For years, NAWLA has been striving to create opportunities for lumber industry professionals to not only build powerful relationships, but also have the chance to exchange ideas with peers and grow in their crafts. Recognizing the need for open conversations on a wide range of industry topics, NAWLA launched its 10 Groups initiative — which has grown to become a cornerstone of value for members.
Comprised of approximately 10 industry professionals with similar interests from non-competing firms, 10 Groups are small networking forums that provide NAWLA members with an avenue to freely share ideas and best practices related to the issues they face daily. They also allow members to reflect on how to positively impact their organizations and the industry as a whole.
While being part of a 10 Group allows members to gain actionable ideas on common topics such as company management, human resources, multi-generational workplaces and the growing number of women in the industry, it is the opportunity to make meaningful, close-knit connections with peers and the ability to grow professionally from the input of said peer groups that sets this NAWLA initiative apart from the rest.
“The primary value you can find in a 10 Group is connection with your peers,” said Ben Jordan, member of the purchasing and sales team at Nicholson and Cates Limited and leader of the Trail Blazers 10 Group, which focuses on emerging markets, industry trends and current and trending business strategies. “Everyone is very busy and sometimes that can make you feel like an island. Being in a 10 Group connects you to your peers and provides you with a platform to communicate about your individual experience within the industry. Your group is a place where you can check yourself and your perspective against that of your peers in a safe and diverse environment. Folks from all walks of life and all different experience levels and job titles coming together to share ideas is a very valuable thing.”
This sentiment is echoed by Bethany Doss, business manager at Capital Lumber Company and leader of the GenNext 10 Group, which is comprised of individuals from the younger generation of the NAWLA membership and focuses on forward-thinking industry and business initiatives.
“My 10 Group is one of the most valuable parts of my NAWLA membership. I have gotten to know these nine other people and would trust them with anything. They have met my spouse and my children and have been along this crazy ride we call the lumber industry since I first started in the industry. I value the business relationships, but what I truly enjoy is that each of these group members are people I would consider some of my best friends. This started out as a group of ‘young guns’ and it has turned into a group of people that have shaped and impacted my career profoundly.”
And while building close-knit connections and growing as a professional are two of the many benefits of being in a 10 Group, at their core, these groups help individuals — whether in the first year of their career or nearing retirement — find their place in the lumber industry.
“Being a part of a 10 group has made me feel more connected to my industry,” says Jordan. “Folks typically have the same set of responsibilities and speak to the same group of people every day. When you are focused on your daily responsibilities, while surrounded by the same people, you can easily forget that there are other perspectives and approaches to the same problems and questions we face daily. Being a part of a 10 Group can remind you that you are part of a bigger picture.”
NAWLA currently supports thirteen 10 Groups, a number of which are currently accepting members. NAWLA members interested in joining a 10 Group are encouraged to learn more at nawla.org/Resources/10-Groups. Not a member? Reach out to NAWLA staff at info@nawla.org to learn how you can join.
