Good Connections Magazine

G O O D CO N N E C T I O N S | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 3 C o-owners Donnie and Bo Powers have instilled a simple philosophy to build Panel Truss Texas Inc. to its current leadership position in the truss industry. "We have grown by treating customers, vendors and employees with respect," said both Donnie and Bo Powers. "It is not about us, but about our team." According to the brothers, business success requires four things: 1. The right people 2. The right customers 3. The right vendors 4. The right motives "This is what motivates us daily and how we measure success," said Donnie Powers. "If any of these are omitted, we have failed. That is just not an option." Panel Truss was operating as a small business when Donnie took it over in 1988 while work- ing for a local general contractor. "When I assumed the challenge of building this company, I had no idea of the personal commitment I would have to make," he said. After going out in the morning and selling a job, Donnie returned in the evening to design, cut, build and ship it. "That was my day – every day – for years," he said. Alpine's John Carpenter convinced him to use computerized cut sheets rather than cutting chords and webs out of the Clary saw book. If the truss was complicated, they called Alpine's Ron Reid for assistance. "Alpine soon introduced us to metal web floor trusses," recalled Donnie Powers. "I picked up a metal web floor machine and we had a floor production line. Over the next few years, rapid computer design changes helped grow our business." Bo Powers joined Donnie in 1992. "Donnie did a great job establishing the business, and I was ready to expand on that foundation," said Bo Powers. "Initially, I did anything that was necessary, but ultimately found that my gift was in sales." Today, Panel Truss Texas is a multifamily truss company serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Georgia. "Our goal is to do all we can to take care of customers," said Donnie Powers. "If a customer has an issue, we don't ask who is at fault. We just fix it. That is our foundation and the way we have built the business." The company has teamed effectively with Alpine since 1988. "Alpine continues to think out of the box to help us grow," said Donnie Powers. "They listen and do all they can to help us succeed. We utilize most of their products and services." Simple Philosophy and Established Partnerships Drive Business Growth and Success Partners in Progress CUSTOMER PROFILE: PANEL TRUSS TEXAS, INC. Donnie Powers (above, left) and Bo Powers (above, right) have grown Panel Truss Texas to its prominent position in the truss industry. They have partnered with Alpine to provide innovative products and services that have spurred business growth. The brothers recently launched Truss Ops LLC to provide co-op opportunities for component manufacturers. Services include accounting, overflow design, production consulting, purchasing power and partner- ship opportunities. Truss Ops Mid America LLC was recently named as an authorized Alpine distributor of con nector plates and software. The Instinct Residential Design System also drives new business for Panel Truss. "It's an awesome program, and Alpine is committed to growing the industry through it," emphasized Donnie Powers. "Instead of manufacturers competing for work, Alpine is creating a component market with Instinct software by connecting builders with truss manufacturers to increase component volume. Our industry should rally around this concept to help create more truss jobs." n

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