How Boise Cascade’s Joseph Slawson Turns IT Challenges Into Wins
Slawson’s philosophy is simple. Every project begins with the question: Do I want to do this?
If the answer is yes, then it deserves full commitment.
Choosing to Go All In on New Technology
Slawson’s philosophy is simple. Every project begins with the question: Do I want to do this? If the answer is yes, then it deserves full commitment.
For him, IT is about solving unique challenges, creating solutions from a blank slate, and never leaving a business problem unresolved. This mindset sets the tone for successful technology adoption in a demanding industry.
How to Lead Window and Door Software Rollouts
Boise Cascade’s nationwide Warehouse Management System rollout was one of its most ambitious technology projects. Slawson credits its success to three practices that resonate across the window and door industry:
- Build the right team. Trust subject-matter experts in hardware, software, and networking to do their jobs without micromanagement.
- Document every step. Each rollout became easier because lessons were captured, shared, and refined.
- Act with speed. A good plan executed now is more valuable than a perfect plan that never gets started.
These principles mirror what Paradigm sees across the industry: technology implementations succeed when companies balance speed with process discipline.
Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions with IT
Mergers and acquisitions create unique pressures. Slawson often gets the call to integrate a new site with little notice and tight timelines. The key, he explains, is to move quickly while also helping people adapt to change.
- Site visits reveal what systems and infrastructure already exist.
- Early communication helps employees understand that IT is there to make life easier, not harder.
- Encouragement and patience help teams adjust as they learn new software and processes.
This people-first approach shows why IT leaders are central to the success of industry consolidation and why technology partners like Paradigm build scalable solutions that integrate smoothly across organizations.
IT Leadership Rooted in Authenticity
Slawson’s leadership style blends accountability with humility.
- He takes responsibility when projects go wrong, but wrong but gives credit to his team when they succeed.
- He reassures new employees that there is nothing they can break that cannot be fixed, which creates space for learning.
- He makes sure everyone has a voice, even the quiet team members who might otherwise stay silent.
For companies adopting Paradigm’s solutions, this kind of leadership is essential. Software delivers value only when people feel included, supported, and confident in using it.
Lessons That Apply Across the Window and Door Industry
Slawson draws inspiration from sports, Boy Scouts, and even the movie Apollo 13. The theme is consistent: when handed a problem, the team must find a way through.
From large-scale ERPsoftware rollouts to everyday IT challenges, his message is clear. Technology is not about avoiding problems. It is about preparing teams to solve them together.
“We love being like, 'okay, what's the next challenge?' ”
Joseph Slossen
Boise Cascade
Why this Matters for Window and Door Industry Software Rollouts
At Paradigm, we know technology is only as strong as the people who implement it. Leaders like Joseph Slawson prove that ERP, WMS, and CPQ rollouts succeed when backed by trust, documentation, and authenticity.
As the window and door industry continues to evolve, these lessons shape how companies adopt technology and drive growth. Paradigm is committed to providing the software and solutions that make these transformations possible.