hm - Aug13 - cover.indd - National Hardwood Lumber Association

PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
FAMILY, WORKPLACE, AND INDUSTRY
Most of us will spend more time working, than any other single activity in our lifetimes. This may
be a troubling thought to many, unless you have worked to develop healthy relationships in your
home, your workplace, and within our industry.
We all expect healthy relationships within our households, but as many are aware these do not
always come easily. Many times we find out just how important it is to be a team within our
relationships, in order to effectively handle problems that come our way.
Our workplace can be much more difficult to maintain these much needed healthy relationships,
especially when competition exists between co-workers. Often, we must step back and look at
the greater picture; the common good of the company, so we can all benefit. This has been very
apparent for most companies over the last five years. Every company has its own system for
solidifying co-worker camaraderie, but all companies understand the importance of it. Again,
here, the theme of teamwork plays an important role, and you cannot develop a good team
without trust and friendship.
When I entered the hardwood industry full time in 1987, I did not know anyone, I did not
have a customer base, and I certainly did not have any friends within the industry. I am amazed
how things have changed over the past 26 years. I have come to understand the importance of
friendships within my industry.
As I attended different association meetings, I began to develop a network of suppliers and
customers that would become critical to the future of my business. While I expected these
association meetings to further my business opportunities, I was unaware of how much they
would enrich my personal life with the friendships that developed along the way.
I recently spent a long weekend with five great friends that I would not have if it were not for
NHLA. We rarely trade lumber with each other, but we all understand the value of trading
ideas to help each other solve problems within our companies and also within our personal
lives. Regardless of the sector of the industry we are each in, or the size of our companies, we all
have similar problems on a daily basis. I will guarantee you that the five of us have all been more
successful in our businesses because of the ideas we share when we are together.
As you have opportunities to attend various association gatherings, think about the lost
opportunities for your business and your personal growth if you do not attend. The 2013
NHLA Convention & Exhibit Showcase will be held October 2-4 in Fort Worth, Texas at the
Omni Hotel. This is the premier gathering for the North American hardwood industry, and
you do not want to miss out on all the business opportunities and potential friendships by not
attending this event!
Regardless of the sector
of the industry we are
each in, or the size of our
companies, we all have
similar problems on a
daily basis.
See You There!
Sincerely,
Scott Heidler
Heidler Hardwood Lumber Co.
4 AUGUST 2013 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM