Episode 24: Craig Webb, President of Webb Analytics
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
Release Date: 01/14/2022
Episode 39: Navigating 2025's Housing Market: Chris Beard on Interest Rates, Tariffs, and the Million-Home Opportunity
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
Tony Misura sits down with Chris Beard, Building Products Research Director at John Burns Research and Consulting, for a comprehensive look at what's really happening in housing and building materials markets heading into 2026. Chris breaks down the numbers that matter: why single-family starts are down mid-single digits while multifamily is strengthening, what the "magic" 5.5% mortgage rate means for buyer behavior, and why production builders are willing to pay a $130 premium per thousand board feet for Canadian lumber despite new tariffs. From the "wall of wood" created by preemptive...
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Episode 38: Unlock the Power of Video to Attract Top Talent and Customers
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In this episode, Tony sits down with Rory O’Neill of Rory Thomas Productions, a longtime friend and expert in video storytelling. They discuss the real value of video in talent and customer attraction, the common pitfalls companies face when creating content, and how to capture the genuine, compelling stories that resonate with both customers and candidates. From building comfort on camera to identifying what makes a company truly unique, this conversation is packed with insight for leaders ready to level up their brand and recruitment efforts through video. 🎬 Don’t miss this milestone...
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Hire Smarter, Podcast 37 with John Burns from John Burns Research & Consultants
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
Hire Smarter Podcast: Land Banking, Risk Mitigation, and Government Policies Shaping the Housing Market Join industry expert John Burns as he explores the evolving landscape of the housing market. In this episode, John breaks down the significance of land banking, risk mitigation strategies for builders, and the lasting effects of government policies like Dodd-Frank. Tune in for valuable insights on how these factors are shaping the future of homebuilding and real estate. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve in today’s dynamic housing market.
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Episode 36: Revolutionizing the Wood Products Industry with Tamarack
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In the latest episode of Hire Smarter, Tony Misura talks with Joe Page, founder and CEO of Tamarack Software, about his innovative approach to modernizing the wood products industry. Tamarack is building an integrated operating system for sawmills to address the complex, fragmented nature of the industry. Joe explains how the company, despite lacking prior experience in the field, began with hands-on collaboration with sawmills like RSG Forest Products, uncovering inefficiencies and creating a system that automates and streamlines processes. With a focus on improving workflows from...
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Episode 35: Michael Collins, Managing Director at Equinova
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In the latest episode of Hire Smarter™, Michael Collins shares insights into his journey in the building products industry and investment banking, emphasizing a strategic focus on large, fragmented markets ripe for acquisition. He highlights the significance of sustainable EBITDA in business valuations, urging listeners to steer clear of one-time or non-recurring items that could skew buyer perceptions. Collins also underscores the importance of succession planning and retaining key management talent during ownership transitions, as well as the competitive edge and higher margins that...
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Episode 34: Cody Nuernberg
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
Cody Nuernberg, President of BLD Connection, outlines the advantages of joining the association. He emphasizes the benefits of networking, educational opportunities, and the diverse program services provided. Cody also highlights the association's role in legislative advocacy, addressing current issues like credit card fees and potential changes to crane regulations. He underscores the cost-effectiveness of membership and the importance of effective communication to keep members informed. Cody invites non-members to experience these benefits firsthand and notes the growing impact of technology...
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Episode 33: Ted Nafzger and Chase Hackner, Paradigm
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In the latest episode of "Hire Smarter," we explore how LBM industry leaders can transform their hiring practices and career decisions by leveraging innovative technology to improve estimating processes. The episode highlights the challenges LBM dealers face with estimating and how the groundbreaking Paradigm technology addresses these issues. Paradigm enables a significant boost in estimating capacity and accuracy, streamlining bids to be completed in just 5-7 days while allowing estimators to focus on customization. Join us as we speak with Paradigm's Vice President of Sales and Marketing,...
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Episode 32: Jack Laverty and Larry Noble, World Vision
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
Our guests today are Jack Laverty and Larry Noble from World Vision, an organization that focuses on providing relief and development to underserved communities. They discuss the organizations evolution from typical NGO to solution-based provider for corporations, offering product donation solutions and addressing issues such as obsolete inventory and employee engagement. They highlight World Vision's impact both internationally and domestically, with a focus on helping communities lift themselves out of poverty.
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Episode 31: Hogan Assessments with Jim Moody and Michele Burger
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In the latest episode of Hire Smarter™, follow along as Tony, Jim, and Michele discuss the explosive value that Hogan Assessments can bring to the LBM industry. Jim dives into how this personality assessment is used to help companies with strategic planning, succession planning, and coaching. While there are many types of personality tests out there, the Hogan Assessment allows for individuals to get the most detailed, holistic approach in regards to hiring, onboarding, and continued success in day-to-day interactions. It gets down to the nitty-gritty of understanding your strengths,...
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Episode 30: Matt Semonik, COO of Arnold Lumber
Hire Smarter™ with Tony Misura
In this episode, Tony dives into Matt Semonik's unexpected journey into the LBM industry and Arnold Lumber’s legacy as a fourth-generation family-owned business. Matt elaborates on the company’s niche in serving high-end custom home builders in Rhode Island, its diverse offerings, and its growth trajectory. The conversation shifts to non-compete agreements, with Matt discussing their evolving landscape in the US and the importance of cultivating strong relationships with employees and customers to mitigate their necessity. They explore Arnold Lumber's innovative approaches, such as video...
info_outlineIn this episode, Tony speaks with Craig Webb, the decades-long editor of ProSales Magazine and current President of Webb Analytics, about the importance of excellent communication and how to hone in on your skills. Craig is easily one of the best speakers and communicators in the building materials and construction supply industry.
Craig recommends we ask 3 simple questions:
What combination of media selection is the best given the outcome objective?
What is the clearest, simplest form for that message to be delivered effectively?
What is the best feedback loop to refine the message?