DOES
SIZE MATTER? It
does, but only in so much as the size is appropriate and practical
to the intended result.
OK, this discussion is NOT akin to those commercials we have all
heard promising to help guys out.
Coastal exhibited at the IWF last week.
First of all, we want to thank all the many customers and
peers within the industry that stopped by with interest in our
products or to simply discuss the times and market conditions.
We appreciated both.
We would especially like to thank the new contacts we gained
that are receiving this for the first time because of their contact
with us in our booth.
Welcome, thank you, and we look forward to establishing a
relationship with you to serve your lumber needs.
Back to size, anyone who attended the IWF show
in Atlanta that was there 2
years ago noticed a big difference.
The size was not the same.
The scope and magnitude of the show was smaller.
Was it the economy, was it a sign of the times, and was it
bad? It was likely both
the economy and a sign of the times, possibly necessary, but
definitely not bad.
Having been through the toughest 2-4 years the lumber industry,
particularly for sawmills, has ever faced, and having made many
adjustments to our own scope and size, we have a unique perspective
on the show this year.
It was evident that the attendees this year
were more focused and had more purpose than in years past.
There were less tire kickers and more tangible and determined
potential customers than previous years.
Bigger is not always better.
Instead size is relative to purpose.
Our industry as a whole has shrunk, and while that has
brought with it some level of pain, it has also forced an
introspection that will promote overall health in the supply chain
for our industry. Quite
often, being forced to display extreme perseverance through a
difficult time brings out the best in people and organizations.
It forces optimum efficiency and maximum productivity.
These affects hone the senses and make people and
organizations much more attune to their surroundings and conditions.
That awareness can and will create excellence.
In the case of Coastal, these results benefit our customers.
It has long been a principle for Coastal in our
training programs and everyday approach that you get out of
something what you put into it, and that you can get something out
of anything if you maintain the right perspective.
With that in mind, we left Atlanta, knowing we gained
strong leads that we expect to turn into great customer
relationships. Thank you for
stopping by if you were there, if you weren’t we missed you, but
will see you soon, and if you are new to our contact family, we
welcome you!