Advertise on podcast: Component Connection

In this episode, hosts Abby Langenberg, SBCA Director of Business Development & Member Engagement, and Molly Butz, SBCA Interim Co-Executive Director, take us through part one of SBCA's European tour, where members explored cutting-edge truss manufacturing, lumber production, and structural building components innovation across Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. Think zero waste, full automation, and game-changing efficiency — plus peer collaboration and industry conversations.

In this episode, SBCA’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sean Shields, is joined by SBCA's Director of Education, Ashley Baker. Together, they explore several external educational initiatives SBCA is engaged in to bring the knowledge and expertise of the industry to a broad audience of stakeholders from home builders to building inspectors.

Supplier-led education sessions are some of the most anticipated - and competitive - opportunities at BCMC & Framer Summit. In this episode, SBCA's Director of Education, Ashley Baker, breaks down what these sessions are, why attendees pack the rooms, and how suppliers can stand out in the application process. From insider tips on what the review panel looks for to strategies for delivering a high-impact session, this is your guide to getting selected - and making it count at BCMC in Columbus, OH this fall, September 14-18, 2026.

In this episode, SBCA’s Interim Co-Executive Director, Molly Butz, hosts a conversation with Amanda Neuts, Associate Director of SBCA, as they recap their experience at the National Housing Supply Summit in Washington, D.C. Together, they share key takeaways from this engaging and educational day, including the importance of communication framing to “sell the opportunity,” using components as a budget-control strategy, engaging local chapters in new ways and increasing involvement in policymaking, and continuously evaluating relevant emerging technology and business models.

In this episode, SBCA’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sean Shields, hosts a conversation with Monica Shripka, Senior Director of Business Development & Marketing at the National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA). Together, they explore the structural engineering profession and share insights on how engineers and component manufacturers can better connect.

In this episode of Component Connection, Abby Langenberg, SBCA Director of Business Development & Member Engagement, talks with SBCA President, Larry Dix II, who shares his vision for SBCA and the industry. Join us to find out about what's next for SBCA!

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) who provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Stronger demand and tightening supply are pushing lumber prices upward, with limited availability of certain products, rising transportation costs, and expectations for a severe wildfire season potentially adding more pressure to an already firm market. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

In this episode, the SBCA staff members who participated in SBCA's first Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) of 2026 in Austin, Texas, share their observations of the event and moments that delivered the greatest value to attendees. Together, they provide a good recap of the entire meeting and make a case for why no one should miss the next OQM in Bellevue, Washington, June 9-11.

In this episode, SBCA's Director of Marketing, Sean Shields, hosts a conversation with Amanda Neuts, Associate Director of SBCA, and Abby Langenberg, Director of Business Development of SBCA, summarizing their week at NAHB's International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida. There were a lot of opportunities for the industry to promote the many benefits of structural building components to home builders across the country and promote the capabilities of today's component manufacturer (CM).

Over the past year, Corey Lane, SBCA's Safety Coordinator has been doing extensive behind-the-scenes work to strengthen and expand SBCA's safety resources. In this episode of the Component Connection, we discuss that progress and the plan for transforming it into new and revised education within the SBCA Academy. From enhanced operational safety materials to expanded practical guidance and tools, Corey shares what he’s developed and how we’re using it to update existing courses, replace outdated content, and build stronger, more accessible training for component manufacturers.

In this episode, we talk with Talia Montrose, SBCA Membership Coordinator, who works directly with chapters nationwide. We discuss how chapters operate, the benefits of getting involved, and what members gain from attending chapter meetings. From local connections to meaningful takeaways, this conversation highlights how chapters strengthen engagement and bring real value to SBCA members at the regional level. A great listen for anyone looking to get more connected through SBCA.

In this episode, Molly Butz is joined by Justin Binning and Ken Timmins with American International Forest Products (AIFP) who provide a snapshot of the current lumber market. Tune in as Justin and Ken discuss why lumber markets have seen more upward movement in the past six weeks than all of 2025, fueled by housing optimism on the heels of recent mill curtailments, and what that could mean for 2026. Justin has been with AIFP since 2010 with a focus in Southern Yellow Pine and Ken has been with AIFP since 2017, specializing in Fir species. Both specialize in high grade lumber for the component manufacturing industry.

In this episode, Sean Shields, Director of Marketing for SBCA, is joined by Ed Robbins, PE, President of P.E. Robbins and a member of the SBCA E&T Committee, where they discuss the SBCA Knowledge Center and the value of the technical guidance contained in this online library.

In this episode, Ashley Baker, SBCA's Director of Education, and Jeremey Hurley, Senior Vice President of Program Operations at Home Builders Institute (HBI), discuss HBI's nationally recognized training programs and how they're helping solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges: workforce development. They discuss HBI’s industry-driven curriculum, including their pre-apprenticeship training model, why this work is especially significant to SBCA, and how component manufacturers can actively engage to support and benefit from these programs. They also share a sneak peek at what HBI and SBCA are exploring together to strengthen talent pipelines and create new pathways into the structural component industry.

Many operational risks in component manufacturing don’t show up all at once—they build quietly over time. In this two part episode, Jess Lohse, Executive Director of SBCA, and Abby Langenberg, Director of Business Development, discuss common communication and consistency challenges between the plant and the jobsite, and how small gaps in information, process, and documentation can lead to larger downstream issues across operations. They also explore practical ways manufacturers can identify and address these “quiet risks” before they impact quality, schedules, or builder trust.