During 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fundamentally changed how businesses operate, accelerating the shift towards online solutions. For builders and contractors, this meant virtual meetings with clients, virtual purchasing solutions, and virtual training. To meet demand for online resources, LP Building Solutions launched LP SkillBuilder in September 2020.
LP SkillBuilder is a free, comprehensive digital hub featuring LP SmartSide Trim & Siding courses and training, quick tips, and additional resources for professionals. The online resource portal is designed to provide education and ongoing training to industry professionals on LP SmartSide Trim & Siding.
LP was already planning to develop an online, on-demand training program prior to the pandemic, but accelerated its efforts because “COVID heightened the need for a platform like LP SkillBuilder,” according to Trinh Le, head of marketing for the siding business unit at LP.
“To ensure we had the right content topics [on LP SkillBuilder], we reviewed the questions that were frequently asked at our training events, identified the most popular content on our current platforms, and solicited feedback from our sales team and customers,” Le told ProSales. “We then partnered with our brand ambassadors, like the Kruse Brothers and Kyle Stumpenhorst from RR Buildings, to develop the video content.”
The portal offers simple product installation tips and tricks, advice on how to improve jobsite efficiency and reduce callbacks, and in-home selling techniques. The content on LP SkillBuilder is available in both English and Spanish.
Le said the LP SkillBuilder portal complements the company’s existing LP SmartSide in-person training. Brand ambassadors the Kruse Brothers lead LP’s in-person training events, demoing installation for attendees. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions of the Kruse Brothers during the two-hour training sessions.
“While we have expanded our training teams and the number of events, the reality is that an in-person event may not fit a pro’s schedule or provide them with the information they need when they need it,” Le said. “LP SkillBuilder provides on-demand video content that can be accessed whenever and wherever a pro needs it. It also provides content, such as ‘How to Measure and Cut Roof Angles’ or ‘How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig,’ that is not covered in our in-person training events.”
Since the launch of SkillBuilder, Le said the response from builders, installers, and remodelers has been extremely positive. Le said the resource has been beneficial in training both the end users of LP SmartSide as well as salespeople at the distributors and lumberyards that sell LP SmartSide. To drive the growth of LP SkillBuilder, Le said the platform has been promoted across LP’s social channels, through email communications with builders, general contractors, and LP BuildSmart members, and by LP sales team members’ communication with customers. Moving forward, LP is looking to expand its Spanish language content on LP SkillBuilder and add “new, relevant content to ensure LP SkillBuilder stays fresh and up to date,” according to Le.
