Outside Sales Specialist Wes Totin, began his career in the field, working as a marble installer, and a carpenter specializing in trim installation and framing. Following that, Totin worked for Ply-Mart in Atlanta, GA, where he worked up the ranks for nearly five years, beginning as an Order Puller, then an Inside Sales Representative, then an Outside Sales Assistant. Following this tenure and a move to the Chicago area, Totin started at the distinguished Hines Lumber Company. Again beginning as an Order Puller, Wes quickly worked his way up the ranks through inside sales and again becoming an accomplished Outside Sales Representative. Throughout his career, he has continued his education and received certifications in Green Building and LEED Accredited Construction Project Management. In 2003, Wes furthered his career even more by joining the Totem Lumber team, taking on an outside sales position specializing in services to high priority clients. The “Corporal Klinger” of the lumber industry, Wes knows how to get whatever building materials you want, and on shorter notice than anyone you’ve ever dealt with before!

Rich Kovacs has been around the lumber business his entire life.  Rich’s father, Rich Kovacs Sr., has been in the business for close to  40 years. Rich Senior and Junior would go to work together on Saturdays and Junior’s days off from school, when he would help with inventory, stocking shelves and bays, and even go on rides with the company truck drivers. All of these experiences may sound rather modest, but the enitre time, Kovacs, Jr.  was constantly learning the business.

Rich Kovacs, Jr.  graduated in 2007 from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Corporate Communication and Business. Upon graduation, he immediately began working for a large corporate bank. After a one-year contract, he realized it was not the place for him and began working at IWL, Inc. as a full-time truck driver. During this experience, Kovacs freshened up on the business and learned more about our current customer base. Seeing the shops, job sites, and facilities from the eyes of our consumers on a daily basis, was an educational experience in itself, and being able to see the everyday “back door” operations of our customers has directly impacted the way he services new and existing IWL customers.

Bill is a 37 year veteran in the Chicago lumber market. Bill Maniates has Managed branch yards, worked in purchasing, and served as a commercial sales manager for over 14 years. He is a member of the Construction Specification Institute ( CSI) and has achieved the Certified Document Technologist certification (CDT). CSI is a national association of commercial level construction professionals dedicated to improving construction communication. The CDT is a comprehensive overview for anyone who writes, interprets, enforces or manages construction documents.

He has earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) under the National Association of Home Builders program, and has atttended many day long workshops on LEED for residential and commercial construction. In addition, Maniates has worked with architects and builders on various LEED certified projects and attended seminars and workshops at the last three GREENBUILD Expos.

Also to his credit, Bill Maniates wrote the procedure and training manuals as well as administrated the FSC chain of custody for 8 branch yards and 5 manufacturing plants.

Bill is a member in good standing  of the Chicago Association of Contractors and Affliates (ASA).

Quality FRTW Products by Hoover, US leader in the Industry

Fire-X is recommended for the following applications:
• Exterior decks
• Balconies
• Stairways
• Siding
• Scaffolding
• Moulding
• Trim
• Open-air roof systems
• Stables
• Soffit
• Fascia
• Roof sheathing

Exterior Fire-X lumber and plywood offers the workability and versatility of wood as well as the fire-safety and insurance advantages of non-combustible materials. Balconies and exterior walls constructed of Exterior Fire-X may be considered non-combustible by some building codes. Exterior Fire-X siding is often accepted as an alternate for non-combustible siding, and exterior stairs constructed of Exterior Fire-X are generally accepted as non-combustible.

Pyro-Guard is recommended for the following applications:
• Plywood roof sheathing
• Roof trusses
• Rafters
• Floor joists
• Mezzanines
• Shelving
• Load-bearing walls
• Floor sheathing
• Partition walls
• Studs
• Interior beams
• Blocking
• Steps
• Stairways
• Platforms
• Stages
• Plywood subfloors
• Wall sheathing
• Telecomm/electrical panels

Pyro-Guard has been strength-tested after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture to verify its strength characteristics when used in roof systems and other recommended applications. Pyro-Guard is the only major fire-retardant formulation produced by an American-owned company. Pyro-Guard plywood span ratings and lumber design value adjustments are based on strength testing after prolonged exposure to high temperatures experienced in roof applications.

For more information and ordering, call us at 847-678-0410. You may also visit our supplier’s website at http://www.frtw.com/. Pyro-Guard and Fire-X lumber is proudly made in America!

Other Advantages of Metal Stud Framing:

In addition to its cost effectiveness and consistent quality, steel has many more advantages
which make it appealing to builders and homebuyers.

• Cold-formed steel is a proven framing material with a long track record in the
  commercial building industry.

• Steel can be used to frame a house in different ways, including stick-built, panelized,
  and pre-engineered buildings. Steel homes can be built using layouts similar to
  wood framing.
• Steel’s inherent strength can provide the builder with design flexibility. Steel-framed
  homes may also be built to meet the highest seismic and wind load specifications in
  the country.
• Steel is non-combustible, insect resistant, and will not rot.
• Steel will not shrink, split, or warp, resulting in fewer call-backs for nail pops and
  busted seams in gypsumboard.
• Steel framing members are light and easy to handle, reducing worker fatigue.
• Waste from steel framing is recyclable.
• Pre-punched framing members facilitate the installation of electrical wires and other
  utilities.

We also carry the specialty fasteners, hangers, and framing accessories for working with metal stud. Contact us today at 847.678.0410 for a consultation. We will supply your entire project.

 It is recommended that MAX joists are limited to l/480 maximum live load deflection for residential floor applications, the criteria which provides superior floor performance. ADI Power Joists are identified by their depth followed by a designation such as ADI-40 which relates to the hoist strength and stiffness. ADI’s are manufactured to strict tolerances with the following characteristics:

• Flanges are MSR (Machine Stress Rated) 2×3.
• Webs are OSB and all are classified as exposure 1 or exterior and are 3/8” in thickness or greater.
• All ADI’s are assembled using exterior-type adhesives per ASTM D 2559.
• ADI’s are available in four depths: 9-1/2”, 11-7/8” 14” and 16”.
• ADI’s of the same depth are manufactured with various flange widths; flange width is an important design consideration when specifying hangers.
• Most mills manufacture I-joists in lengths up to 48 feet in length. ADI Power Joists are manufactured up to 64 feet in length. These lengths are cut to frequently used lengths such as 16 to 36 feet, in 2-foot increments for jobsite delivery.

Contact our sales department today and order a complete i-joist layout to supply your entire job. 847.678.0410.

http://www.fscus.org/ – The Forest Stewardship Council

In many forests around the world, logging still contributes to habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples, and violence against people who work in the forest and the wildlife that dwells there. Many consumers of wood and paper, and many forest products companies believe that the link between logging and these negative impacts can be broken, and that forests can be managed and protected at the same time. Forest Stewardship Council certification is one way to improve the practice of forestry.

http://www.usgbc-chicago.org/ – US Green Building Council, Chicago Chapter

The USGBC-Chicago Chapter leads the regional transformation of the built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable and healthy. We achieve this through education, advocacy and collaboration.

The City of Chicago Website – Chicago Center for Green Technology

Chicago Green Tech helps visitors to learn about the benefits of green buildings through free seminars open to the public. The center offers a resource center with a library and product samples, and the opportunity to explore the campus and buildings. Chicago Green Tech is only the third building in the United States to be designed using the highest standards of green technology available. Chicago Green Tech’s building was originally constructed in 1952. The Chicago Center for Green Technology is located at 445 North Sacramento Boulevard in Chicago.

http://www.nahbgreen.org/ – National Association of Green Builders Green Building Program

Through the National Green Building Program, the National Association of Home Builders is helping its members move the practice of green building into the mainstream. Energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, sustainable or recycled products, and indoor air quality are increasingly incorporated into the everyday process of home building.

http://greensource.construction.com/ – GreenSource Magazine

Website edition of GreenSource magazine by McGraw-Hill Company, publishers of Architectural Record and McGraw-Hill Construction. Features a wealth of information and articles, online forums, links to resources, and educational information and programs.

http://www.edcmag.com/ – Environmental Design and Construction Magazine

Another magazine, available both online and in print, dedicated to furthering knowledge and information of Green Building Practices.

http://www.enn.com/ – Environmental News Network

The ENN mission is to inform, educate, enable and create a platform for global environmental action. As a result, the readers are top environmental
leaders from government, business and educators, as well as a broad spectrum of “intellectually curious” citizens. Covering not only Green Building, but sustainable energy, and other facets of protecting the environment.

General Information
Building Design and Construction magazine
BuildingGreen-Publishers of Environmental Building News
Environmental Design + Construction magazine
Oikos® Green Building Source
Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Smart Communities Network

Whole Building Design
BuildingEnvelopes.org
U.S. DOE-High Performance Buildings/Design Approach

Building Commissioning
U.S. DOE-Building Technologies Program-Building Commissioning

Building Materials and Products
ENERGY STAR® Program
Federal Energy Management Program-Buying Energy-Efficient Products
Forest Certification Resource Center
Greenguard Product Guide
Green Seal Program
U.S. EPA-Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
ENERGY STAR® Program
Federal Energy Management Program-Buying Energy-Efficient Products
Home Energy Saver Energy Audit Tool
U.S. DOE-Building Technologies Program
U.S. DOE-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
U.S. DOE-Solar Energy
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development-Rehab Advisor

Green Building Rating Systems, Codes, Standards and Guidelines
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Green Roofs
Greenroofs.com
Chicago City Hall Rooftop Garden
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

Indoor Air Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-Indoor Air Quality

Mortgages
FHA Energy Efficient Mortgages
Location Efficient Mortgage

Research and Nonprofit Organizations
Center for Neighborhood Technology
Community Energy Cooperative
Environmental Law and Policy Center
Renewable Energy Policy Project
Rocky Mountain Institute

Water Efficiency
U.S. EPA-Water
U.S. EPA-Water Use Efficiency Program
Water Wiser

Look for the Energy Star label on Totem Lumber and Supply building materials

ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products. It was first created as a United States government program in 1992, but Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union have also adopted the program. Devices carrying the Energy Star logo, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, building materials and other products, save 20%-30% on average. Our Semco Windows and Doors product line is engineered to be a more energy efficient product than any other on the market, and carry the official Energy Star label.

Learn more about Energy Star at the Federal Government official website

Energy Star on WikiPedia

Engineered wood products for Green Building certified construction

We carry all types of wood truss-work for your construction projects. View samples of what is available.

Available types of trusses

	Common
These trusses may be simple span, multiple bearing, or cantilevered. Where the truss height exceeds approximately 10′ (3m), a piggyback system (see below) may be needed due to transportation restrictions.
	Mono
This shape may be simple span, multiple span, or cantilevered. Top chord bearing is possible.
	Inverted
The inverted truss is used to provide a vaulted ceiling along a portion of the span.
	Cut-off (Bobtail, Stubend)
This shape may be used where a triangular truss will not fit.
	Dual Slope
This truss provides an asymmetric roof slope.
	Ridge Truss
The ridge truss provides a stepped roof appearance.
	Piggyback
The piggyback truss is a combination of a gable end truss on top of a hip truss, which can be transported in two sections. It is used when a single triangular truss is too large to transport.
	Attic
The attic truss provides useable area within the roof space.
	Flat
The flat truss is used in roofs or floors. It may be designed as top or bottom chord bearing, or for simple or multiple spans. It may also be cantilevered at one or both ends.
	Sloping Flat
This shape is used to create a vaulted ceiling. It may be top or bottom chord bearing.
	Sloping Chord Flat
This shape is used to provide positive drainage to both sides of the building.
	Hip
This shape is used to create hip roofs.
	Scissor
The scissor truss is used to create a vaulted ceiling along the entire span. The slope of the bottom chord is usually equal to 1/2 of the slope of the top chord. Large scissor trusses are often shipped in two pieces and field spliced.
	Half Scissor
The half scissor truss provides a single-sloped vaulted ceiling.
	Gambrel
This truss is used to create a gambrel or barn-shaped roof profile.

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One alternative is to use plant or tree materials, also known as biomass, as an energy source. Biomass trees could be specifically planted for use as bioenergy in regions where available land is well-suited to tree growth and harvest. Although many different types of crops can be used as biomass, trees have particular advantages, including the ability to be harvested year-round. In the Southeast, where the infrastructure to harvest and transport trees to the mill already exists, biomass production could help reinvigorate rural economies.

Wood and Lumber is a Renewable, Sustainable Material and Energy Resource

In addition to poplar, pine and cottonwood, another variety of tree being evaluated for its amazing growth potential is the eucalyptus. One of the fastest growing hardwood trees in the world, eucalyptus is cultivated in more than 90 countries and represents 8 percent of all planted forests. In 2003, global eucalyptus pulp demand was 8 million tons and it represented 40 percent of the world’s hardwood pulp market.

“In order to slow climate change, reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil and slash fossil fuel emissions in half by 2050, we must learn how to use regional, purpose-grown resources for bioenergy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way,” says Barbara Wells, CEO of ArborGen, a leading tree research and development company. “Purpose-grown resources, including trees, are the most ideal feedstock for biomass. A purpose-grown tree is specifically planted to be harvested for wood, fiber and energy production, thereby taking the pressure off our natural resources and forests.”

For more than 50 years, U.S. pulp and paper companies and government organizations have invested resources and devoted research to identifying the most economically and environmentally sustainable hardwood species.  South Carolina-based ArborGen develops seedlings, both through conventional breeding and selection as well as through biotechnology, that improve the productivity and sustainability of well managed, working forests to help meet the needs for wood, fiber and energy. ArborGen’s research supports eucalyptus as a top choice for wood, fiber and energy for numerous reasons. Eucalpytus:

* … is the world’s most widely planted hardwood species.
* … is prized globally for excellence in paper and energy production
* … grows faster than other hardwood species.
* … will grow on upland landscapes, reducing pressure on environmentally sensitive areas.
* … grows commercially with similar management inputs needed for pine.
* … produces feedstock for fiber and energy in short rotations.
* … can be well-contained in a managed plantation environment.

The United States contributes a disproportionate amount, 22 percent, of the world’s carbon emissions, even though the country houses just 5 percent of the world’s population. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, bioenergy provides the country with a major opportunity to generate power from both renewable and sustainable sources like plants and trees, reducing the amount of carbon emissions.  The energy department has specifically identified eucalyptus as a potentially viable option for biomass because of “its implications for helping wean the nation’s dependence on fossil fuel.”

As such, the federal government is currently spending millions of dollars to map the DNA sequence of the eucalyptus – bringing in expert partners on eucalyptus and biotechnology such as ArborGen to help fulfill this mission.

“We want to help create a viable solution to the increasing energy demands at a time when our traditional supply is being depleted,” says Wells. “The time for this solution is now, and we continue to examine and test the effectiveness of trees, including the eucalyptus, as a purpose grown source for energy biomass.”

For more information on the benefits of Eucalyptus visit www.eucalyptusfacts.org. For more recommendations on using wood of all kinds in construction projects, visit www.WoodWorks.org.

Our staff is well versed on the use and availability of Green Building materials. For more information and assistance in making your next project as green as possible, call us at 847.678.0410 for a consultation. Peruse our catalog for more information on some available alternatives.