One picture that always gets laughs when I put it on-screen during speeches shows a much younger me in the summer of 1973, interviewing Col. Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. The chat took place at a Boy Scout Jamboree. My Explorer Post (Explorers are a career-oriented branch of Boy Scouts for 14- to 20-year-olds) was sponsored by WSBT, a TV–radio station in South Bend, Ind., so we were picked to create a low-power radio station for the jamboree.
I’ve been thinking about that interview lately for two interrelated reasons. The first involves this issue, a celebration of ProSales’ 30th year of publication in which we’ve devoted every page to the question of how construction and construction supply will evolve over the next 30 years. When you look forward, it’s logical that you also look back, if only to be awed by how much has changed.
The second reason involves the man who made that photo possible. Phil Ostrander was a director at WSBT who served as adviser to Explorer Post 324. He put in enormous hours on our behalf. As a result, many of us got our first tastes of what would become long careers in broadcasting, electronics, and journalism.
Looking back, it’s clearer to me than ever that, to paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, whatever I’ve accomplished has come because I’ve stood on the shoulders of giants. I bet you can say the same. LBM is full of selfless souls who give so much of their time and advice. I see that sharing at every association meeting and roundtable. It’s one of construction supply’s endearing qualities.
The following pages will present dozens of new ideas and persistent challenges likely to shape our industry through 2048. To those, I need to add one prediction: The dealers who succeed in the coming years often will have gotten ahead because they had mentors who dispensed heaping helpings of advice and concern when those dealers were just starting out. Many of our industry’s most important leaders in 2048 already are at our stores, hauling lumber and taking sales reps’ orders. Given a chance and some nurturing, they’ll blossom.
I’ve had several Phil Ostranders in my career, and too rarely have I thanked them for the boost they gave me. Those people and you have inspired me to try new things and never stop listening to wiser types. Which reminds me: One thing Col. Sanders said was that he started KFC at age 62. It’s never too late for new adventures.
