National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA)

What National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) does

NLBMDA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 1917 and headquartered at 2001 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. The organization represents over 6,000 lumber and building material dealer locations operating single or multiple lumber yards and component plants that serve homebuilders, subcontractors, general contractors, and consumers in residential new construction, repair, and remodeling of light commercial structures. Its core functional offering is federal legislative and regulatory advocacy — it operates as the only trade association representing the LBM industry with a full government relations team on Capitol Hill, lobbying on tax, trade, labor, housing, and OSHA-related matters through a national policy agenda and 14+ federal coalitions including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Up for Growth, Housing Affordability Coalition, and Family Business Coalition.

The business model is membership-driven and multi-revenue-stream. Primary revenue comes from annual dealer membership dues structured across 11 tiers ($150 to $7,500) based on annual sales volume, with dealers enrolling through 8 federated state/regional association partners (BLD Connection, Building Material Suppliers Association, Kentucky, Lumbermen's Association of Texas, Midwest, Mountain States, Western, and West Coast) or directly as At-Large members in 17 uncovered states. Secondary revenue streams include Federal Advocacy Sponsorships, Manufacturers & Services Council (MSC) membership fees from product/service providers, event registration (Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference, ProDealer Industry Summit), and partner revenues from training programs (J.J. Keller ELDT certification, ClickSafety OSHA courses, Federated Insurance, RUN Payments with Epicor/Infor ERP integration, and the JBREC industry survey). With only 6 staff, operations are lean; the association participates in no M&A activity and holds no patents or proprietary technology assets.

The technology stack is intentionally minimal: dealer.org website (MemberClicks platform) for membership management and event registration, alongside standard digital communications (weekly newsletter, Lumber Talks podcast, webinars, social media, member alerts). There is no disclosed API, no proprietary AI/ML capability, and no in-house software development. NLBMDA's strategic posture in 2023-2025 has centered on broadening the MSC ecosystem (adding Masonite, Kitchen Cabinet Distributors, SalesJack, NetNow), embedding vendor partnerships (RUN Payments, Federated Insurance, JBREC), and refreshing governance with senior industry representation from QXO, Kodiak Building Partners, and US LBM.

Name

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA)

Legal name

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association

Website

https://dealer.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NLBMDA is a 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 1917 representing over 6,000 lumber and building material dealer locations in U.S. federal legislative and regulatory advocacy, with membership dues, training, events, and a Manufacturers & Services Council as core revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: NLBMDA generates revenue through annual membership dues paid by dealers and manufacturers. Dealers join through federated association partners or as At-Large members. Dues are structured by annual sales volume, ranging from $150 for dealers with up to $5 million in sales to $7,500 for dealers above $500 million.
2. Federal Advocacy Sponsorship: Lumber and building material dealers and suppliers become Federal Advocacy Sponsors to invest in the association's advocacy efforts. The sponsorship program is based on annual sales volume (FY2024). Sponsors receive enhanced advocacy representation and recognition.
3. Manufacturers & Services Council (MSC) Membership: Manufacturing and service companies that provide products and services to the building material industry join the MSC for networking, advertising discounts, and access to premier prodealers.
4. Training and Educational Programs: NLBMDA offers training programs including OSHA compliance materials, forklift training, delivery & fleet safety, and ELDT certification through J.J. Keller partnership. Members receive discounted pricing on these materials and courses.
5. Event Registrations: Revenue generated from registration fees for events including the annual Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference, ProDealer Industry Summit, and other industry conferences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NLBMDA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that provides federal legislative and regulatory advocacy, compliance training, and networking services on behalf of over 6,000 lumber and building material dealer locations across the United States. Its core deliverable is serving as the recognized voice of the LBM industry in Washington, D.C., supplemented by member training programs (OSHA, ELDT, ClickSafety courses), industry events, communications (newsletter, podcast, alerts, webinars), and the Manufacturers & Services Council connecting suppliers with dealers.

Product overview

NLBMDA operates as a trade association offering a unified platform of member services rather than a traditional software product. The core offering consists of legislative and regulatory advocacy representation for the lumber and building material industry in Washington D.C., complemented by educational programs (webinars, podcasts, training materials, ELDT certification, ClickSafety courses), communications (NLBMDA Weekly newsletter, member alerts), and networking events (Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference, ProDealer Industry Summit). Additional member services include the JBREC market research partnership, RUN Payments partnership, Federated Insurance partnership, Dealers to DC Grant Program, and a Manufacturers & Services Council with online directory. These products work together to provide comprehensive industry advocacy, compliance support, education, and networking for LBM dealers and suppliers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• At-Large Dealer Membership Direct NLBMDA membership for lumber and building material dealers operating in states without a federated association partner, with annual dues tiered by total sales volume and providing access to federal advocacy, compliance training, networking events, and member communications.
• Manufacturers & Services Council (MSC) Membership Membership program enabling building material manufacturers and service providers to engage with NLBMDA's network of prodealer customers, with advertising discounts and inclusion in the MSC online directory promoted to the LBM industry.
• Federal Advocacy Sponsorship Sponsorship program that allows dealers and suppliers to fund and receive enhanced representation in NLBMDA's federal advocacy work on Capitol Hill and before regulatory agencies, with sponsor levels structured by annual sales volume.
• Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference NLBMDA's annual two-day flagship conference in Washington, D.C., combining policy education, keynote speakers, networking sessions, and a day of in-person Capitol Hill meetings for LBM dealers and industry stakeholders.
• ProDealer Industry Summit NLBMDA's annual industry summit providing networking, peer education, and LBM industry updates for prodealers, manufacturers, and service providers, with paid registration.
• OSHA Training Materials OSHA compliance training programs and materials (Forklift and You, Delivery & Fleet Safety, OSHA Compliance Materials) sold to NLBMDA members in digital and print formats to support workplace safety compliance.
• ClickSafety Online Safety Courses Online OSHA 10/30 Outreach Training and workplace safety courses provided through NLBMDA's partnership with ClickSafety, offered to members at exclusive discounted pricing.
• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certification program delivered in partnership with J.J. Keller & Associates, providing NLBMDA members with exclusive discounts on certifying trainers for commercial driver compliance and safety.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 6,000 member locations represented in federal advocacy efforts
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2023NLBMDA and JBREC announced a joint Lumber and Building Material Dealer Survey partnership. JBREC's Building Products Dealer Survey, running since 2017, provides timely insights on new construction and remodeling markets. The partnership expands JBREC's survey reach to NLBMDA's member base, strengthening the survey's position as the preeminent survey of LBM dealers.
• Federated InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA has partnered with Federated Insurance as its recommended insurance and risk management provider for property & liability, workers compensation and financial protection services. Founded in 1904, Federated is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and named to the Ward's 50 Top Performers list. Benefits include direct access to Federated professionals, safety and risk management services, tailored industry-specific products, and specialized coverages.
• J.J. Keller & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA partnered with J.J. Keller to offer members exclusive discounts on certifying trainers in Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The Safe & Smart ELDT Certification Program helps trainers prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability, and improve driver retention. Clients typically see a 20% greater retention rate.
• ClickSafetyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA partnered with ClickSafety to provide online safety training programs and OSHA compliance education to members. ClickSafety is the first authorized OSHA 10 and 30 Outreach Training online provider, serving over 10,000 organizations worldwide. NLBMDA members receive exclusive discounts on ClickSafety courses.
• RUN PaymentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRUN Payments partnership offers NLBMDA At-Large dealer members payment technology solutions. Dan 'Rowdy' Rau serves as LBM advocate and ambassador, helping dealers optimize technology systems including ERP integration. Rowdy offers to cover At-Large Tier 1 membership dues for participants (up to $5 million total sales). Partnerships also exist with BLD Connection, Building Material Suppliers Association, Kentucky Building Materials Association, Midwest Building Suppliers Association, and West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association.
• Merchants Payments CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Merchants Payments Coalition, a group of retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, drug stores, convenience stores, gas stations, online merchants focused on reforming the U.S. payments system to make it more transparent and competitive and lower costs.
• Housing Affordability CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Housing Affordability Coalition, a group of businesses and housing industry members advocating for trade policies that lower tariffs on building materials to ensure the U.S. housing market is accessible to the next generation of Americans.
• A Call to Invest in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the ACTION Campaign coalition of over 2,200 organizations working to address the nation's shortage of affordable rental housing by protecting, expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
• Americans for Free TrademinorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in Americans for Free Trade, a broad coalition of American businesses, trade organizations, and workers united against tariffs.
• Coalition for Democratic WorkplaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, composed of hundreds of organizations representing millions of businesses concerned about National Labor Relations Board actions that threatened employees, employers, and economic growth.
• Coalition for Workplace SafetyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Coalition for Workplace Safety, a group of associations and employers focused on improving workplace safety through cooperation, assistance, transparency, clarity, and accountability.
• Council of Manufacturing AssociationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Council of Manufacturing Associations under NAM, linking NLBMDA to industry and policy experts plus executives from manufacturing trade associations across the country.
• Critical Labor CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Critical Labor Coalition formed in 2022 to address the nation's labor shortage through legislative advocacy, education, and outreach. Focus on reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and strengthening apprenticeship and training programs.
• Family Business CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Family Business Coalition, a collection of organizations and industry groups united for protecting America's family businesses. The coalition monitors and acts on legislation affecting family businesses in Congress.
• Neighborhood Homes CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Neighborhood Homes Coalition, a national advocacy group of 47 national organizations supporting enactment of the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.
• Partnership to Protect Workplace OpportunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity, a group of associations and businesses representing employers advocating for interests in regulatory debate on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations.
• Tomorrow's Workforce CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in the Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition including over 500 organizations advocating for workforce development policy. Supports the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477) expanding 529 savings plans for postsecondary training and credentialing.
• Up for GrowthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA participates in Up for Growth, a national coalition focused on advancing policies that increase housing supply and improve affordability. The only U.S. organization singularly focused on leading federal legislation to eliminate barriers and increase resources for housing production.
• U.S. Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLBMDA works with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business organization representing companies of all sizes and sectors. The Chamber advances policies that support economic growth, job creation, and competitive business environment.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW): Broad trade association representing the entire wholesale distribution industry in Washington, D.C. NAW overlaps with NLBMDA on federal advocacy for distribution-channel policy but covers a wider portfolio of industries beyond LBM.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Largest U.S. manufacturing trade association with which NLBMDA partners through the Council of Manufacturing Associations. NAM is comparable as a broad federal advocacy organization that touches LBM manufacturing and supply-chain policy.
• National Retail Federation (NRF): Largest U.S. retail trade association providing federal advocacy and industry services. NRF is an adjacent incumbent that, while broader in scope, shares NLBMDA's member-supported advocacy model and coalition-driven policy engagement.

Direct peers

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Trade association representing the residential construction industry in Washington, D.C. NAHB is the most direct peer to NLBMDA, sharing the same federal advocacy model, member-funded structure, and focus on housing policy that materially affects lumber and building material dealers.
• National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED): Trade association for electrical distributors that operates a similar member-supported model focused on advocacy, education, and industry research. NAED shares NLBMDA's wholesale distribution customer base and member-funded operating structure.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): National trade association representing merit-shop contractors and the construction industry. ABC is comparable to NLBMDA in that it is a membership-based trade association performing federal advocacy, training, and member services for the U.S. construction ecosystem.
• American Supply Association (ASA): Trade association serving plumbing, heating, cooling, and piping distributors. ASA is comparable to NLBMDA as a distribution-focused trade association offering federal advocacy, education, networking, and a member-supported services platform.
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): Trade association for plumbing and HVAC contractors that delivers federal advocacy, training, and member services. PHCC is a comparable association serving downstream customers of NLBMDA member dealers.
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): Leading trade association for the commercial construction industry, providing federal advocacy, training, and member services. AGC mirrors NLBMDA's model of representing industry stakeholders before federal regulators and legislators.
• Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI): Trade association for HVACR distributors with a similar federated and at-large membership structure serving wholesale distributors of building products. HARDI's advocacy, training, and member-services model closely parallels NLBMDA's approach for LBM dealers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NLBMDA
• Facebookfacebook.com/nlbmda
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-lumber-&-building-material-dealers-association-nlbmda-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA)