Innovation in Construction Materials with Chris Tatge

In this interview, we sit down with Chris Tatge, founder and president of DC Materials, a company specializing in complete framing material packages for multifamily and commercial projects. Based in Stoughton, Wisconsin, DC Materials LLC is a regional leader in the construction materials industry. Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of operating a successful business in this competitive sector.

Origins and Niche Exploration

SBS – What inspired you to start DC Materials, and how did you identify a niche in the framing materials market?

Chris – I was a labor-only framing contractor for many years. My success or failure depended a lot on whether I had a motivated lumber salesman who was going to get me what I needed when I needed it. After getting involved with the National Framers Council, I got to meet some very successful framers from outside my market. I learned how they bought and sold their own material. I was able to study and watch how the process helped them increase their bottom line and how the control helped them ensure a schedule of successful projects. I also saw this as an opportunity for long-term growth.

Competitive Strategies

SBS – How do you maintain a competitive edge in the construction materials industry?

Chris – My competitors are lumber salesmen. The good ones follow the sale and make sure their customers get the service they need. On the other hand, because we control the labor, our model demands that we provide the service needed to make the job successful. Rather than focusing on the sale, we must focus on our projects being successful in a more holistic way.

Quality Assurance

SBS – Can you describe the process of sourcing your materials and ensuring their quality?

Chris – We treat our vendors like partners. A win for us is a win for them. When you can build trust, building a real team quality always follows.

Sustainability Focus

SBS – How do you approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in your business operations?

Chris – We utilize off-site building components for all our projects. The walls, stairs, and trusses on our projects are built off-site in a factory. Because our components are built in a factory environment, there’s usually 3% waste compared to the 15% to 20% waste you would see on a stick-built job site. Not only is it more efficient for our needs, but it also helps make a positive impact in larger ways.

Supply Chain Management

SBS – What strategies do you use to manage supply chain challenges, especially during times of high demand or material shortages?

Chris – Lumber is a relationship business, so it goes back to treating our vendors like partners. If I’m looking out for them, they will look out for me. We navigate the challenges as a team dedicated to getting the job done despite any market setbacks. A good team can accomplish success even when times are tough. When you invest in those key relationships, things usually pan out alright.

Business Growth

SBS – Could you share insights into how you’ve scaled your business to meet the needs of multifamily and commercial projects?

Chris – I think talking to other successful turnkey framing contractors has played a big part in my ability to scale. Going from being a relatively small business to experiencing rapid growth means you have to learn a lot in a short amount of time. I spend a lot of time talking to other business owners inside and outside my industry and try to learn from them as much as possible.

Market Expansion Considerations

SBS – What are the key factors you consider when deciding to expand into new markets or regions?

Chris – We ask ourselves whether we can maintain the same level of service. It’s just that simple. If the answer is no, then we don’t do it. Great service is our priority.

Client Relations

SBS – How do you manage client relationships and ensure customer satisfaction in your projects?

Chris – We try to engage our customers as early as possible. We like working through the design process even when we’re not guaranteed the job. Being able to influence the construction drawings and clarify the scope helps all the stakeholders manage expectations for a project. It’s important, and we are happy to do this.

Entrepreneurial Advice

SBS – What advice would you give new entrepreneurs entering the building materials industry?

Chris – Building materials and any success in business are about relationships. You’re going to spend some time grinding before you find that success. The key is positioning yourself as the next best choice to the established guy or gal, and when you get a shot, making sure you hit a home run every time. Work ethic matters, efficiently matters, don’t take anything for granted.

Future Trends and Preparation

SBS – Looking to the future, what trends or changes do you anticipate in the construction materials industry, and how is your business preparing for these changes?

Chris – Supply chains are constantly changing, and in building materials, they’re changing faster than ever. Being agile and flexible is a key to our success. Embracing new trends and innovation is also crucial. For instance, off-site construction is changing the way builders think about the entire construction process. A willingness to innovate gives you a big advantage in an old-school industry.