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Material Matters - February 2026

Material Matters - February 2026

Material Matters Member News Industry News/Information Mike McDole

February 2026

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BLD Connection News

 

Hope Is Not a Strategy. Go on Offense in 2026


As many sales teams head into 2026 focused on playing defense and waiting for the market to improve, Bradley Hartmann offers a different perspective. In this short video invite, he challenges dealers and suppliers to go on offense by delivering value first, standing out from competitors, and intentionally taking market share. Bradley also previews what to expect from The Air Raid Sales Offense workshops coming to Minneapolis on February 26–27 and Olathe on March 25–26.

Video

Air Raid Sales Offense Workshop

February 26–27
Minneapolis, MN

March 25-26
Olathe, KS


Go deeper on value selling and sales leadership in this recent podcast episode featuring BLD Connection President Cody Nuernberg and Bradley Hartmann. Cody shares how selling outcomes, ideas, and insight, not just products and price, helped him build trust, repeat business, and industry influence in LBM.

 

Get Out, Get Connected: 2026 BLD Outings Are Here


BLD Connection’s 2026 Outings lineup brings together everything members love most: great courses, unique experiences, and unmatched camaraderie. From the Swing into Spring getaway at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Missouri to classic golf outings across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and beyond, these events are designed to build relationships while having a little fun along the way. New in 2026, we’re introducing a Wisconsin Golf Outing in July and the all-new Links & Lures event in August, combining golf, guided fishing, and lakeside networking.


Whether you’re in it for the golf, the fishing, the food, or the friendships, BLD Outings are where business connections turn into lasting relationships. Check the website often as more details will be added throughout the spring and summer, and plan to join us at these events in 2026!

 

Updated 2026 Minnesota Labor Law Poster Now Available


Stay compliant with the latest labor law updates. Our updated Minnesota All-in-One Labor Law Poster includes:

  • 2026 updated minimum wage information
  • The new Minnesota Paid Leave Notice, effective January 1, 2026


This is the only All-in-One poster we currently offer and is specific to Minnesota.


Pricing

  • Regular Price: $20.00
  • Member Price: $10.00

To order the Minnesota poster, contact Katie at katie@bldconnection.org.


Free Labor Law Posters by State

Labor law posters are also available to download and print for free from each state’s Department of Labor website. Click your state below to view the required postings:


Arkansas | Iowa | Kansas | Minnesota | Missouri | South Dakota | North Dakota | Nebraska | Wisconsin

 

2026 NLBMDA Policy Agenda

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association has released its 2026 National Policy Agenda, outlining key federal priorities that directly impact independent lumber dealers and the LBM industry. This update highlights where advocacy efforts will focus in the year ahead and what it could mean for your business and our industry as a whole.

Articles & Publications

Cost Unconscious

Mike McDole, Firing Line LBM Advisors

Special orders promise opportunity, but one missed detail can turn profit into pain fast. In this cautionary tale, Mike McDole illustrates how unseen costs, human error, and one unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner drove home a lesson every dealer should remember.

HR Question of the Month

State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws

From Federated Insurance

Question

With the cold weather, we have had a lot of employees getting sick and using paid sick leave (PSL). We operate in multiple locations and are confused by all the state and local PSL laws. Exactly which law(s) are we required to follow?

 

Northwestern Lumber Association and Mid-America Lumbermens Association are now BLD Connection. Read About Our Transformation!

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