2010 presented our industry with many challenges and it is hoped that the worst is behind us. One market segment which has really come on strong over the last 2 quarters of the year and is forecast to continue its rebound is the small builder/remodeling contractor. While the Large builders continue to remain stagnant, the small builder/remodeler market is picking up steam and growing. With mortgage rates still low, despite recent gains, there are a lot of people refinancing their homes and doing the fix ups they had previously put off. This market is potentially the LBM industry’s best option for the new year and many companies both Retail and One Step are strengthening their sales staff to capture as much of the market as possible.

The movement for building stronger teams is still going strong and we are coaching job seekers every day to market their strengths and accomplishments in their presentations. In a market where some of the industry’s top talent is available, the most aggressive companies are taking advantage of things and hiring top guns for future growth.

We are seeing a lot of movement in the wholesale ranks which should make for an interesting spring. Here in New England the wholesale landscape is changing much like major league baseball teams with top players changing teams and uniforms to play the same sales game in the same playing field. We are recommending to our clients to bring a notebook to the NRLA show to keep track of who is with who now.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Successful New Year!

The SnapDragon Team of Recruiters!