LBM Journal of the Year - February 2024

LBM Journal Dealer of the Year

Preston Feather is proud to announce that we have been selected as an LBM Journal Dealer of the Year for 2024! Being selected is a testament to our team, customers, suppliers, and communities. Read more about what we're up to at the link HERE!

Spring Building

For those building on non-class A roads in Michigan, frost laws means smaller deliveries, no moffett forklifts, and possibly longer delivery lead times. Knowing these obstacles, what can we do to stay on schedule this spring?

We asked a few of our experienced staff how they work with customers to stay on track:

 

Communicate ahead of time - Dylan Richardson, TC Dispatch

"Communicate needs as far in advance as possible: the more information we have about upcoming deliveries, the higher the chance of getting the right product at the right site at the right time.

Our biggest crunch is when we need to add or subtract items from a delivery after a truck is set. Ironing out the details ahead of time negates that"

 

Review weight restriction schedules - Logan Wilkinson, HS/PT Dispatch

"Check to see the status of your project's county weight restrictions when working with your salesperson for large deliveries"

The Michigan Weight Restriction map and schedule is available HERE

 
 

Plan for next steps - Scott Sanders, GY Sales Leader

"Work with our sales team in our decision centers to create a plan for after restrictions are lifted. Demand is hot when we're able to run full trucks, having a plan is the best way to get your deliveries prioritized."

 

 

End of an Era

Pete Ambrose Retirement

March will be the first month in over 42 years that Preston Feather will not have Pete Ambrose on staff. Pete is retiring at the end of February to enjoy time with family and to do a little travelling.

Things looked a little different when Pete joined the team, payphones were our "mobile phones", everything was handwritten, and OSB hadn't really been refined yet. In March of 1982 an 8' 2x4 only cost about 94 cents! Pete jokes that he's worked at PF so long he could have sold lumber from the same woodlot multiple times.

"This job has been a great way to spend the last 42 years. I've had the opportunity to work with some great contractors on some amazing jobs and make some wonderful memories through the years. Our customers are second to none and will be in great hands with the next generation we have coming up. It's bittersweet to be at the end, but the lumber industry has been the best place to spend my career. Selling lumber is an extremely under-utilized profession and is a great job to build a life around."

Thank you Pete for the incredible time together and the depth of experience you've passed along to the next generation of PF salespeople. We look forward to seeing what projects you get up to in retirement!

New Products

Royal Trim

Preston Feather is now stocking Royal Trims and Mouldings!

Royal’s 100% cellular PVC mouldings come ready for a quick install and can enhance the curb appeal of your project while saving time on maintenance down the road.

Builder benefits:

  • No need for prep/paint
  • Easy nailing and gluing

Homeowner benefits:

  • Does not mold or mildew
  • High energy efficiency
  • Low maintenance

 

Hydro Gap

HydroGap is among the best-performing moisture management products on the market. This product combines the water-resistive layer of a traditional housewrap with a proper gap to facilitate water drainage from behind the exterior siding. Using this product inspires construction professionals to Build Better™ by effectively eliminating excess moisture, preventing long-term damage caused by mold and rot.

Builder benefits

  • No need for seam taping, saving you on time and labor costs
  • Housewrap can be installed in any direction without affecting drainability
  • Recommended for all cladding types

Homeowner Benefits

  • Stronger moisture/rot prevention for siding/cladding

 

Hydro Flash

HydroFlash® LA is designed for exterior flashing of rough openings, transitions, and seams as part of a high-performing air and water management system. The best areas to utilize a liquid-applied flashing are when you need to fill imperfections, penetrations, or seal difficult areas.

Builder benefits

  • Use for challenging details in exterior insulation applications, including geometrically complex areas
  • Creates superior air sealing
  • Use to create monolithic sill flashing & prevent leaks
  • Cure time is only 6 hours with 20-40 mil thickness

Homeowner Benefits

  •  Strong moisture/rot prevention for windows & doors (fewer replaced sills)

Upcoming Events

Nudura Product Training

Preston Feather will be hosting Nudura installation training sessions in April!

Led by a certified Nudura installation specialist and experienced ICF installer, the one-day training program teaches participants basic Nudura ICF installation skills for concrete homes and light commercial structures.

HBAGTA Northwest Michigan EXPO

March 9, 10. 

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Traverse City

HBAGTA Northern Michigan Regional Home & Outdoor Living Show

March 15, 16

North Central Michigan College, Petoskey