The building materials industry is evolving with technological advances and operational challenges, requiring dealers to execute strategically rather than rely on market tailwinds. The conversation explores how independents can compete with growing consolidation trends by identifying specific market needs and providing services that larger companies can't match.

• The industry needs to improve recruitment of minorities and women to address talent shortages
• Data analytics reveals surprising insights about customer profitability that challenge conventional wisdom
• Technologies like electronic shelf labels and repurposed security cameras offer competitive advantages with 18-month ROI
• Specialty dealers are consolidating faster than lumberyards due to product consistency and lower inventory management challenges
• Installed sales, particularly for complex products like windows and doors, represent significant growth opportunities
• Co-ops provide independent dealers with buying power to compete against larger competitors
• The Construction Supply 150 report provides benchmarking data on sales per store, technology adoption, and staffing challenges

To learn more about industry trends and connect with Craig Webb, visit webb-analytics.com or follow him on LinkedIn.

🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode
Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel:
Stefanie Couch on YouTube

📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint:
Sign Up Here

✨ Stay Connected

• Website: GritBlueprint.com
• Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint
• LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint

💼 Follow Stefanie Couch

• Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
• LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
• Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com

🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint?
Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools.

📅 Book a Call
Learn how we can help your business thrive:
Schedule a Call

Dan Starr, president and CEO of Do it Best Group, shares insights on strategic acquisitions, technology, and branding to help independent lumber yards and hardware stores thrive against big-box competition.

• Discussing Do it Best's recent acquisition of True Value after many years of conversation between the companies
• Spring Market in Orlando setting records with over 10,000 attendees from both Do it Best and True Value members
• Scale matters in distribution, providing independents with competitive advantages through efficient warehousing and logistics
• Technology and data analysis help identify not just what's selling but what's missing from inventory
• De-risking lumber trading through futures and hedging strategies offered to members
• Finding specialization in specific categories provides higher margins and customer loyalty
• Building strong brands through consistent execution rather than just advertising
• Social media presence should showcase both products and personality to distinguish from competitors
• Servant leadership culture creates responsive customer service and genuine commitment to member success

🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode
Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel:
Stefanie Couch on YouTube

📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint:
Sign Up Here

✨ Stay Connected

• Website: GritBlueprint.com
• Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint
• LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint

💼 Follow Stefanie Couch

• Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
• LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
• Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com

🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint?
Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools.

📅 Book a Call
Learn how we can help your business thrive:
Schedule a Call

Are you ready to explore the dynamic world of construction through the lens of women making waves in the industry? This episode of the Builder Upper Show features the inspiring voice of Stefanie Couch, founder of Grit Blueprint and a trailblazer who shares her journey from a childhood steeped in the family's lumberyard to establishing her own growth and AI-marketing company aimed at empowering construction businesses. We dive into the vital importance of branding and marketing in reshaping the industry's image, a necessary step as the sector seeks to attract new talent and showcase its beauty and potential.

Throughout our engaging conversation, Stefanie highlights her mission with Build Women, a program aimed at uplifting women in construction, providing valuable resources, support, and mentorship to foster their confidence and career growth. She encourages women to embrace their unique strengths in a predominantly male field, reminding them that their differences can be leveraged as competitive advantages. This collective empowerment journey inspires women to pursue their passions in construction, supporting each other along the way while advocating for their own worth.

We also discuss the tremendous impact of AI technology in marketing and operations, revealing how these advancements are shaping the construction industry's future. Stefanie shares her views on integrating innovative tools to enhance productivity, allowing companies to focus on strategic tasks. This episode is packed with insightful advice for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, emphasizing the importance of resilience, personal branding, and the necessity of embracing failure as part of growth.

Join us on this journey towards empowerment and innovation in construction. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review, as we continue to uncover the stories that redefine the construction industry!

🎥 Watch the Video Version of This Episode
Catch the video version of The Grit Blueprint Podcast on my personal YouTube channel:
Stefanie Couch on YouTube

📧 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive updates and insights from Grit Blueprint:
Sign Up Here

✨ Stay Connected

• Website: GritBlueprint.com
• Instagram: @Grit.Blueprint
• LinkedIn: Grit Blueprint

💼 Follow Stefanie Couch

• Instagram: @StefanieCouchOfficial
• LinkedIn: Stefanie Couch
• Personal Website: StefanieCouch.com

🚀 What Is Grit Blueprint?
Grit Blueprint helps businesses in the building materials and construction industries grow through expert marketing, branding, and AI-driven tools.

📅 Book a Call
Learn how we can help your business thrive:
Schedule a Call