Today, we’re joining Scott Johnson, Construction Service Manager at LP Building Solutions, for a day on the job. Johnson’s primary role is to answer technical questions from building professionals, architects and the LP sales team. He spends most of his time on the phone and on the road. Let’s get started!
The phone usually starts ringing around 6:00 a.m., which is why Johnson is normally an early riser. “I’m on the West Coast, in Portland, Oregon, so people start calling early. It’s no big deal,” says Johnson. As long as he’s had a cup of coffee, he’s ready to go.
“My work is all over the board, but I’m here to be a resource and problem solver,” says Johnson. “It’s good to connect the dots for people.” Architects, design professionals, customers and LP salespeople call Johnson on product and technical questions primarily for LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier as well as other LP Structural Solutions products.
“Sometimes it’s general product questions, such as if they can use LP FlameBlock panels with metal studs. Others are in-depth technical discussions about specific assemblies and applications,” he says. For instance, Johnson often works with architects to determine appropriate assemblies and applications for LP FlameBlock panels that can help them meet project requirements while retaining design flexibility. Johnson also offers problem-solving advice to customers who contact LP warranty and customer service.
“Last week I had a customer call me with questions not related to our products; we talked about wood and the fire resistance of wood,” he says. “I’m also on the phone with UL and other agencies quite frequently, and I’m on conference calls with LP salespeople and their customers to answer highly technical issues or challenges they’re facing on a jobsite.”
“If I’m working from home, I answer questions, work on presentations, review project drawings and product literature, and continually update our FlameBlock assemblies,” he adds.
Johnson spends about half of his time on the road, presenting to various audiences on code requirements for fire-resistant construction and LP Structural Solutions portfolio specifications, training distributors and dealers, and holding pre-construction meetings to ensure LP Structural Solutions products are used correctly and any technical questions are answered. “I want to provide added value whenever I can,” says Johnson.
He also works on research and development in the lab. “I spent last week working to test future LP FlameBlock assemblies. I’m also doing some R&D work on LP WeatherLogic panels. We do R&D on future assemblies, new products and new applications,” he says.
“I really like it when a customer asks, ‘Can we use this here?’ These customers often spur good ideas that we use for new design applications and assemblies,” he says.
The end of the day is often marked not by the clock, but when the phone stops ringing and he’s got his “To-Do” list completed. Johnson has two sons; the eldest is away at college and the youngest works part-time and attends junior college. “If the boys are home I make dinner, and afterward we play basketball. I’m still undefeated,” he says. “Okay, maybe I’m stretching that a bit, but Dad still has game left,” he jokes.
Check out our other insights into a day in the life at LP with siding experts Oscar Trejo and Isaac Ojeda.
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