isn’t about having the best price or product, it’s about having the courage to be distinct. From embracing “weirdness” and creative risk-taking to resisting the pressure to chase every trend, this conversation dives into the balance between data and instinct, short-term results and long-term brand building. They also explore how retail has evolved, why emotional connection still drives real loyalty, and how partnerships, community, and a strong founder influence continue to shape a brand’s identity. If you care about building a brand that stands out, creating meaningful customer connections, and thinking differently about marketing in retail or distribution, this conversation is worth your time. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Stephen Bailey: linkedin.com/in/baileystephen John Fluevog Shoes: https://www.fluevog.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Burrows Lumber. Proudly serving Western Canada and Ontario—Trusted for generations! Learn more at burrowslumber.co Also brought to you by Regal Ideas. Inspiring homeowners, one deck at a time! inspiring homeowners, one deck at a time!

After the sudden passing of their father in 2020, sisters Melissa Jensen, Marissa Wolfe and Kristie Mueller faced the challenge of stepping into a leadership role at their third-generation family-owned business. This episode is about growing through that transition and how it earned them a nomination for the Supply-Build Canada 135 Forge & Form Gala’s Women of Influence award. In this episode, you’ll learn what goes behind the scenes of what goes on in a family-owned business when transitioning ownership. You’ll learn how these ladies got to learn their role and how to support the business, especially when Marissa and Kristie pursued their own degrees outside of the building material industry. The importance of communication between the family and the team, and how that leads them to the success of the proud on-going legacy of a third-generation business. Along with the process of transition on both ends of the ladder, from modernizing internal systems to picking up and keeping relationships with previous customers and builders. If you care about business succession planning, transitioning into family-owned businesses, creating a strong team, and modernizing your business, this conversation is worth your time. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Melissa Jensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-jensen-05501914a/ Marissa Wolfe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-wolfe-b9257096/ Swift Current Building Supplies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swift-current-building-supplies-1970-ltd/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HELI Canada – Giving Canadian Business a Lift. Discover dependable material handling solutions at heliforklift.ca.

If you’re running a retail yard or building centre, you don’t have time for trends that don’t translate to the bottom line. This episode is about a model that has quietly delivered for nearly 50 years. Rob Forbes built Exchange-A-Blade Tool Company on a straightforward idea: contractors bring in used blades, get credit, and leave with remanufactured ones on the spot. No waiting. No landfill. Just a system that keeps jobs moving and brings customers back through your doors. In this episode, you’ll hear how the exchange model creates repeat traffic and gives dealers a clear, simple answer to “what do we do with used blades?” You’ll learn why in-store service still matters in a world of automated ordering and drop shipping. Rob also shares what decades of housing cycles have taught him about staying steady when construction slows and demand shifts to DIY. We also dig into what sustainability looks like when it’s tied to performance and profitability. From robotic manufacturing to recycling carbide shavings down to the last particle, this is about running lean, competing with global brands, and doing it as a Canadian company. If you care about margin, loyalty, and building a business that holds up through the ups and downs, this conversation is worth your time. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rob Forbes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-forbes-08846b352 EAB Tool Company: https://www.exchangeablade.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HELI Canada – Giving Canadian Business a Lift. Discover dependable material handling solutions at heliforklift.ca.

This week’s episode is recommended for anyone interested in innovative ways to recycle and reduce waste in construction or using reclaimed wood. Have you ever wondered what happens to the wood from demolished homes? What if much of it could be recovered and put back into use? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Jay Sanderson, President & Operations Lead at Northmark Materials Ltd., to explore the growing role of reclaimed wood in the supply chain. They dive into the process of reclaimed wood, how advocacy can play a role, and how this wood can be more accessible at a local level. They discuss how wood can be salvaged, processed, and reintroduced into the market, the importance of industry advocacy, and how reclaimed materials can become more accessible at the local level. Jay also shares plans for expansion into Calgary and eventually across Canada, and highlights the many applications for reclaimed wood, including siding, flooring, and furnishings. Tune in for an insightful conversation on reducing lumber waste and giving quality materials a second life. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Jay Sanderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-sanderson-80a6651a7/ Northmark Materials: https://northmarkmaterials.com/ Northmark Material’s white paper on “Infrastructure for Circularity”: https://northmarkmaterials.com/infrastructure-for-circularity/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated Wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Long known as a male-dominated field, the lumber industry is undergoing meaningful change — but what does that transformation actually look like? Who is leading it, and how? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Kaitlyn and Lauren Chimko, Lumber Traders, Partners at Dakeryn Industries, and recipients of the Women of Influence Award at the 135 Forge & Form Gala. Together, they share their journey into the industry through their family roots, what life as a lumber trader really looks like, and how WOLF (Women of Lumber and Forestry) was founded to create stronger representation, connection, and opportunity for women in lumber. This conversation offers an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at the lumber side of the industry and the women helping shape its future. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Kaitlyn Chimko: linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-chimko-17674a12 Lauren Chimko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchimko/ Dakeryn Industries: https://dakeryn.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Also brought to you by HiLine Treated Wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

This episode is for anyone in the forestry and building materials industries who are interested in attracting more youth or general public into the industry, and how you can get involved in the effort. The industry is facing a significant skills gap due to a lack of youth interest and new hires, but people are taking action. So, what can we do about it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Allison DeFord, Executive Director at the North American Forest Foundation (NAFF), to discuss NAFF’s initiatives on educating the public about the forestry industry. They discuss NAFF’s “Truth About Trees” teaching kit, a free, renewable resource for K-5 classrooms, as well as an exciting new educational app for junior high students that could impact millions of students, teachers, and parents. They also touch on ways companies can get involved in these efforts. Tune in for an insightful conversation about how we can all play a part in raising awareness and fostering a future workforce in the forestry and building materials sectors. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Allison DeFord: linkedin.com/in/allisondeford North American Forest Association: https://northamericanforestfoundation.org/ Canopy Club: https://northamericanforestfoundation.org/canopy-club/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by HiLine Treated Wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone working in a lumberyard—or in sales of any kind. Have you ever stepped into your customers’ shoes to see your business from their point of view? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Marc Atiyolil, designer, builder and co-host of The Marc & Mandy Show, to explore the pain points manufacturers are still facing today, the importance of delivering a strong customer experience and how that experience can lead into meaningful, long-term relationships. Along with how media training can be valuable in any environment, even in the lumberyard. Drawing from his own experience as a builder, Marc shares real-world examples that bring these conversations to life. Tune in for an insightful discussion on understanding and elevating the customer experience. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Marc Atiyolil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-atiyolil-07b8393a/ Canadian Home Trends: https://canadianhometrends.com/ Marc & Mandy’s PD Session at the 2026 Showcase: https://supplybuildshowcase.ca/pd-trade-secrets/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated Wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

Today’s episode is for anyone in sales or marketing, old school, new school, or somewhere in between, as well as anyone preparing to exhibit at a trade show. No matter your experience, you’ll walk away with something useful. Have you ever felt stagnant in your style of work or struggled to find success in it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with returning guest R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, lecturer, and keynote speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to break down old school vs. new school sales and marketing tactics: what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. They also share tips for exhibiting at trade shows and making impactful impressions, and much more. Tune in for a productive and fun conversation about navigating the sales and marketing world with genuine heart. Enjoy the show! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ R.M. Caligiuri: www.linkedin.com/in/rmcaligiuri/ R.M.’s Website: www.calileadership.com/ R.M. Caligiuri's PD Session at the 2026 Showcase: https://supplybuildshowcase.ca/pd-sell-smarter/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Also brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

Today’s episode is recommended for anyone who aspires to lead or is ready to step up their game. Have you ever wondered what “real leadership” looks like in today’s workplaces? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Eileen Dooley and Wahaj Awad, Principal & Coach and Consultant at Humance, to explore the latest shifts in leadership, with emotional intelligence taking center stage. They also dive into what accountability really means and navigating through tough conversations and challenging situations with clarity and confidence. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about growth, resilience, and the everyday behaviors that make leadership feel more human. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Eileen Dooley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooleyeileen/ Wahaj Awad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahaj-awad/ Humance: https://humance.ca/ Humance's PD Session at the 2026 Showcase: https://supplybuildshowcase.ca/pd-real-leadership/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Also brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Today’s episode is recommended for Retail leaders, managers, and business owners navigating change. Anyone who’s ever had to lead when confidence wavered or the path wasn’t clear. Have you ever had to navigate yourself in a high-stakes environment? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Holly Stofa, a former CIA Operator to a High-Performance Leadership Coach, to explore Holly’s extraordinary journey from the world of espionage to the realm of leadership and personal growth. Together, they dive into what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments: creating meaningful relationships through trust, by understanding your teammates’ strengths. Along with learning to take the lead, even when you’re scared or hesitant. All for the opportunity of growth — both for yourself and your team. Holly also shares insights from her work coaching young athletes, as well as the heartfelt story behind her book about her family’s experience with adoption. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, leadership, and excellence under pressure. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Holly Stofa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-s/ Holly’s Website: https://www.hollystofa.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

Welcome to Supply-Build Canada’s first-ever Golf Confessional — a special Thanksgiving episode packed with laughter, stories, and a few surprises from this year’s golf tournaments. Whether it’s a secret swing tip, an unexpected victory, or a bit of on-course drama, we’ve gathered the best (and worst) golf moments from members and guests across Western Canada. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and a few tales of golf-gone-wrong — all in good fun and completely anonymous. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and maybe a little redemption for your own game.

In the building supply industry, travel comes with the territory. Whether you’re a sales associate visiting job sites or a manager attending conferences, you’re often on the move because this industry thrives on connection and relationships. But what happens when the unexpected strikes on the road? Lost baggage, flight delays, or a medical emergency abroad — travel insurance can save you more than just stress; it can save you thousands of dollars! In this episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Karley Middleton, Benefits Consultant at HUB International, to unpack the ins and outs of travel coverage for industry professionals. They break down how different policies work, share real-world examples of when travel insurance makes all the difference, and discuss how to protect yourself, your family and your team from costly pitfalls. Who it’s for: Anyone who travels frequently — from business development managers, sales professionals and account reps visiting customers, to business owners, finance teams managing travel budgets, and HR professionals overseeing employee policies. If your work takes you on the road more than you’re at your desk, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to travel smarter, safer, and more cost-effectively — wherever work takes you. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Karley Middleton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karley-middleton-a8553a36/ HUB International: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hub-international-canada/ This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com Also brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

No matter the size of your operation, manufacturers face significant risks. The impact of a serious loss can be greater than in almost any other industry—Are you confident your facility is properly insured? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Alex Hawkins, Underwriting Director at Federated Insurance, to explore and break down the evolving risk landscape manufacturers face. They dive into growing threats of cyber security and the use of AI in social engineering attacks, to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. They explore how the insurance industry is adapting to these modern challenges. Alex also shares insights into emerging trends, including a shift toward a partnership-based model between insurers and businesses; one that goes beyond simply covering costs to actively supporting risk prevention and recovery. Tune in to learn how to better protect your business and prepare for the unexpected. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Alex Hawkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhhawkins/ Federated Insurance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/federated-insurance-company-of-canada/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

Leadership is a journey – are you ready to lead? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Blake Wheeler, former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, and Cody Miller, Director of Novus Global Construction Services & Executive Coach. Together, they explore Blake’s leadership journey, the experiences that drive his "why," and how he’s now helping leaders in both sports and business thrive through his work with Novus Global. The business world can learn a lot from the world of sport. What if we approached our work with the same focus on physical and mental performance as professional athletes do – showing up as our best selves every day? Coaches play a vital role in helping us reach the next level. Just as we invest in wellness coaches or personal trainers, we should also consider investing in mental performance and leadership development. We hope today’s podcast will inspire you to approach your leadership as a “muscle” that needs to be trained and encourages you to take the next step in your leadership development! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Blake Wheeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-wheeler-5a378b332/ Cody Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codymiller12/ Novus Global: https://novus.global/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

What is your communication style? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Genny Sacco-Bak, An instructor at University of Winnipeg PACE and owner of Coffee with Genny B Media. Together, they explore the many “flavors” of communication: from body language and public speaking to crafting impactful introductions and learning self-awareness. Genny also shares her insights from her work at the University of Winnipeg’s PACE program and Toastmasters as a communication instructor, along with her journey with her own podcast, Coffee with Genny B. Offering practical tips and personal stories along the way. Tune in and discover your flavor of communication! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Genny Sacco-Bak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennyb/ Genny’s Podcast, Coffee with Genny B: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHUoFtG8rfM3kRozG3hmV Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com Also brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

Ever wondered how your leadership style stacks up and how you can make it even better? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, Lecturer, and Keynote Speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to explore his unique approach to developing Conscious Intelligence (CQ) in leaders. R.M. shares his journey from a career in marketing and sales to coaching leaders across businesses of all sizes. He opens up about the challenges he faces when building authentic connections and guiding leaders, especially in the fast-paced marketing world, and the power of patience in cultivating meaningful relationships. Tune in for insights on how to level up your leadership—starting with yourself. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ R.M. Caligiuri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmcaligiuri/ R.M.’s Website: https://www.calileadership.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com Also brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca

What does it take to go from zero experience to leading a sales team? Season 4 of Across the Yard is back! In this week’s episode, Liz sits down with Eric Dalton, Director of Sales and Business Development at DFM West Distribution, to explore his sales journey and the resilience it took to succeed in door-to-door sales. Eric shares his story, starting with zero experience and the lessons he learned navigating different industries while mastering the art of making a fast but lasting first impression. Tune in to listen to Eric’s journey from a newcomer in the business, to Director in the world of sales. Enjoy the show! Update on Across the Yard’s season schedule: Across the Yard will be uploading on a weekly basis up until July, where we will be taking a break between July and August, and will return on the first week of September. Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Eric Dalton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dalton-17287790/ DFM West Distribution: http://dfmwest.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Brandt. Whatever you need to succeed, Brandt delivers. Let us do the heavy lifting. Learn more at brandt.ca Along with HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

The future of Canada manufacturing has never been more unpredictable, so how are industry leaders adapting? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Sid Tetz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CGC Inc. to explore how manufacturers are navigating today’s complex landscape. They dive into the realities of servicing different regions and rural communities across Canada, and the growing importance of advocacy within the industry. The conversation also covers Sid's perspective on the pressures of tariffs, the push for innovation at the jobsite to better support retailers and builders, and what it truly takes to meet Canada’s ambitious housing targets. Tune in to hear the latest insights in the Canadian manufacturing landscape. Enjoy the show! Notice: Across the Yard will be on break until mid-August. See you all soon! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Sid Tetz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-tetz-98a78124/?originalSubdomain=ca CGC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgc-inc-/?originalSubdomain=ca Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

Looking to transform your outdoor living space this season? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Rob Mitchell, President and CEO of Vista Railing Systems Inc. And Rob Stewart, Office Manager of DeckRite Canada Sundecks Ltd. to discuss the latest trends in Canadian outdoor living. They explore regional preferences, underutilized products, and emerging trends in the industry. The conversation also touches on how contractors and dealers can maximize sales on these products, as well as the potential impact of aluminum tariffs on the market. Tune in to hear the latest trends in Canadian outdoor living in this week’s episode on Across the Yard! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rob Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mitchell-50aa618/?originalSubdomain=ca Vista Railing System Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistarailingsystems/ Rob Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstewart29/ Deckrite Canada Sundecks Ltd: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deckrite-canada-sundecks/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

What happens when a family’s journey across continents leads to a thriving business in Canada? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, we are joined by Rebekah Doerksen, Executive Assistant with Supply-Build Canada, as this week's temporary host, and Harry Sunner, owner of Durabuilt Windows & Doors, to talk about his journey from living in England to leading one of Canada’s most successful window and door companies. Harry shares how his family got into the industry, what it’s like growing a family-owned business, and the leadership lessons he's learned while scaling Durabuilt. They also explore the unique challenges of succession, innovation in a traditional field, and what it takes to stay resilient in a competitive market. Tune in to hear the unique journey of Durabuilt’s origins and growth in this week’s episode of Across the Yard. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Harry Sunner: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/harry-sunner-3204a72b Durabuilt: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/durabuilt-windows-&-doors Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Every business, no matter big or small, deals with mundane, repetitive tasks. From processing invoices to managing warehouse & stock reconciliation. But what if you could handle all of that and focus on bigger projects at the same time? In this week's episode, Liz sits down with Mohan Mailvaganam, National Canadian Practice Leader at Xerox, to explore the company’s surprising evolution from a legacy printer brand to a provider of cutting-edge business solutions, with today’s focus on their Robotics Process Automation (or RPAs). They also dive into Xerox’s journey from expanding beyond printers, what RPAs are and how they work, and how any business, regardless of size, can benefit. Tune in to discover the latest innovation from an unexpected place. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Mohan Mailvaganam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohan-mailvaganam-92833111/ Xerox: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xerox/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Did you ever imagine yourself in the building supply industry– or even owning a business in it? In this week's episode, Liz sits down with Rob and Joanne Lawrie, owners of The Lawrie Group of Home Hardware Stores, to hear the story of how they got started and built their business together. They talk about their early days, what it’s like running a company as a couple, and the challenges they faced along the way. Rob and Joanne also discuss their plans for the future, along with sharing advice for the next generation who are either hesitant about joining the industry or are already a part of it. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey in this week’s episode on Across the Yard. Enjoy the Show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rob Lawrie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lawrie-97ab4a3a/ Joanne Lawrie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lawrie-456419264/ The Lawrie Group of Home, Home Hardware: https://thelawriegroup.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Take the next step to grow your business at durabuiltwindows.com

With the Canadian election now behind us, the building supply and construction industry has a brighter spotlight than ever before in the public eye. But what does the road ahead look like? In this week’s episode, Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association, sits down with Liz Kovach to unpack the election results and explore what this means for the industry’s future. They touch on recent advocacy wins, what they hope to see from the government, and the biggest challenges that are currently facing this industry. They also dive into how government and communities can do better to address the labour shortage we are facing and how you can help drive that progress. Don’t miss this timely discussion on the opportunities, roadblocks and critical next steps shaping Canada’s construction and building supply landscape. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca/ Rodrigue Gilbert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigue-gilbert-56950210/ Canadian Construction Association: https://www.cca-acc.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Do you ever wonder how you can better connect with people? Why people are the way they are? Or how to improve the workplace culture? Are you aware of how much time the human brain spends in survival mode? (you will be shocked to hear the stat!!!) On this week’s Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Dr. Eugene K. Choi, a Neuroscience-Based Leadership Coach, to discuss the science behind the survival and executive state of the brain and how it influences our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions every single day. From workplace dynamics to personal relationships, they dive into the unconscious patterns that shape our reactions, and how becoming aware of them can help us grow, connect, and communicate better. Tune in to discover how understanding your brain can transform the way you see yourself and those around you. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Dr. Eugene K. Choi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenekchoi/ Eugene’s website: https://destinyhacks.co/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

All it takes is a spark to lose everything. So, what can we do to better protect our homes from fire? This week, Liz welcomes Mike Baker, CEO of BarrierTek, and Ewan Davie, Vice President of Sales, to break down the science behind engineering fire-resistant treatments. They share the research that led to them to create this innovative treatment, challenges they've faced, their upcoming plans for BarrierTek, and much more! Tune in to this week’s episode to discover the science behind preventing fire in wood construction. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal BarrierTek: https://www.barriertek.com/ Mike Baker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelryanbaker/ Ewan Davie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewan-davie-6b035747/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

It has been a perplexing week to say the least. For weeks Canada has been accused of many things and we fully expected sweeping tariffs to be implemented on the 2nd, however Canada and Mexico did not make it onto the sweeping list of announcements on April 2nd, yet there is no real sense of relief, and the uncertainty continues. As a business, it’s impossible to chart a course when the road map continues to change. Don Humphrey joins Liz Kovach to help shed light on where we are now, what may unfold and where some potential opportunities lie for Canada. While we don’t have a crystal ball, there may be some positive outcomes for Canada as we navigate the through the chaos as a country. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: wrla.org/shop-local.html Sexton Group Ltd: sextongroup.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Housing affordability has been a prominent topic of discussion for many years, but are we actually taking steps to get there? On this week’s bonus episode of Across the Yard, host Liz Kovach, Jim Tobin President & CEO of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Kevin Lee CEO of the Canadian Association of Home Builders (CHBA) discuss the current climate of affordable housing and the direction it's heading both in Canada and the United States. Tariffs, duties, building codes, are just some of the items on the immediate horizon that will impact the economy and housing affordability. Tune into this in-depth episode to gain perspective from both a Canadian and American view. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): https://www.nahb.org/ Canadian Association of Home Builders (CHBA): https://www.chba.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers.

At some point, we all encounter broken glass. Whether we break it, someone else does, or it breaks on its own, what solution do we have to solve that problem? To make it stronger, of course! This week on Across the Yard, Liz Kovach and Vince Croker discuss the thought process and motivation behind creating unbreakable glass, the possible impacts of tariffs, how insurance plays a role, and how ROCKGLASS can transform community and public spaces. Tune in to discover how much actually goes into this innovative technology. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: supplybuildcanada.info/shoplocal ClearSecure: https://rockglass.ca/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

We often hear that the Canadian economy is built on small to medium sized business, but they face some of the largest challenges to thrive and prosper. Join us as Peter Turkstra, owner of Turkstra Lumber and industry advocate, joins Liz Kovach on this episode of Across the Yard to talk candidly about the issues impacting his retail business in Ontario. The building supply sector is a significant employer and contributor to the economy across the country, but it’s often overlooked by government. To achieve affordable housing in Canada, government at all levels must engage with all facets of the construction industry to understand how their policies and bureaucracy have a negative impact and create obstacles. Many of our independent retail members will likely relate! With more tariffs looming, it is critical for government to work with industry to remove barriers to successful business. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: wrla.org/shop-local.html Turkstra Lumber: https://turkstralumber.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at hilinetreated.com

Let's Talk Tariffs Understandably, tariffs are at the top of everyone's mind right now. On again, off again, on again - it's incredibly hard to keep track of and, if you're a business owner, especially in the building materials industry, it's making it tougher than ever to make the right decisions. The spreading of misinformation and more voices than ever in the conversation, with varying degrees of trustworthiness, doesn't help, either. In times like these, it's great to be able to rely on experts in the field who can look at the whole situation and present some grounded perspective. This week, Liz welcomes Don Humphrey, National Commodity Wood Manager for Sexton Group Ltd, one of the industry's major buying groups. Together, they discuss the story so far, what to expect now that we've got a new prime minister and an election on the way, and why everyone is watching the negotiating table so closely. Don shares some insights on how these tariffs are lining up with the buying cycle, and what the newest tariffs on steel and aluminum mean for the average lumber yard as well as other impacts we're likely to see if the situation continues. Finally, Liz and Don talk about how supporting local is more important than ever. It's a great conversation on a very tough subject, and we can't thank Don enough for sharing his experience with us once again! Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca Supply-Build Canada Support Local Campaign - find local building supply retailers near you: https://wrla.org/shop-local.html Sexton Group Ltd: https://sextongroup.com/ Sponsor info: This episode of Across the Yard is brought to you by HiLine Treated wood by West Fraser. Elevate inventory, elevate sales. Introduce your customers to HiLine Treated wood – ideal for use in decks, fences, landscaping and general exterior construction, with its rich, natural tone, and no special fasteners required, it’s the ideal choice for outdoor projects. Combine this with a high-quality substrate, and West Fraser’s HiLine Treated wood delivers exceptional value to both dealers and consumers. Learn more at https://hilinetreated.com

The Building Supply Industry is vast, and there are more options than ever for materials and finishings. So how does a new company break through? How do they bring their product to market and stand out from the crowd? This week, Liz sits down with Dean Petrillo and Kristyna Traynova from ABI Mouldings to hear their story. They discuss the beginnings and growth of the company, including how attending Supply-Build Canada events last summer as hole sponsors helped get their name out to the industry in a big way. But wait - there's more! Liz, Dean, and Kristyna get into discussions on recruiting, bringing young people into the industry through internships, and what the growth trajectory of a new employee can, and often should, be. There's also a very special mystery guest that pops in at some point, but we won't spoil the surprise. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca ABI Mouldings: https://createwithabi.caen

What is the secret to being a great leader? When hard work is a given, what else do successful CEO's, coaches, and management do to lead their team forward? To begin to answer these questions, we invited Kevin Eastman, who coached the Boston Celtics to a World Championship in 2008, about what it takes to make the best The Best. He's also the author of the bestselling book. "WHY THE BEST ARE THE BEST: 25 Powerful Words That Impact, Inspire, and Define Champions" Liz and Kevin talk about the work that great leaders put in to elevate their game, how to approach the tough conversations that come with the territory, and a few of the 25 powerful words that can change how you approach your own career, starting today. It's all happening on this week's episode of Across the Yard. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca Kevin Eastman: https://kevineastman.net/ Why the Best Are the Best - Book Orders: https://kevineastman.net/book-orders

Technology is top of mind for everyone these days. It's changing the way we do everything, including retail. Diego Mazzone is on the show this week with Liz to talk about the advancements in the retail space that are using tech to elevate the in-store shopping experience. The inventory and pricing automations that JRTech Solutions offer with their electronic shelf label systems are freeing up employees to spend more time getting to know their customers and less time looking for product pegs and shelf locations. Customers are enjoying many of the benefits of the online shopping experience, combined with that in-person connection and care that only other humans can provide. It's great news for business owners and customers alike - and it makes for a fascinating conversation. Enjoy the show! Links: Supply-Build Canada: https://supplybuild.ca JRTech Solutions: https://www.jrtechsolutions.com

Welcome to Season 3! Across the Yard is back for our new season with new interviews, new topics, a new brand, and we’re ready to rock n’ roll! Kicking things off, Liz welcomes performance coach Travis Thomas, author of “3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And” and his latest, “Confidence is Overrated: Why Courage is the Antidote and Feelings Make Cowards of Us All.” Liz and Travis discuss his background in improvisation, and how it led to a life-changing realization about how to approach challenges and changes. Then, they get into how courage, not confidence, is what can be counted on to win the day. It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking episode as we kick off 2025 on Across the Yard. Enjoy! Links: Supply-Build Canada (formerly WRLA): https://supplybuild.ca Book Travis: https://www.liveyesand.com/book-travis

2024 is coming to a close, and what a year it's been! Liz, Amanda, and Chris from the WRLA team take a moment to look back on some highlights from the year, including the roll out of our new Building Material Fundamental Suite, our many new Affiliate partnerships, and our ever-present commitment to helping our members be successful. Then, we look ahead to 2025, and the upcoming WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase, and the reveal of our new brand. As of this episode, Across the Yard will be on a break until after the Showcase. We'll see you in 2025, and from all of us on the WRLA team, we wish you and yours the very best for the holiday season.

Let’s Talk Commodities. Across the Yard with Don Humphries from Sexton This week, we’re taking the plunge and talking about commodities and the lumber market. To guide us through it, we welcome guest Don Humphrey, National Commodity Wood Manager for Sexton Group Ltd. He and Liz talk about the regionality of the lumber industry, and how provincial regulations play a role in the success of mills across the country. They also touch on the tariff situation – both historical and present day, and what’s to come in the ongoing saga of selling softwood to the USA. Don takes us through it, and shares some keen observations as we all look for the way forward, examining Canada's inflation rate, the renovation bubble, and even mortgage trends! It's a conversation you’ll want to hear – enjoy the show! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org Sexton Group Ltd: https://sextongroup.com/

Mental conditioning goes a long way. Your resilience and willingness to ask yourself tough questions can prepare you to deal with the pressures, stress, and even fear that come with running, or working in an organization. How do elite performers do it? What's the secret? Our guest today is Lauren Johnson. Lauren helps elite individuals develop mental toughness so they can perform their best regardless of circumstance. Lauren’s clients include Google, the US Women’s National Soccer Team, Johnson & Johnson, and the FBI. She and Liz talk about mental conditioning, and what people can start doing right away to start performing at a higher level. We are thrilled to be welcoming Lauren back to the WRLA Building and Hardware Showcase in Edmonton this January. She'll be talking about the advantage of being able to perform under pressure, and how to leverage it for success. Make sure to register for the trade show today - you won't want to miss this! Links: WRLA Showcase: https://wrlashowcase.ca Lauren Johnson: https://www.laurenjohnsonandco.com/

One of the biggest pieces of a business' marketing puzzle is branding. Everything begins and ends with how your business represents itself. What message is your brand telling customers before they ever walk through your door or pick up the phone (or click that link, etc.) This week, Liz is joined by Kiirsten May of UpHouse, a branding agency located in Winnipeg, with dozens of successful rebranding campaigns under their belts. Chris Allinotte also steps out from behind the podcast editing booth to weigh in on the process as an in-house marketing professional who has seen three companies through the rebranding process. Find out the how, when, and most of all - the "why" of rebranding. Learn what to expect from the process, and common pitfalls to avoid along the way. Get your pencils ready - you'll want to take some notes! Enjoy the show. Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org UpHouse: https://uphouseinc.com/ Also: The Bud Light Marketing Case Study discussed in today's episode: https://www.fastcompany.com/90888756/bud-light-inclusive-marketing-right-wing-outrage

At this year's WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase, we're facing off for a great cause. We'll be holding the first ever Hockey for Habitat Event. Participating WRLA Members will be drafted to either Team TIMBER MART or Team CertainTeed. On this week's episode, Liz sits down with the captain of Team TIMBER MART - and the person who almost single-handedly conceived this event - Joel Hartung of The LumberZone. Liz and Joel talk about the game, which will be receiving the full NHL game production treatment (and how Joel managed to get that done) and why it was important to bring everyone together in support of Habitat for Humanity. After the first period, the conversation turns to business matters, the US election, and the Softwood Lumber situation - you know, easy topics like that. Finally, Joel weighs in on the workforce, and the resilience it's taken to build a successful business in today's economic climate. Lace up those skates, and hop the boards - you're going to want to hear this one! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org The LumberZone: https://thelumberzone.ca/ Hockey for Habitat: https://bit.ly/3YT7x7m

The WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase is in Edmonton, Alberta for our 31st annual event. It's our first time hosting the show in Edmonton, so we invited on a guest who knows a thing or two about this wonderful city - Peter Cottan from Explore Edmonton. They talk about the significance of the show coming into the city, how the newly revitalized Expo Centre is ready to provide a world class experience. Learn how the city and venue are leading the way towards a cleaner, more eco-friendly, power-saving future. Most importantly, find out where to get the best pint of Guinness in Edmonton! Enjoy the episode, and we can't wait to see everyone in Edmonton! Links: WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase: https://wrlashowcase.ca Explore Edmonton: https://exploreedmonton.com/

This is our 50th Episode! We started Across the Yard (formerly the very creatively titled, "WRLA Podcast") to share with the world what we already knew - that the Lumber and Building Materials industry is home to so many incredible business leaders and employees. We've invited 50 episodes worth of guests to join us for a chat and, quite often, a few laughs. We've talked about the market, the nature of sales, and so much more. With all that, we think this week's guests are the perfect encapsulation of that entrepreneurial spirit, and examples of resilience in business. Liz welcomes Wade Laurent and Shane Chapman of The Ultimate Deck Shop in Regina and Saskatoon, SK. They share their "origin story" and talk about how their journey to expansion led right through the middle of a global pandemic. Thank you, the listener, for joining us for 50 episodes. We can't wait to bring you even more stories, discussions, and laughs in the episodes to come. Enjoy! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org/ The Ultimate Deck Shop: https://tuds.ca/

It's no great secret that experience (or the school of hard knocks) is the ultimate teacher. While education and theory can impart critical thinking skills and a baseline of knowledge, there's no substitute for on-the-job experience. That's where internship can help - specifically the WRLA's internship program. This week, Liz is speaking to three recent students who found full-time employment through internship and career fair opportunities! Olivia Lloyd took part in a program through the Calgary Board of Education in partnership with WRLA. John Carlo Mendoza got his start on a student internship with us and then found his new career at the Career Fair at last year's Building & Hardware Showcase, and Camilla Josef is now a full-time member of the WRLA team after completing a design internship. Check out the episode and hear how they arrived on their current career path, and what advice they have for their fellow students! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org The Cedar Shop: http://www.cedarshop.com Sexton: https://www.sextongroup.com

"Am I the a**hole if I buy groceries with my company credit card?" "How many drinks is too many at a work function?" "Would I be the a**hole if I suspect something's up with the person that calls in sick every single Tuesday after a long weekend?" These are just some of the questions that can keep a manager or business owner up at night. Lucky for us, we've got people and culture consultant Natalie Bell on hand to field some of these questions for us. Liz and Natalie start out with a great discussion about the nature of human resources and how every business can benefit from taking a closer look at their HR policies and practices. Then ... Natalie walks us through some HR tips and strategies as she and Liz navigate some real-life workplace horror stories where clear expectations and sensible policies would have saved the day. It's a fun (and funny) jaunt through some truly wild workplace challenges that you won't want to miss. Enjoy the episode (and then sign up for Natalie's Webinar on November 21 where she'll walk you through the HR Basics). Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org Natalie Bell Consulting: https://nataliebell.ca/ WRLA Webinar: HR Basics with Natalie Bell -https://wrla.org/events-calendar.html/event-info/details/id/81

"All you need is love ... and receipts" ~the Beatles' accountant, probably. Expenses are one thing that every business has in common. Regardless of your product or service, there are expenses involved with doing business, and keeping track of spending is one of the most important things you can do for your bottom line. If only it wasn't so much WORK. Our guest this week is Paul Ansloos from ExpensePoint. We'll find out how Paul saw a need to make things easier for businesses to track expenses, keep track of receipts, and automate much of the work needed to produce month-end reporting. The story of how Paul took this program from idea to multi-national success story is incredible, and you'll never look at your expense processes the same way again. Enjoy the show (and share the link with your accounting departments asap!) Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org ExpensePoint: https://www.expensepoint.com/

We've got a very special episode for you this week! Liz was at the Women of Lumber and Forestry (WOLF) conference in British Columbia, and had a chance to catch up with a group of women who are taking the industry by storm! What does it take to get established in a new job? How does one even find jobs in this industry? And once you have that job - how do you get better? To find out, we're talking to Layne Chand'Oiseau (Mountain View Building Materials and student at University of Calgary), Claire Welikoklad (Executive Home Building Centre), and Taylor Reynolds (Dakeryn Industries Ltd.) about their experiences. We're talking about mentorship, and how working with people who want to see you succeed can make a world of difference, especially when you're starting out. Further down the career path - we're also talking to Helen Smith (Star Building Materials, Calgary) about her commitment to lifelong learning, including the new Executive Mastermind Course from WRLA, presented by the incomparable Lauren Johnson. Enjoy the episode! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org Mountain View Building Materials: https://www.mountainviewbm.ca Executive Home Building Centre: https://www.hbcpro.ca/ Dakeryn Industries Ltd: https://www.dakeryn.com Star Building Materials - Calgary: https://www.starbuildingcalgary.ca/ WOLF Conference: https://womenoflumberandforestry.com/ Lauren Johnson: https://www.laurenjohnsonandco.com/

What did your career path look like? How did you arrive where you are today? More importantly - if you could tell that things weren't working out, did you make a change? That's the conversation we're having this week on Across the Yard with Colin McColl of Windsor Plywood Sherwood Park in Alberta. Liz and Colin talk about how he came to get involved in the building supply business. He also talks about what it's like to go from working alongside a team, to running that same team as a co-owner. It's a great conversation you'll want to hear. Enjoy the show! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org Windsor Plywood: http://www.windsorplywood.com

It's one thing to be an effective salesperson, but when you're in charge of the team, it's a whole other ballgame! Jil Reid of Federated Co-operatives Ltd. joins Liz to talk about her journey from outside sales to successfully running a team of sales professionals. They talk about coaching, fostering a collaborative workplace, and how to approach (and train your team to approach) Contractor Sales. You'll also learn why it's super important to keep some fun in your Fridays! Enjoy the show! Links: Federated Co-operatives Ltd: https://www.fcl.crs/home/ WRLA: https://wrla.org/

The job of a sales representative is simultaneously one of the most straightforward, and most complex roles on your business' team. On the one hand, you are going out and getting people to agree to buy products from you; on the other, you're managing personal relationships, histories, preferences, and the unique needs of possibly hundreds of contacts across hundreds of businesses - and that's if you're doing it right! This week on the podcast, Liz is joined by Derrick Czayka, Alberta Territory Manager for Regal Ideas Inc. They chat about how relationships, honesty, preparedness, and good old fashioned numbers can make a world of difference, especially if you're just starting out. Thanks to Derrick for spending time with us Across the Yard, and sharing his time and wealth of experience with us! Links: WRLA: https://wrla.org Regal Ideas: https://www.regalideas.com

Why the West? Liz is joined by Matthew Brennan from Greenfiber, manufacturers of cellulose insulation. They talk about the company's expansion across Canada into the west, but that's just the beginning! In this episode, Liz and Matthew get into the nature of reclaimed and recycled materials, the logistics and supply chain challenges that, while not unique to the west, are keenly felt across the prairies and beyond. What does it take to build climate-conscious housing while still being affordable and, above all, providing comfortable houses people want to live in? Listen to all this and more in this week's Across the Yard! Links: WRLA: https://www.wrla.org WRLA Showcase: https://wrlashowcase.ca Greenfiber: https://www.greenfiber.com