Live from IBS Rockwool "Hush Tunnel": What the Show Floor Is Really Telling Us (shhh)

Episode Description

Sets the scene at the Hush Tunnel, calls out consolidation and the shifting talent market — enough to make someone curious without over-explaining.

3 bullets:

• Trade show ROI — is a booth actually worth it?
• Musical chairs is coming — talent market read
• Big distributors, bigger stakes — the consolidation question

What We Cover

• The Rockwool Hush Tunnel tradition: How the tunnel — and the podcast — have both evolved since 2019

• Trade show strategy: When IBS is (and isn't) the right show for your product — and why education sessions beat booth-staffing marathons

• IBS as a recruiting event: Tim and Carolina's read on the talent movement likely coming in 2025–2026 and the 'musical chairs' dynamic in building products

• Supplier consolidation: Home Depot/SRS, Lowe's/FBM, QXO — what it means for manufacturers and end users

• Fire protection products: A standout category at this year's show, including the growth of Hilti's fire tape and caulk division

• The NIE Ha booth: New gloss panel in blue, custom color brick, and the two-piece trim that's set to save installers 15–20% on install time

• Selling aesthetic vs. functional products: Why going from 'behind the wall' to visible finishes is easier than the reverse

• The value of tribal knowledge: What the podcast is really for — passing on industry perspective, experience, and guest insights

🌲 Upcoming Event: International Mass Timber Conference (IMTC)

March 30 – April 1, 2026 | Portland, OR

The International Mass Timber Conference is the premier gathering for the mass timber and tall wood building industry — bringing together architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and developers at the forefront of one of construction's most exciting movements.

Build Perspectives listeners get an exclusive discount! Use code IMTC26_SEIMS10 to save 10% off your attendee pass at registration.

Register at: masstimberconference.com