MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to 2026. As we step into a new year, the focus returns to the fundamentals—running efficient, resilient operations in a demanding industry. This week offers a look back at practices and perspectives that supported better decisions and stronger teams in 2025. Thank you for your continued work in moving wood manufacturing forward.

– Tyler Holt, Editor

TOP 5 STORIES

From Persuasion to Purpose: Why Leadership Language Now Matters More Than Ever

Over two decades ago, Jay Conger argued that persuasion—not authority—had become the essential language of business leadership. ... Read more.

Twelve Bias Checks Every Capital Purchase Must Survive

Equipment decisions in secondary wood manufacturing are often compressed into a few hectic afternoons. A sales rep’s rebate, a plant manager’s ... Read more.

Managing by Strengths in Secondary Wood Manufacturing

This article distills and applies the core insights from Marcus Buckingham’s “What Great Managers Do,” published in Harvard Business Review, March 2005, ... Read more.

Managing Inevitable Conflict to Improve Cross-Functional Performance

Many wood products firms chase alignment through team workshops, incentive tweaks, or org charts that promise smoother handoffs. ... Read more.

Margins in the Sawdust: A Five-Forces Playbook from Porter

Margins in secondary wood manufacturing often compress despite strong order books. To understand why, it helps to start with structure rather than symptoms. ... Read more.

Contributors wanted! We’re always looking for contributing writers and stories for our newsletter. If you have something you’d like to share with readers and want more details, please email Jake Blanchard at jakeb@mediaedge.ca.