PFS TECO "The Newsletter"

December 2016

'Tis the Season!

It's that time of year again. Colder weather and snow softened by the warmth of a fireplace and hot cider. This can be a magical time of year when you rediscover (with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews) what made the holidays special for you when you were young. We sometimes need to be reminded what matters most in life, and Christmas time offers one of those opportunities.

This edition of The Newsletter brings you two stories with a touch of holiday spirit. The first comes with a connection to the construction and real estate industry. Have you ever thought of how Santa's home at the North Pole would be promoted if it came up for sale? The real estate website Zillow has.

The second story is the focus of Meet Our Staff, where Jim Sheldon in our Wisconsin office takes the idea of "silent night" to a heartwarming level.

Be well and safe this holiday season.

Happy Holidays from everyone at PFS TECO

Oregon Laboratory Relocates

PFS TECO has moved its laboratory in Eugene, OR, to a new facility less than 10 miles away in Springfield.

Read Press Release

Beineke To Retire

PFS Vice President to Retire After 30 Years of Service

After more than four decades working in R&D, engineering, and management roles in the building products industry, Larry Beineke, PhD, PE, Vice President of PFS TECO's Southeast Region, will retire at the end of this year. Beineke, who earned BS, MS, and PhD degrees in wood technology, wood science, and wood engineering--all from Purdue University--has been with PFS Corporation, and now PFS TECO, since 1986.

Beineke (R in photo) was honored by Jim Husom, CEO and President (L in photo), and other staff at a recent dinner.

Beineke's contributions to the building products industry cannot be overstated, as his experience spans the entire range of engineered wood products and all aspects of manufacturing, quality control, engineering, certification and testing. He began his career as an Associate Professor of Building Construction at Michigan State University, then moved to private industry with positions at Hydro-Air Engineering (now MiTek), Alpine Structures, and finally PFS. Beineke has authored more than a dozen papers and articles and has at various times been a member of several industry associations and technical committees, including the Truss Plate Institute, the Society of Wood Science and Technology, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Forest Products Society, AITC and ASTM. He has also done consulting work, something he will do part-time for PFS TECO after retiring.

Beineke will spend significant amounts of time in his wood shop (no surprise there!) and become a better fisherman (at least more practiced). He and his wife, Sharon, intend to do some traveling close to home and visit with their three children more often.

North Pole Home, For Sale?

Timber-Framed Gem a Must See

In his Go Wood blog, Dr. Charles Ray of Penn State University shares his unique perspective on how wood is used around the world. In a recent blog post, he wondered what kind of house Santa and Mrs. Claus live in at the North Pole. That led him to Zillow, a real estate-focused website that provides information about homes, and homes for sale.

If Zillow is to be believed, the Claus family lives in a warm and cozy timber-framed cottage, with plenty of space and several out buildings suitable for making toys, housing reindeer, and other fanciful activities.

See Zillow Listing

Training Seminar by Manufactured Structures Division

January 26-27 in State College, PA

PFS Seminar #92 for Inspectors, Trainees, and Maintenance of In-Plant Inspectors is being held on January 26-27, 2017 in State College, PA. The seminar provides topics of interest to modular residential and light-commercial building clients, presented by code professionals and regulatory personnel knowledgeable in the modular industry.

Topics for Seminar #92 include:

2014 residential and commercial electrical systems, and changes for 2017;
the Pennsylvania Commercial Industrialized Building Program;
residential state code compliance for fire protection systems and energy in Maryland; and
presentations by PFS TECO staff on braced wall requirements, common plan review errors, and residential and state code updates for factory built construction systems.

To register or receive more information, contact Debbie Stephenson or Bob Gorleski, or call the corporate office at (608) 839-1013.

Meet Our Staff

Jim Sheldon

Laboratory Supervisor

Cottage Grove Laboratory

As Laboratory Supervisor of PFS TECO's Cottage Grove laboratory, Jim Sheldon oversees lab operations and coordinates test projects that come into the Wisconsin laboratory, working with Laboratory Technicians, product managers, and clients to make sure projects are done right and on time. Jim has been with PFS Corporation, and now PFS TECO, for more than 16 years.

Jim grew up in a suburb of Madison, and besides a 4-year tour in the US Navy, has always lived in the greater Madison area. He's been playing guitar in local bands for the past 25 years, but Sheldon also donates his time to a cause that takes on a special meaning for him and his family this time of year, the Quiet Santa program.

In a recent news article , the Quiet Santa program was promoted to families whose children have a hard time coping with the crowds, lights, and bustle of a visit to the mall to see Santa. Jim and his sister began the Quiet Santa program in Madison in 2012 and it has grown every year; their efforts were highlighted by the local NBC affiliate .

Wish "Santa" Jim a Merry Christmas via email at [email protected] .