Strong Conversations

Pressure, Performance and Well-Being: A Mental Health Conversation

In this powerful episode of Strong Conversations, Rick Davis of Building Leaders, Inc. opens up about mental health, vulnerability, and the unseen pressures within the sales profession. Drawing from personal experience and decades of leadership, Rick shares a candid perspective on depression, stigma, and why seeking help is not a weakness—but a necessity. In this episode: Breaking the stigma around mental health in the industry The hidden pressure of sales and constant performance expectations How mindset and self-talk shape both success and stress Why seeking help early can change everything A candid, important conversation for anyone in leadership or sales.

The Leadership Rebellion: Overthrowing Old School Lumber Yard Thinking

In this episode of Strong Conversations series, Sunny Bowman, CEO of Dakota County Lumber, joins our host Sam Marcoux and shares what it takes to lead a family business into the future. From second-generation ownership to driving innovation in a traditionally slow-to-change industry, Sunny offers a candid look at balancing legacy, leadership, and forward-thinking strategy. Key Takeaways: The responsibility and mindset shift that comes with full ownership and leading a legacy business How to modernize a traditional industry while staying rooted in core values Creating a culture of candor, continuous improvement, and team trust Why independent lumber yards can thrive through agility, innovation, and customer focus Preparing for the future with technology, AI, and last-mile delivery advancements

Up, Up, Down, Down: Unlocking the Code to Leading Multi-Generational Teams

In this episode of Strong Conversations, Mike Ellerbrook, Executive Vice President of UFP Site Built, shares his 27-year journey from working in a plant at 18 to leading within a major building products company. The conversation dives into culture, multi-generational leadership, and what it really takes to stay relevant and win in a constantly evolving industry. Key Takeaways: - Why culture and having fun at work are essential to long-term success in the industry - Leading across generations: adapting your style while staying authentic and consistent - The importance of “dual learning” between experienced leaders and younger talent - Setting a clear expectation to win—and tailoring how you coach individuals to get there - Navigating post-COVID market shifts and resetting expectations for sustainable growth

Betting Big: The 2.25 Billion Dollar Dice Roll with Steve Swinney

In this episode of Strong Conversations: Real Stories, Sam Marcoux sits down with Steve Swinney, CEO and co-founder of Kodiak Building Partners, to unpack what it really means to bet big—and do it thoughtfully. From launching Kodiak during the Great Recession to leading a 5,500-employee organization into its next chapter with QXO, Steve shares lessons on risk, culture, scaling, and leadership. The conversation blends hard-won business insight with humor, reflection, and a few 1980s hair-metal references along the way. --- Episode Highlights · Why Kodiak’s biggest bets were bold but calculated · Lessons from starting a company during the Great Recession · How culture became the #1 diligence factor in acquisitions · What it’s like being acquired after 15 years of growth Steve is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kodiak Building Partners, a transformative force in the building materials industry that he has steered through strategic growth and 40+ acquisitions throughout the past 13 years.

Purchasing, Partnerships, and Perspective: 40 Years with Mitch Wagner

In the second part of the Strong Conversations Lessons Learned series with 84 Lumber, we talk to Mitch Wagner, Vice President of Purchasing, who reflects on four decades in the building industry. From starting at $4.35 an hour to leading purchasing strategy for one of the most recognized names in the business, Mitch shares lessons on relationships, resilience, and leadership that endure through industry change. Key Takeaways: • How 84 Lumber builds careers that span decades • The importance of long-term relationships with vendors and stores • Why burning bridges is never an option in a consolidating industry • Lessons for salespeople on working effectively with purchasing leaders • The value of mentorship and succession in sustaining company culture