Page 6 - Nov-Dec 2019 - Reporter

Message from the PRESIDENT

never "underestimate" your customers

(or your employees)!

david campbell e have just finished our fall training in I thought I might share some of the comments
LBMAO President Westimating and yard management. All courses from students who attended the fall sessions:
were full, and we enjoyed very positive comments
from the students on the learning outcomes. “I love being provided with the toolbox I need to
This past year, we expanded both the fall and continue my estimating, unlike other courses where you
spring sessions by adding an additional week to our need to retain everything and have no reference.”
regular Mississauga venue – Kingston in the spring L.S., Acton
and London in the fall. We were pleasantly surprised
with the support received from our members and all “Outstanding.”
classes were full. S.Y., Shelburne
Moving courses out of the GTA meant we were
able to accommodate member businesses by “Trainer knowledgeable, helpful, willing to give
offering shorter travel distances for their employees individual attention.”
as well as reduced costs in travel and Stoney Creek
"We encourage accommodations. It is our intention to
look at other communities in Ontario “Awesome course! Learned a lot, great toolbox. Stan is a
all of our retailers where it would make sense to host future great teacher.”
training courses to ensure full attendance. A.W., Kitchener
who provide The estimating courses focus on
estimating the efficiencies of using shortcuts and “Extremely well explained. Very useful tools. Every
math formulas to better understand estimator should take this class.”
services to invest the intricacies of doing a thorough and E.D., Hearst
in training their accurate estimate; also ensuring that
the customer is aware of the add on The comments from students are almost always
employees." products available to upgrade the sale positive. Negative comments usually refer to the
and customer satisfaction. pace of learning or classroom layout. We take every
The Yard Management course is one day. Yard comment into consideration to improve the learning
supervisors and yard employees who attend this experience for our students.
learning session explore the impact of inventory We will be announcing the dates and locations
management on the bottom line of the store. for the spring estimating and yard management
Accurate inventory counts and product management courses in this magazine. We encourage all of our
in the yard are topics of discussion, as well as retailers who provide estimating services to invest
how to manage customer traffic flow in the yard in training their employees. Everyone learns from
towards reducing theft, accidents and being more attending which translates into happier customers
efficient. Grades of lumber and whether you should and increased sales!
allow customers to pick their own (or even charge
customers for the privilege of selecting their own
product off the piles) are subjects of discussion.
We are planning our spring sessions for early
March and will look at doing the Kingston area and
Mississauga venue again this year.

6 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2019 www.lbmao.on.ca