More speakers will be added soon…stay tuned.
Rick Davis
Rick Davis is the contributing sales editor to LBM Journal and regarded by many as the leading sales trainer and consultant in the LBM industry. He has been the owner of Building Leaders, Inc. for 20 years and trained tens of thousands of salespeople in our industry. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and applies his studies in economics and psychology to deliver scientific measurement of sales performance and the power of influence that produce predictable future results. His presentations are ones you won’t want to miss.
Dena Cordova-Jack
As a 30+ year veteran of the LBM industry, Dena has dedicated her career to learning all facets of the LBM industry. As a strategic builder of people and programs, building strong companies is her passion. Her well-rounded experience has given her a unique perspective into our rapidly changing industry and believes that creating strategies for sustainability through succession planning and leadership development programs is fundamental to the success of any organization. She has held various positions in her career, from trading commodities, purchasing, and sales management for Georgia Pacific and Boise Cascade, to Director of Sales for Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company, and Vice President of Organizational Development for Kodiak Building Partners. She studied at the University of Northern Colorado and Kennedy University and holds a degree in business management.
Thea Dudley
Thea Dudley started out working with her subcontractor Dad, and shortly thereafter realized that manual labor was not for her. So, she moved into the power seat of the business — granting credit and collecting the money. She has spent her 30+ year career working for manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, contractors, and subcontractors by leading credit teams, aiding accounts payable, and bringing order to cash processes. She currently serves as Suppli’s first Brand Ambassador, is a founding member of Women of LBM, Levelset ProAdvisory Panel, numerous credit associations, and National Insulation Contractors Exchange. She writes a credit Q&A Column and Webex series for LBM Journal. Thea works with credit departments across the country to secure healthy AR management and proactive credit and collection practices.
John D. Wagner
John D. Wagner is a managing director for 1stWest Mergers & Acquisitions, which has transacted $1.5 billion+ in deal values and has a specialty practice in the distribution and LBM sectors. John is also the M&A columnist for LBM Journal. He has served as a sell-side and buy-side advisor on dozens of M&A deals reaching back to 1999. John is the author of 24 books and 2,600+ articles that have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and many other outlets. His most-popular book is M&A Basics For People in a (BIG)Hurry!.
Ted Rieple
Ted Rieple is the managing partner and founder of 1stWEST Mergers & Acquisitions. The company currently maintains operations in the US, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Having founded 1stWEST M&A in 2008, Ted’s experience includes the completion of over $1 billion in M&A transactions around the globe. Prior to 1stWEST M&A, Ted was president & CEO of Strategic Distribution Inc., and Diversey Chemicals North American operations. Ted graduated from St. Mary’s University and is a U.S. Army veteran who was assigned to the Staff Judge Advocate (JAG Corps).
Rick Schumacher
Rick’s introduction to the LBM industry began in 1990 with Building Material Retailer magazine, and continued with the launch of LBM Journal in 2003. Since then, Rick and a team of hardworking, high performing publishing pros have built LBM Journal into the leading national media brand serving the LBM distribution channel. With degrees in English and marketing, Rick is passionate about delivering insights and information to help readers run their businesses better and smarter.