Industry begins the long climb back

The buildings-material industry, hammered by the recession, could be on the rebound.

That's the word from Brooke Chase Associates, a Sarasota-based executive search firm that focuses on the industry. Indeed, 67% of the respondents to the Brooke Chase 2010 year-end survey reported an increase in 2010 revenues over 2009, and 83% project an increase in 2011.

The Brooke Chase survey is based on a questionnaire sent to more than 31,000 industry professionals over a three-week period at the end of 2010. States one anonymous respondent: “Although not expecting a 'jack rabbit' recovery as from past downturns, (we are) still looking forward to slow, steady progress.”

Some other survey highlights:

• More than 70% of the respondents reported an increase in revenues for the last quarter of 2010;
• Nearly one-third, 33%, of the respondents say they will hire sales and marketing executives in 2011;
• 45% of the respondents say they believe the downturn in the building-materials industry has leveled off.

The good vibes in the industry even spread to Brooke Chase. The company says its revenues were up 40% in 2010 over 2009. Moreover, the firm hired two researchers for its Sarasota office, one for its Chicago location, and it opened an office in Birmingham, Ala.