ers with tools to help them be successful in their local market,” explains Haslebacher. “While it certainly includes quality products and services, it also includes services in areas of marketing, business development, succession planning and innovative new products. Our expertise in the area of green, sustainable con- struction, for example, can help builders offer these value-added services to their customers.” Builders bring their local reputation and sales ef-
forts to the partnership, along with an understanding of the construction market, according to Carmean. Additionally, builders provide exceptional feedback that allows for positive change to products, as Cattau notes. “Who better to help you become the best you can be than the individual that sells, orders and erects
the building. We respect the knowledge that our builders have and appreciate their expert opinions.”
Secrets to Success There are many things that make up a successful partnership. For one, there needs to be a mutual commitment from each side. “Suppliers need to be consistently competitive and reliable to help their builders win any project they pursue,” says Hasle- bacher. “Builders need to be knowledgeable about the systems they represent and be loyal to their source. Together, that mutual commitment will build the reputation for the builder and the manufacturer.” Deeper relationships can also lead to more profi t
for both partners. “And that’s really where the partner- ship comes in,” explains Carmean. “The more that
you rely on each other, help each other, support each other, understand each other, then the more profi table we can both be in winning in the marketplace.” “These relationships can be a great way to do
business,” Durrant adds. “If the goals of each indi- vidual company are in line, there are synergies that allow for great growth on each side. The key is mak- ing sure the culture of each company is compatible with each other. With a little bit of hard work, great things can happen.” “Without a doubt, we would cease to exist
without our family of builders,” Carmean says. “We could change our model, sell direct, do all sorts of stuff, but it would be absolutely pointless. Because without our builders, there would be no success for Nucor Building Systems.”