Staff Introductions
No two baseball games are alike.
While every game is governed by the same rules, each team’s priorities change with almost every pitch or swing of the bat. A team is constantly shifting its strategy, responding to developments as they come. The most successful teams are the ones who are best able to adapt and take advantage of an opportunity presented to them at any given moment.
SBCA’s new staff team is built for success. The Predictive Index (PI) aggregates the SBCA staff’s individual personalities and labels them as “chameleons,” a highly adaptable team that is flexible, versatile, and equipped for change. The diversity within the SBCA staff enables them not only to work well together, but exchange information organically and adapt as situations arise.
Dolly Penland, owner of Business Results, LLC, and an expert in PI, says this model is the perfect fit for how the association works. “The association is very diverse and has a lot of moving parts,” says Penland. “Staff gets direction from the board and then has to be the boots on the ground implementing it. While the members live and breathe the industry every day and know what they need, the staff has the job of figuring out how to implement the ideas they come up with. It takes a variety of personality and approaches to do that all well.”
Penland also points out the SBCA staff’s adaptability really comes from its diversity in personalities and their ability to call upon each other’s strengths to address a situation as it arises. Not entirely unlike a baseball team.
Below is SBCA’s all-star line-up. Get to know us a little here and then stop by the SBCA booth at BCMC to get to know us a whole lot better.
Jess “Mad Dog” Lohse
Havre, Montana
Title: Executive Director
Predictive Index Profile: Strategist
jess@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 236-3904
Areas of Responsibility: I oversee essentially everything from ongoing dialogue with our board of directors, executive committee, legal counsel, external groups, and individual members. I monitor the finances and cash flow of the association to ensure we are adhering to our budget. I am also formulating forward-looking goals and strategies to make sure SBCA’s priorities are being met.
Experience: I grew up in the component manufacturing business, got involved with SBCA 15 years ago, and have been engaged in the association’s management for the past two and a half years.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? I’ve spent an incredible amount of time looking at every single thing SBCA does for its members and other stakeholders to assure it is the best possible solution. We have had the opportunity to assume a blank slate for a lot of what SBCA does. After careful evaluation, in some areas we landed exactly with what was being offered, but in a lot of areas we were able to make significant improvements and add efficiencies to SBCA’s offerings.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I’m really looking forward to Digital QC being reprogrammed and offered publicly to SBCA’s membership. It will significantly streamline CM’s quality control processes and directly impact the quality of manufactured components throughout the country. I’m also looking forward to the transition of the SBCA officers as it will test the structural systems we’ve put in place at SBCA to see if they are resilient to different people performing different functions. Similarly, SBCA’s accounting firm will be performing an audit at year-end, which will further test our financial systems and policies, while offering us the ability to improve and increase the confidence our members can have in our fiduciary responsibility.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m proud of the “buy in” we’ve seen from everyone involved with SBCA this year. From staff rolling up their sleeves at every turn to work through challenges and get things done, to the board’s support throughout, and their increased involvement in all areas of SBCA’s operation. I can’t say enough about the willingness of the board to dig into the details of running this organization, as well as the engagement of our suppliers, who have offered their insights and shown a willingness to do whatever they can to ensure BCMC runs smoothly. Finally, I am so appreciative of our Executive Committee’s relentless effort to recraft SBCA with a vision that will stand the test of time.
Molly “Moses” Butz
Rockford, Illinois
Title: Managing Director
Predictive Index Profile: Collaborator
molly@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 245-5118
Areas of Responsibility: I oversee the implementation of our technology, all of SBCA’s standing committees and Strike Forces and am involved in strategic planning for the association.
Experience: I joined SBCA in 2003 and have never left!
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? I’ve spent a majority of my time coordinating the technology transfer of our old systems to under SBCA’s control and interfacing with all our technology partners to get the greatest value out of our new systems.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? Once all our systems are in place, I’m looking forward to strategic planning for the future.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m proud of how well we were able to identify our technology needs, locate software and service providers to help us meet those needs and then implement several solutions that are improving the lives of both our staff and our members.
Sean “Southpaw” Shields
Madison, Wisconsin
Title: Director of Communications
Predictive Index Profile: Collaborator
sean@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 244-5204
Areas of Responsibility: I oversee the creation and implementation of a strategic communications plan using a variety of communication channels to ensure our members have access to a wide variety of perspectives and the latest information.
Experience: I started in the communications field in 1998 and have worked for SBCA since 2004.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? It’s probably a toss-up between pulling this magazine together and monitoring everything that is going on in the construction industry in order to prioritize what needs to be written or communicated to members or the market at large.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I am looking forward to building an even larger network of partners to both generate valuable content for our members and reach further up and down the construction supply chain to articulate the incredible value CMs are capable of bringing to every project.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m most pleased at how we’ve been able to bring all of SBCA’s different communication vehicles under the SBCA Media umbrella and think about all our outreach in a more coordinated and strategic manner.
Ashley “Smashley” Nuess (Stroder)
San Diego, California
Title: Director of Sales and Marketing
Predictive Index Profile: Strategist
ashley@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 236-3725
Areas of Responsibility: All advertising sales activities for SBCA Magazine, SBCA Industry News, NFC Framing News, as well as exhibitor and sponsor sales for BCMC, OQMs, and other events. I am also in charge of marketing activities for SBCA events and publications, as well as
for the SBCA Academy and individual programs like Digital QC.
Experience: I grew up in the industry, but have worked directly in the component manufacturing industry
for four years.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? Calling suppliers, encouraging them to exhibit at BCMC, and calling members to answer their questions and encourage them to attend BCMC.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? Starting the year with a great team that has almost a full year under our belts and improving everything we do because of the experience we’ve gained.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m very proud of the number of BCMC exhibitors we have this year. I was worried that companies would still be shy to register due to the ever-changing climate we live in. It’s clear CMs have a great need for BCMC 2021 and the buy-in from suppliers has been great. This will be a show to remember!
Laura “The Machine” Yasick (Soderlund)
Sauk City, Wisconsin
Title: Digital Resource Specialist
Predictive Index Profile: Collaborator
laura@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 244-6401
Areas of Responsibility: I manage all of SBCA websites, including maintenance, content updates, and implementation of new website features. This includes SBCA’s main site, the SBCA Store, SBCA Academy and the BCMC website.
Experience: I’ve been doing website design and development for 13 years and joined SBCA four years ago.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? Website creation. I set up the new SBCA Store at the beginning of the year, as well as SBCA’s new website, sbcacomponents.com. Recently, I updated our annual tradeshow BCMC website and launched the new learning management system that is hosted in Brightspace.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I want to find more ways to streamline our current processes so we can spend more time adding value to our members by enhancing and expanding on the digital products and services we offer.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m most proud of the new SBCA Academy; this new learning management system (LMS) will be very easy for members to use and get value out of it.
Christine “The Warbler” Wagner
Rapid City, South Dakota
Title: Executive Administrative Assistant
Predictive Index Profile: Analyzer
christine@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 236-3724
Areas of Responsibility: I manage Jess Lohse’s schedule, monitor and process publication orders, and assist with event preparation and set-up.
Experience: I have six years of administrative experience.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? Scheduling meetings, calls, and travel for Jess. He’s a busy guy!
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I am enjoying being a part of this growing team. It's really cool to be able to start in a position around the same time as everyone else. We're growing together, and I'm excited to see where we take this association; how we can each grow individually and together within this awesome team.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I'm proud of all the hard work that has gone into our Publications Store. We've worked really well together as a team to think through optimizing the user’s experience, and I feel good about my contributions to making the transition to the new Pubs shopping environment as seamless as possible.
Talia “The Jet” Zanotelli
Pueblo, Colorado
Title: Membership Coordinator
Predictive Index Profile: Operator
talia@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 244-6783
Areas of Responsibility: I am the main point of contact for companies regarding their membership to SBCA. I also coordinate SBCA chapters, committee meetings, and administration for the National Framers Council (NFC). I also help with special event planning and publications orders.
Experience: I have two years of customer service experience, and two years in communications. I’ve also spent four years in administration and almost two years in event planning.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? I spend most of my time communicating with members, whether it’s indirectly through group emails or directly through one-one-one conversations.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I’m most looking forward to participating in BCMC and seeing many of our members in person for the first time! What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m proud of the work we’ve been doing with the NFC and the success of their regional meeting and golf outing in Virginia this past July.
Ali “Main Event” Saladin
Austin, Texas
Title: Director of Events
Predictive Index Profile: Persuader
ali@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 236-3841
Areas of Responsibility: I coordinate all of SBCA’s live events, including BCMC, three open quarterly meetings (OQMs), and other outings hosted by the association and it’s chapters.
Experience: I’ve been in the event planning industry for 11 years and joined SBCA in January 2021.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? BCMC, of course. I love the OQMs, but there is rarely a moment I’m not thinking about the show! I am learning so much going through this process for the first time.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? It may sound strange, but I’m really looking forward to BCMC 2022. Being able to see the show in person and having the opportunity to have a full year to plan it will have a huge impact on my ability to plan a show that will maximize the experience and satisfaction of attendees.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m pretty hard on myself, so I try to take pride in the small things. I have received such positive and welcoming feedback so far, and I hope to keep earning that feedback with continued improvement with each passing event.
John “Reading Rifle” Arne
Machesney Park, Illinois
Title: General Manager of Inspection Services
Predictive Index Profile: Craftsman
john@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 245-5118
Areas of Responsibility: I oversee SBCA’s Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs.
Experience: I have been engaged in general engineering and quality control for 23 years and have worked with SBCA’s QC and QA programs for the past three and a half years.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? Almost all of my time is spent interacting with individuals at component manufacturing facilities as either a part of the SBCA in-plant quarterly
QC reviews or while conducting third-party QA remote inspections.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I’ve really enjoyed attending the in-person OQMs and am looking forward to interacting with everyone at BCMC in Omaha, Nebraska, this year.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m proud of how the QC and QA programs continue to improve and progress. It seems every Zoom call I have with a participating plant shows signs that these programs work and help companies improve their processes and put out a higher quality product.
David “Big D” Kircher
Yuma, Arizona
Title: Quality Assurance Inspector/Auditor
Predictive Index Profile: Specialist
david@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 252-1172
Areas of Responsibility: I conduct the third-party Quality Assurance inspections and audit QC reports on a quarterly basis, as well as conduct special inspections as the need arises.
Experience: I have been involved in construction industry QC and QA for over 38 years and conducted QA inspections for CMs for 28 years.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? I’ve traveled across the country meeting CMs and doing several third-party QA inspections.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are realy looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I want to help the SBCA Digital QC Program get “re-written”: become more user-friendly for SBCA In-Plant QC and Third-Party QA users. My hope is it will also help create meaningful reports for managers to use to improve their processes.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? Well, it’s probably a toss-up between helping plant QC managers get the most out of their QC programs and teaming with SBCA in-coming president Gene Frogale to become the bocce ball 2021 World Champions at the West Virginia OQM!
Jennifer “No Guff” Gustafson
Buckeye, Arizona
Title: Controller
Predictive Index Profile: Specialist
jennifer@sbcacomponents.com, (224) 236-3694
Areas of Responsibility: SBCA’s financial systems (accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, financial statements, and collections)
Experience: I’ve been in accounting for 25 years; 18 of them have been in the component manufacturing industry.
What is the one thing that consumes the largest portion of your time as you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities so far this year? Most of my time has been spent on the accounts receivable side of things, overseeing member invoices and following up on collections.
As you look toward the coming year, what is one thing you are really looking forward to regarding your role within SBCA? I’m looking forward to further streamlining SBCA’s accounting processes so they are more automated and easier for members to access.
What is a project/activity/correspondence/etc. that you are particularly proud of so far this year? I’m most proud of the new structure of SBCA’s financial statement.