Do it Best LBM Academy graduates inaugural class

Do it Best graduated their inaugural class of LBM Academy.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company said they are equipping nearly 50 home center and lumberyard employees from across the country with proven techniques to drive sales more effectively with their pros and contractors.

“Our #1 goal is to help our members sell more in an increasingly complex market – so they’re prepared for whatever comes their way,” said Russ Kathrein, VP of lumber and building materials at Do it Best.

The home improvement cooperative said it has a long history of offering LBM-oriented training programs to its members.

“In launching the LBM Academy,” said the company, it was, “driven to provide a curriculum that would help yard owners with career development for newer staff while strengthening the retention of key team members.”

The newly designed format was created to take advantage of the training and collaboration opportunities available at its new headquarters.

Coursework over three intensive days of training included a leadoff session by noted construction industry consultant Bradley Hartmann, said the firm.

He was followed by group presentations and activities, as well as breakout tracks on lumber and building materials 101, kitchen, bath and flooring, construction science, and lumberyard management.

“We created our LBM Academy to address those changing needs to empower the next generation of LBM leaders,” said Kathrein.

“With guidance from industry veterans, consultants, and vendors, along with our in-house experts, we’re sending this group back to their yards with the knowledge they need to take their operations to the next level,” he said.

There will be a 2024 LBM Academy, said the company, and dates will be announced soon, and it’s expected that the class will fill up quickly.