The Nebraska BLD Connection Conferences is a one-day event uniting industry professionals with a unique blend of education, networking, and fun.
Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned owner/manager, this conference offers the opportunity to connect with others from the industry to network and learn from each other along with professional instructors who delve into the “must haves” for our evolving industry and workplaces.
Enjoy a day of education and networking and an evening of fun with new friends and valued colleagues!
Includes full conference registration (education session, lunch, and table top display for afternoon networking session) PLUS evening Smash Park event access (gameplay, dinner and drinks) for up to two (2) people. Must register in advance.
Sponsors may bring an unlimited number of representatives to the table top reception from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Advance registration is appreciated.
SPECIAL SPONSOR NOTES
In order to allow for maximum dealer attendance, sponsors are capped at two (2) full event registrations to start with.* Based upon available spots at the time, sponsors may add one additional full event registration 10 days prior to the event at the rate of $200 per additional person on a first come, first served basis.
*If sponsor companies wish to send someone else to the evening function other than the person attending the daytime conference, they will be responsible for making sure the evening substitute has the entrance ticket to Smash Park.
Leadership Seminars with Zach Arend, Create Purpose LLC
As a former 2x saddle bronc riding champion, Zach Arend transformed the lessons he learned in the rodeo arena into a successful 20-year career in corporate and entrepreneurial leadership roles, building teams, developing leaders, and helping companies to thrive. Today, he’s a professionally trained storyteller and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs, executives, and sales professionals to Saddle Their Own Horse™. His unique abilities to see people’s greatness with intuitive insight, and to guide them with straight-talking truth, inspires leaders to achieve their visions and re-engage with the lost art of leadership. Zach lives in Overland Park, KS with his wife Shandy and their three beautiful daughters, Claire, Sophie, and Thea.
Seminar #1: Saddle Up! A Modern Leadership Solution
In today's dynamic landscape, burnout and disengagement plague workplaces. Yet, the core issue often isn't burnout but rather boredom, stifling untapped potential. To thrive, organizations must foster a culture of ownership and collaboration. Introducing Saddle Your Own Horse™, a paradigm shift in leadership that champions engagement and fulfillment.
Seminar #2: Leading in the Arena: Championing Yourself and Your Team
Great managers are exceptional coaches. 70% of people’s growth stems from real-world challenges, not formal training or mentoring. To champion your team effectively, mastering a coaching approach is essential. Learn how to empower your team to excel through proven coaching techniques, embracing the ethos of Saddle Your Own Horse™.
Sales Seminars with Mike McDole, Firing Line LBM Consulting LLC
Mike McDole has been in the pro-dealer industry for 40+ years. After 20 years w/National Lumber Co. (New England), the last 12 years as SVP, he started Firing-Line LBM Advisors in 2021 and has dealer clients throughout the US. In his time w/NLC they grew from 3 locs & $94mm to 14 locs & $470mm w/ 44 OSR’s. McDole’s consulting expertise is in sales management; increase sales profitably; prospecting; bottom-line improvement; metrics to improve efficiency; and more. He writes regular columns for a trade magazine & has spoken at numerous conferences. Mike has also been guests on webinars with Bradley Hartmann, Rick Davis, Craig Webb, Thea Dudley. He is also a special presenter for Bradley Hartmann’s OSR Academy. McDole is also involved with Greg Brooks’ Executive Council.
Seminar #1: "Personalizing Every Interaction: Strategies to Stand Out in Sales”
In today’s competitive market, standing out from the competition requires more than just a strong pitch. It demands a strategic approach to personalizing every customer interaction. This dynamic one-hour seminar is designed specifically for sales representatives looking to refine their techniques and elevate their sales game. Industry Consultant Mike McDole, of Firing Line LBM Advisors, will share proven techniques sales reps can use to personalize and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to boost your sales effectiveness and forge stronger customer relationships.
Seminar #2: “Mastering Time Management for Sales Success”
Unlock your full potential with our focused one-hour seminar on time management tailored for sales representatives. Effective time management is crucial for maximizing productivity, meeting sales targets, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This seminar is designed to equip sales representatives with the essential skills and tools to manage their time more effectively, improve organization and productivity, and achieve their sales goals. Industry Consultant Mike McDole, of Firing Line LBM Advisors, will offer strategies for managing your time rather than letting it manage you. Don’t miss this opportunity to drive your success by transforming your approach to time management!
Mini Contractor Workshops
New this year, BLD has invited the contractors to attend the Connection Conference in Nebraska! (And we encourage our dealer members to invite their contractor customers!) We’ve added a collection of “mini” (20-minute) workshops designed for contractors to learn more about a specific product or service that a select number of hosting vendors will be showcasing. There are up to 5 workshops available (back to back with short breaks between each one) and contractors are encouraged to attend all of them. The details will be posted below as vendors sign up to host a timeslot.
9:05 am – 9:30 am: BlueLinx
9:40 am – 10:05 am: Absolute Distribution Inc.
10:15 am – 10:40 am: GAF
10:50 am – 11:15 am: Emser Tile / Laticrete
Keynote Speaker - Kendall Gammon
Kendall is a Kansas native and attended Division II Pittsburg State University where he was a captain for the 1991 National Champion Gorillas. He was also voted most inspirational by his teammates. There followed a 15-year NFL career as the Kansas City Chiefs’ long snapper, and Kendall played in both the 1995 Super Bowl and a 2005 Pro Bowl. Today, Kendall is the Color Analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network Broadcast team. Drawing on his own challenges, Kendall delivers a message threaded with vulnerability. His authentic storytelling will inspire business owners and their teams to use emotional strengths to embrace change, build stronger relationships, and positively impact their own growth and success. (And he also juggles.) While Kendall loves both his role as a professional speaker and as Color Analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network, he loves his role as a father even more and when not on the road, Kendall enjoys time with his grown sons, Blaise and Drake.
Keynote Description – “Minding Mindset”
Kendall Gammon offers a refreshing and insightful approach to fostering unity and fortifying internal cultures within organizations, especially in times marked by change and uncertainty. His presentations deliver a poignant message on the significance of emotional resilience and its profound influence on achieving professional success.
Dealer and Guest cancellations must be received in the BLD Connection office no later than 10 days before the 1st day of the Conference in order to receive a refund. Cancellations after this date or no-shows will not receive a refund.
Sponsorship cancellations must be received in writing at the BLD Connection office no later than 30 days prior to the conference. Cancellations at least 30 days prior are subject to a $250 cancellation fee and the remainder will be refunded. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the event will forfeit 100% of the sponsorship. This applies to sponsorships paid in full or yet to be paid.
Marriott Regency Hotel & Top Golf | Omaha, Nebraska Wednesday, November 8, 2023 As the lumber association’s first major event held under our new name, BLD Connection, the Nebraska Connection Conference and Top Golf event was an incredible success. This, one-day combo event brought together industry professionals for a unique blend of education, networking, and…
