December 18, 2008

Lean is Green

I was invited to speak recently at two of the leading “green advocacies” – EEBA, the Energy & Environmental Building Association Annual Conference, in Phoenix, and the EnergyStar Summit, in Denver. The first surprising thing is that in this, the worst downturn in the history of the U.S. housing industry, was that the attendance at both of these events was up this year, each drawing more than 500 participants. Given the impact of the economy on many other long-standing conferences, this is both curious and impressive. With most conferences either downsizing or taking the year off, how is that “green” keeps pulling them in? The only rational explanation is a combination of fear and opportunity that has created what author Malcolm Gladwell calls a “tipping point.” (For those of you, like me, trained in the dark ages of the 60’s and 70’s, the term “critical mass” is a roughly equivalent expression, but does not sell nearly as well at management meetings or cocktail parties.) The fear motivation is a fear of being left out, or left behind. Let’s be frank, among the many great people at these conferences, CEO’s and Presidents (save a few from progressive private firms), are rarely found. And the first time I see a President, CEO, or VP Operations from a public builder participating in a green forum – not just blowing in and out to appear on a one hour panel – I will probably go into anaphylactic shock. Read more...

 
 
November 25, 2008

Waste Management

During one of our LeanBuilding Blitz sessions in the South with a major local builder of high-end production homes, a young man from the lumber and trim company, let’s call him Ryan, came to make his one-hour presentation on how to remove waste from product and process. He explained how if everything was done correctly, and that includes design, plans, specifications, bid packages, contracting, customer selections, P.O.’s, and scheduling, only one trim delivery is required. He acknowledged this would be perfection, however, and since we are all far from perfect, his company was willing to accept the extra cost of a second delivery. Ryan was exceptionally sharp – he exuded competence. He was confident and prepared and his company was well-respected, considered a true partner by the builder. In short, there was no reason to believe that Ryan would present anything other than the facts. He said, “I’m going to show you how we can save a minimum of $500 per unit on trim next year.” The group around the table sat up and came to attention. The first thing I noticed was the sales director with a furrowed brow, no doubt imagining the impact of taking their beautiful 6” milled wood trim down to a plain-Jane, 4” low-density board ranch casing. Read more...

 
 
September 19, 2008

Whence Cometh the Lean Builder Blog?

I was six years old when I managed to convince my older brother and his delinquent friends to take me with them to the Princess Theatre for the 25¢ Saturday matinee. The movie was “The Blob,” destined to be a Steve McQueen classic. The only thing I recall besides feeling I was a really big boy hanging out with a bunch of 10-year-olds, was the scene where the Blob creature began to emerge from the wall in the back of the theater in a small town where the kids were at the … uh-oh … Saturday matinee! The Blob slithered up to the concession counter and said, “I’ll have a large popcorn, box of Sno-Caps® and that cute little 6-year-old over there.” It scared the wits out of me and I kept looking over my shoulder the rest of the movie. Fast forward 50 years. Read more...

 
 

About the Blogger

Scott Sedam

thumbnail image Scott Sedam is President of TrueNorth Development, an internationally-known consulting and training firm focused exclusively on the building industry. Now in its second decade with a staff of 8 field consultants, TrueNorth conducts consulting projects and training workshops with its more than 200 builder, supplier, and trade clients in a wide variety of specialties. During the recent industry downturn, TrueNorth’s LeanBuilding Blitz process is credited with saving clients seven-figure money, improving both product and process, without destroying supplier/trade relationships. A former VP with Pulte Corporation where he launched their quality initiatives in the 80's & 90's, Scott is a passionate advocate of the application of Lean Methods in the building industry as the one way to reduce cost without the collateral damage that inhibits long-term growth and success.