Scaling Operations With Flexibility and Trust
“No matter what you do, there’s always change. You have to be flexible. Nothing’s ever finished. If everything’s finished, so are you.”
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Steve Salisbury
Hoff Companies
Flexibility, Relationships, and Belief in the Mission
When John Wheeler sat down with Steve Salisbury of Hoff Companies, one theme rose above the rest: lasting success in the building products industry comes from flexibility, relationships, and belief in the mission.
For nearly two decades, Steve has worn every hat imaginable, from ERP implementation and hardware management to process improvement and plant operations. His story shows how adaptability and trust build resilience in an industry where change never stops.
A Career Built on Change
Steve’s journey began in accounting before evolving into technology, support, and systems implementation. After years of consulting and managing ERP rollouts, he joined Hoff Companies and never stopped moving forward.
His ability to adapt has shaped his career and Hoff’s success. Along the way, Steve has:
- Transitioned the company through multiple software implementations.
- Supported product line expansions and technology adoption.
- Helped manage the sale of Trimco Millwork and supported the handoff.
- Built cross-functional systems to connect teams and data.
- Stepped into every challenge with a “figure it out” mindset.
“I didn’t plan to be in charge of phones, internet, or software,” Steve said. “But every time something new came up, I took it on and learned it. You can’t grow if you aren’t willing to try.”
"Every time something new came up, I took it on and learned it. You can’t grow if you aren’t willing to try.”
.
Steve Salisbury
Hoff Companies
Relationships Drive Results
At Hoff, relationships are the foundation of every project. Steve is known for his hospitality, from hosting backyard barbecues for project teams to taking time to get to know people beyond their roles.
“When you really know each other, you work better together,” he said. “It breaks down barriers and builds trust.”
That approach reflects what makes this industry unique. People care deeply about their partners and their craft. Deals are built on relationships, not transactions.
The Evolution of Hoff Companies
Founded in 1910 as a sawmill, Hoff Companies has grown through more than a century of industry transformation. From millwork to real estate to forestry, the company’s willingness to evolve has been key to its longevity.
Today, Hoff is focused on scaling Western Window, investing in modern equipment, expanding facilities, and implementing technology to meet rising demand.
“The investment at Western Window is exciting,” Steve said. “It’s bigger, faster, and more capable. We’re building for the future.”
Simplifying Systems to Strengthen Operations
When Steve took on the challenge of streamlining Hoff’s systems, he quickly saw opportunities for improvement. Each location managed its own phone and internet contracts, creating inefficiency and confusion.
He consolidated everything into unified contracts, saving time and improving visibility. Later, he led the transition to a company-wide VoIP system.
“It’s not just about technology,” Steve said. “It’s about making things easier for the people who use it.”
The lesson is simple: real innovation is about removing friction, not adding complexity.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Steve is quick to credit his team, including Jesse, a rising leader at Western Window, for carrying the torch forward.
He believes tomorrow’s leaders need a blend of technical understanding, adaptability, and empathy.
5 essentials for future leaders:
- Stay flexible. Change is constant, and so is learning.
- Stay organized. Manage schedules, communication, and follow-through.
- Lead by example. People pay more attention to what you do than what you say.
- Stay consistent. Authenticity builds credibility and trust.
- Take ownership. Work like it’s your business, but remember the mission is bigger than you.
“You have to work like it’s your business,” Steve said. “But you can’t pretend it’s your business. Take pride in what you do, even when you don’t make every decision.”
Lessons in Leadership and Trust
John Wheeler summed it up best: “You never have to guess what Steve is thinking.”
Steve’s authenticity and honesty set the tone for those around him. His willingness to speak up and follow through has made him a cornerstone of Hoff’s culture.
“I don’t put up a façade,” Steve said. “Who I am at work is who I am outside of work. People know me, and I think that matters.”
That transparency builds trust across every level of the company.
Takeaways for industry leaders:
- Believe in what your company is building.
- Invest in relationships that strengthen performance.
- Embrace change as a constant, not a disruption.
Lead with authenticity and consistency.
Why This Conversation Matters
In an industry defined by craftsmanship and change, leaders like Steve keep companies moving forward. His story is a reminder that growth is not about perfection. It is about persistence.
Takeaways for industry leaders:
- Believe in what your company is building.
- Invest in relationships that strengthen performance.
- Embrace change as a constant, not a disruption.
- Lead with authenticity and consistency.
As Steve puts it, “If everything’s finished, so are you.” Growth never stops, and neither does this industry.
Listen to Episode 10
Hear the full conversation with Steve Salisbury of Hoff Companies on the Paradigm Industry Insiders Podcast, hosted by John Wheeler.
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