I recently ventured to our nation’s capital to participate in the SBC Legislative Conference for the first time. I was simply awestruck by everything I saw in Washington, DC. Obviously, the architecture and aesthetics of the city are second to none. Many cities have a couple, or even a few iconic buildings, but in DC every building was built to be admired. My first impression was, "Boy, we’re not in Montana anymore!"
I certainly felt out of my element in DC, but if I’ve learned anything in my experience with SBCA, it’s to press on during uncomfortable situations and come out that much wiser and more confident. After a morning briefing with our SBCA group and staff, I set out to the Capitol on what was advertised as a 20-minute walk that turned into a 30-minute jog at a 5K pace in a suit and dress shoes. I showed up only five minutes late to my first meeting after a brief wait at security. I met with a couple staffers for Montana’s junior Senator and advocated our positions as a trade organization and a couple more I personally feel passionate about. By closing remarks the sweat was dry and I was ready to take on my next two meetings.
My next meeting was with Montana’s other Senator, Jon Tester. I had my doubts if I would actually meet the Senator, but appreciated the time with the aides nonetheless. The meeting opened with a couple staffers who clearly had no idea what trusses were, and I was quickly back in my comfort zone professing the benefits and characteristics of trusses. After a quick few minutes and two more “component savvy” DC insiders, the Senator stepped in. We reviewed the issues and he had a lot of insight. The conversation quickly changed to people we know in common, which wasn’t difficult as he’s from the same town my grandparents grew up in (Big Sandy, MT—population 610) and it was just like talking to anyone back home, effortless and entertaining.
The final meeting of the day was with Montana’s lone Representative, Steve Daines. He has aspirations of becoming a Senator, so I figured he would oblige a visit from a constituent, if only to tally one more vote this fall. After a brief wait and a conversation with one of his assistants, he came out to greet me. I was expecting the assistant to join, but he didn’t. There I was, one-on-one with my state’s foremost Republican. He knew all about trusses (his dad is a builder), he knew all about running a small business (he’s run many) and he took all the words right out of my mouth; now that’s a politician. As the conversation continued, we talked about each of our backgrounds and the similarities of our families and how great life is in Montana. At this point I realized, just as I have many times previously, these people are a lot like you and me; you just have to reach out and hopefully get the opportunity to have a conversation.
My day in Washington was a lot like my first SBCA Open Quarterly Meeting, overwhelming and intimidating. I attended that March 2009 meeting in Denver for two reasons: spring skiing in Colorado, and defending the formation of our new Montana SBCA chapter against any detractors (there were none, and it was barely a footnote of the board meeting). From there, I started showing up at OQMs and getting involved in various committees. It took a while for me to reach out to other attendees being the shy, quiet guy from the place people usually only go to vacation, but eventually I did (and they reached out to me, too) and now I have a lot of great relationships as a result.
I encourage you to show up and reach out. Show up to the next OQM, chapter meeting or SBCA teleconference. You’ll be among world class individuals in your industry, and one of two things will happen—you’ll either learn a lot in a hurry to improve your operation, or you’ll realize you belong in that world class group and have a lot more confidence in your operation as a result. I also encourage you to reach out to industry peers. I guarantee you’re not the only one with a specific pressing problem and if by chance you are, what better group to talk it over with?
Oh, by the way, this month’s SBC Magazine highlights the Legislative Conference held in May. It also includes articles on employee training, retirement plans, the Affordable Care Act and an update from the National Framers Council. They’re all very well written and include a lot of photos. You’ll have to check it out online or when it shows up in mail; it’ll be worth your time. Make sure to read through to Parting Shots. It highlights a mighty impressive feat one of the SBCA Chapters recently pulled off!