LBM Talks

In this episode of LBM Talks Social Media, Sally shares everything she plans to film at LBM Strategies 2026 and the thinking behind her content shot list. She walks through her plans for thought leadership interviews, employee introductions, entertaining reels, attendee videos, and a long-form lumberyard tour.

Along the way, she discusses how to balance evergreen content with event promotion, adapt ideas for different social media platforms, and take advantage of opportunities to batch content when colleagues and industry professionals are together in person.

Thea Dudley is joined by Trent Johnson of Red Book Lumber Data to look at the LBM market through a credit lens.

They discuss how rising lumber prices, consolidation, sawmill closures, purchasing power, and changing market conditions are affecting credit decisions across the industry. Trent also shares what the data is showing from 2026 and the trends LBM credit professionals should be watching as they head into 2027.

Dakota County Lumber President and CEO Sunny Bowman joins Sally to talk about how the lumberyard built its social media presence and the role it now plays in the company’s brand, culture, and sales efforts.

Sunny shares why DCL prioritizes Instagram, how the team creates entertaining content without taking employees away from their jobs, and why the company recently expanded its strategy with a separate CEO social media presence.

How involved should sales be in collecting money?

In this episode of LBM Talks Credit, Thea Dudley talks with SunPro Vice President of Sales Jason Butterfield about sales reps’ role in collections, tying commissions to customer payments, and the challenges that arise when selling and collecting overlap. They also discuss why credit and sales need to work together—and where each department’s responsibility should begin and end.

Do social media managers need to be chronically online to stay relevant?

In this solo episode, Sally explores the relationship between scrolling, trends and strategy. She discusses why keeping up with every viral moment isn't necessarily the key to better content, how to use trends more intentionally, and the difference between passively consuming content and actively studying what works.

She also reflects on her own social media habits and the challenge of balancing what's trending with what actually fits your brand, audience and goals.

Mentioned articles:

1) https://futuresocial.beehiiv.com/p/why-being-chronically-online-isn-t-actually-good-for-social-pros

2) https://www.prettylittlemarketer.com/blog/using-pop-culture-in-marketing

Why do we avoid talking about money with customers when money is a fundamental part of doing business?

In this episode of LBM Talks Credit, Thea Dudley tackles the past-due conversation nobody wants to have. She shares five steps for approaching customers directly, understanding what’s holding up payment, setting expectations, offering a way forward, and following up.

Having the conversation may be uncomfortable, but waiting only limits your options.

For more resources, visit lbmjournal.com.

Reach out to Thea with requests at [email protected].

Talbert Building Supply’s “The Office” parody videos have become some of the company’s most engaging content on Facebook and Instagram.

Sally talks with Talbert marketing specialist Jason McGhan about how the series came together, why keeping it unscripted helps employees’ personalities come through, and how it fits into a larger shift toward more people-focused content. They also discuss showcasing customers and jobsites, balancing humor with professionalism, and experimenting to find what works on social media.

Watch one of the parody videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1K9b7EaqJB/

After more than 20 years with Merit Distribution Group, Lea Callahan has learned a few things about relationships, risk and finding your voice in credit.

In this episode of LBM Talks Credit, Callahan joins Thea Dudley to discuss her path from AP filer to credit manager, adapting as the company expanded into new markets, and the importance of building trust with customers, sales and leadership.

They also discuss making tough credit decisions, knowing when to push back and why standing your ground starts with knowing your facts and being prepared to make your case.

How does ChatGPT’s social media advice compare to the experience of someone managing social media every day?

Sally Lacey puts it to the test by answering 10 social media strategy questions before revealing ChatGPT’s answers. She covers hashtags, posting times, LinkedIn links and video, trends, underperforming content, posting frequency, recycling successful posts, and more.

Sally shares what she’s learned from managing social media platforms and where real-world experience lines up with AI’s advice.

What can credit managers learn from someone who has sat on both sides of the collections process? Thea Dudley welcomes Debbie Nute, author of Framework for Success in Construction Collections, who spent 15 years as a construction credit manager before starting and running a nationwide collection agency for 25 years.

Debbie shares what credit professionals should know about working with collection agencies, from good documentation and realistic expectations to knowing when it’s time to escalate. Plus, hear her “four-call rule,” why waiting too long can hurt your chances of getting paid, and how to find the right collection partner for your business.

Connect with Debbie

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