Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1370374
shipped anything without a pallet no matter the mode of transport. erefore, I was always fascinated about the different sizes, specs, etc. but could never imagine how many moving parts you have to juggle to make a pallet plant run successfully. e previous owner did a fabulous job developing the footprint of the business. I do feel that the previous generation did not stay up to speed with industry changing requirements and requests from customers. Customers drive your business. It is also clear that they did not invest in any technology. We strive to test and implement equipment and procedures that will make us more efficient. It is, however, important to have good processes and procedures in place, because technology can never replace a process or procedure, it can only improve it! e prices of lumber at an all-time historic high are obviously a huge concern. What makes it even more difficult is the weekly fluctuations in pricing. Automation is undeniable and those in the pallet industry cannot ignore it. I am excited to see what all we can do to take advantage of automation and PalletCentral • May-June 2021 21 improve many aspects/issues of our industry: labor issues, plant efficiency, quality, growth, etc. With the workforce challenges of today, what is your opinion on what will attract other millennials and other workers to the industry? We had the same issues in the trucking world, the industry is not "sexy" enough to attract talent. For me there are a few things that can solve this issue: stay up to speed with technology, pay people well, provide them with benefits and make them part of a winning culture. Involve your employees in your vision as the owner and let them help you as an organization to reach those dreams. I still see too many companies where management makes the decisions and will just change things without asking employees their opinion or input. Like our slogan says: Pallets move the world. Our industry is almost recession resistant and we can all prosper and build great futures for our families. But never forget how important it is to keep investing in our employees and communities in order to change lives forever.