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Red Rock Enterprises, LLC
Weekly Newsletter |
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WEEKLY LOG YARD REPORT...
Flow into, and out of, the log yard, shot up tremendously on Monday and was steady all week long for both logs and pulpwood. Since this is the time of the year I try to keep things moving rather quickly because of stain, checking, and wood-weight loss, the yard may not have looked like there was much going on, but there was much more than usual. (My son joked that sometimes a log is only in the yard for 10 minutes before it is on another truck being shipped to a customer!) We expect a busy week this next week as well.
Thanks to all of our contractors, truckers, and suppliers for your wood!! |
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TEAMWORK.....
We all have had individuals who've touched our lives in different ways. As we travel through life, it's helpful to look back on people and moments that made a difference for us. With the hardwood industry going through such a challenging time right now, it makes me proud to be able to collaborate with great people who continue working together toward a common goal.
Last week we saw another example of unprecedented teamwork at Red Rock, and it brought to mind some words that a very bright and talented CEO once told me, back when I was in my early twenties. He pulled me aside one day and informed me that he wanted to share something that someone had once shared with him. He said that if you want to succeed in anything you do, that you should to give it all you've got, but, most importantly, you have to surround yourself with people who are brighter, and who work harder than you do. He went on to recommend that I never be afraid of hiring someone who could one day take my job, and to always hire someone who is better than I am at what I do. Then, he said, to always encourage them to try to take over my job because, as they grow, I'll grow, too.
This approach allows one to learn from them, and them from you, and, as you both learn, you'll both grow, and so will the company. I can honestly say that I have done that, surrounding myself with people who are brighter and smarter than I am and, because of that, the Company is able to exceed the sometimes-lofty sales targets I've set, even in markets as challenging as these.
The same CEO also told me to always ask the people doing the work for better ways to get things done, because they are the ones doing it every day. I've tried to always give everyone an equal voice when they have suggestions.
Some of the suggestions that I received last week were:
· Ways to pick up extra backhauls
· Ways to save stone on a logging job
· Ways to increase flow through the log yard quicker.
· Ways to pick up extra loads.
· Obtained some timber leads.
· Obtained a new supplier lead.
Thanks, once again, to everyone for their hard work!!!!!
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 PHIL'S READING LIST...
I recently finished reading the book, Why We Want You to Be Rich, by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyoski.
While this book does not specifically speak to the trials we're currently facing in the Hardwood Industry, in my opinion, the thoughts and ideas in the book can be related to the challenges before us. It's a very good read, overall, filled with good thoughts and ideas. While it's not your usual kick-ass title by Donald Trump book, I think it's worth the investment of $12.87 (I bought it at Wal-Mart). |
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WEEKLY MARKET REPORT...
I am sure there are some people in our industry who've been going through a lot of TUMS and Pepto-Bismol lately, or have maybe even gotten a prescription for Lexipro from their family doctor. The Hardwood Market and a TUMS commercial do seem to have a lot in common, right now.
I have been fortunate, or unfortunate, depending on which day you ask me, to have grown up in the lumber business. One thing I learned early on was that in order to be in this business, you have to have a very STRONG stomach. I've seen times when we had lumber piled up everyplace and couldn't give even a stick of product away, and other times when a load would be rejected because the boards were 1/8" too long. And I've seen it such that even running double shifts couldn't keep up with the orders. The lumber business always has been, and always will be, one that goes up and down like a yo-yo or a roller-coaster.
Inventories of unsold lumber remain little changed this week over last week. The pallet business during the previous two weeks was quite busy, but then slowed to a crawl this past week. While many mills in the region are low on logs, others were okay, with some even having too many considering the time of year. Paper companies in the area are gearing for upgrades to occur the first part of May, with most of them going down at the same time. There will continue to be downward pressure on prices throughout the summer months, but hopefully, some light should appear at the end of the tunnel some time this fall.
Fuel prices continue to create havoc in all the markets with no relief in sight, anywhere.
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Pennsylvania Wood Mobile
The Pennsylvania Wood Mobile was dedicated this week. Please visit this link to learn more about the outreach project http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?q=128908
Red Rock has committed to support the Wood Mobile for the next 4 years. It's a huge obligation on our part, but one we feel is important if we are to continue to outreach to communities across Pennsylvania.
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 MORE RED ROCK HAPPENINGS...
This week has been a hectic one for Red Rock so far. We are hosting the Bucking for Grade class this week, with the "Train the Trainer" instruction taking place on Thursday and Friday, and the Contractor Training on Saturday.
Last week was also a demanding period as we once again exceeded out weekly sales goal even though we were busy preparing for the Bucking for Grade class, and continued to move forward with our FSC Certification. Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.
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TO EAT... OR NOT TO EAT...
*EIGHT FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT EVERYDAY: Spinach, Yogurt, Tomatoes, Carrots, Blueberries, Black Beans, Walnuts, & Oats
*THE WORST FOOD IN AMERICA: Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing
*WORST STARTER: Chili's Awesome Blossom
*WORST NACHOS: On The Border Stacked Border Nachos
*WORST PASTA: Macaroni Grill Spaghettis and Meatballs with Meat Sauce
*WORST PIZZA: Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza
*WORST FISH ENTREE: On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans
*WORST CHICKEN ENTREE: Chili's Hney Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce
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THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOU DO!!!
Sincerely,
Phil
Red Rock Enterprises, LLC |
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