Does Everyone Know How You Make a Truss?

Thirty years ago, Mr. Rogers took a tour of a Crayola crayon factory and it changed the way a whole generation of kids thought about crayons. For millions of Generation Xers like me, Mr. Rogers’ tours of mass production facilities sparked an enduring fascination with how things are made.

In some ways, roof trusses are not all that different from crayons: for example, most people who benefit from them don’t really understand what they are, how they work or how they’re made.

It might not matter that the general public is largely ignorant of your products, but what about builders, contractors, framers, fire officials, building inspectors and lawmakers? Those people have a direct impact on the success of your business. Do all those individuals in your market understand what makes your products so great? Do they know why using components is the best way to frame? If you’re answering “no” (which is very likely), it’s time to take a cue from Mr. Rogers. It’s time for a tour.

“I’ve found plant tours to be one of the easiest and most effective ways to build relationships with customers, building inspectors and even my lawmakers,” says Rick Parrino, general manager of Plum Building Systems. Parrino chairs SBCA’s Advocacy Committee, a group of component manufacturers working to engage fellow CMs in relationship-building and outreach for the good of the entire industry.

“After taking a break these last three years, we’re going back to meet with our lawmakers in their offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, to talk about immigration and trade and how it affects our workforce and the cost of raw materials,” says Parrino. While those June 6 meetings are a valuable way for the industry to re-establish a voice in Congress, Parrino points out, “it will be important for us an industry to follow up by getting our lawmakers into our plants and having them see first-hand what we do and how our products help build homes.”

Congress will recess this August, and most lawmakers will return to their home districts to meet with constituents. “I was nervous the first time I gave a tour to my senator, but it was way easier than I thought it would be,” says Parrino. “The relationship that formed from that tour has been really valuable to our company and the industry over the years.”

If you’re interested in following the lead of Mr. Rogers (and Mr. Parrino) and are willing to show a lawmaker how trusses are made, reach out to SBCA today. Email me and I’ll help you contact your representatives and prepare for a tour.