Welcome to Construction, Agriculture, and Lumber Distribution; Insights by the Lumber Guy, your premier resource for expert insights in lumber distribution, construction, and building material supply chain and logistics. Located in Cadillac, Michigan, we're committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you. Explore our site to discover valuable industry resources, project showcases, and consulting services designed to elevate your projects and understanding of the lumber industry.
Ronald James Grunwell III is a sales and business development professional with more than 15 years of experience working at the intersection of construction, agriculture, and material distribution. His background spans building and scaling revenue streams, launching new sales divisions, and managing complex, multi-million-dollar operations across domestic and international markets.
Throughout his career, Ron has worked closely with builders, manufacturers, and suppliers nationwide, developing a deep, practical understanding of materials, procurement, and supply chain logistics. His expertise includes material take-offs, product development, vendor negotiation, and the movement of lumber and building products from source to site—knowledge that informs his perspective on durability, sustainability, and long-term performance in real-world applications.
Ron has spent years navigating both traditional and emerging wood products, including advances in exterior systems and finishing methods, giving him a firsthand view of how thoughtful material choices impact longevity, maintenance, and design integrity. His writing reflects this experience, focusing on practical insights rather than trends or marketing claims.
Beyond business, Ron believes that responsible growth and thoughtful building practices can positively affect communities and environments alike. He is especially interested in solutions that balance performance, craftsmanship, and stewardship—principles that guide both his professional work and his writing.
Welcome to the blog of Construction, agriculture, and lumber distribution; Industry Insights by the lumber guy, where Ronald James Grunwell III shares his wealth of knowledge. Expect daily posts designed to help professionals, builders, and homeowners make informed decisions about the lumber and construction industries.
Ron shares industry observations, lessons learned, and forward-looking perspectives intended to help professionals, builders, and homeowners make more informed decisions.
For years, exterior wood has come with a compromise: beauty versus longevity. Homeowners love the warmth and character of real wood, but they’ve been burned (sometimes literally) by rot, warping, and endless maintenance.
One of the most common mistakes I see in exterior wood projects isn’t the wood itself — it’s the finish.
In today’s marketplace, resilient supply chains are a competitive advantage — not just for big distributors, but for regional suppliers and independent builders too. My experience in material take‑offs, procurement, and logistics taught me that the strength of a supply chain is defined by visibility, flexibility, and relationships.
Exterior wood failure is rarely about the wood itself. It’s about decisions made early in the design and installation process.
Across the United States, builders, contractors, and homeowners alike are feeling the impact of the ongoing lumber shortage and skilled labor deficit. These challenges have reshaped how we plan, source, and complete construction projects.
Composite and synthetic siding products have flooded the market, promising low maintenance and uniform performance. While those materials have their place, they often lack something essential: authenticity.
Real wood exteriors offer unmatched beauty and character — but traditionally, they come with maintenance concerns. From fading to warping, many homeowners and builders shy away from wood because of the effort required to keep it looking pristine. Over my 15+ years in the construction and lumber industries, I’ve worked on luxury residential projects where quality, durability, and aesthetics were non-negotiable. Projects like the Pentwater House showcase how innovation, careful material selection, and strategic partnerships can make real wood last decades without constant replacement.