July 28, 2025

Trent Wagler

WHO’S ON WITH US TODAY?

Host: Randy Chaffee – “the Hybrid Road Warrior” and face of Building Wins Live

Producer/Director: Wes Wyatt

Guest: Trent Wagler of Graber Post Buildings Inc.

ABOUT OUR GUEST(S)

Trent Wagler started at Graber Post Buildings Inc. right out of high school, assembling wood trusses before moving through various roles, including truss design, IT support, marketing, and now coil procurement/marketing. He’s seen the company’s expansion firsthand—from one metal panel line to a full‑scale post‑frame powerhouse producing trusses, nail‑lam columns, coil, and complete building packages. Trent’s role keeps him closely aligned with both product innovation and customer relationships across the post-frame supply chain.

MAIN POINTS

Graber Post Buildings Inc. Origins: Founded in 1973 by Glenn Graber, expanded from contracting to in‑house roll‑forming (first panel line in 1986), and now supplies nearly every post‑frame component.

Trent’s Career Path: Started on the shop floor, advanced to truss design, IT, marketing, and coil buying—proof of Graber’s “grow from within” culture.

Full-Line Supplier: Graber manufactures trusses, nail-lam columns, and metal panels, and ships coil to smaller roll-formers—helping dealers evolve without losing them as customers.

Barndominium Boom: Open floor plans, quick construction, and DIY-friendly kits are driving rapid growth; the trend is likely to accelerate over the next decade.

Metal Roofing Surge: Residential metal roofs now account for ~20% of the market; Trent predicts 30%+ growth within 10 years, thanks to new profiles, paint systems, and energy credits.

Design Evolution: Board-and-batten panels, horizontal siding, digital prints, and custom accents are elevating the aesthetics of post-frame buildings.

Future Vision: Continued expansion of Graber’s product lines, more advanced finishes, larger clear‑spans (100 ft wood trusses today), and stronger advocacy through NFBA and trade shows.


NOTABLE QUOTES

“If you’re in post frame and don’t know Graber Post, you’re not really in the industry.” — Randy Chaffee

“We can provide nearly every component of a metal building—all under one roof in Montgomery, Indiana.” — Trent Wagler

“High waters raise all tides; the prettier these barns get, the more everyone wants one.” — Randy Chaffee

“People see a Pinterest photo and realize a barn‑dominium isn’t just possible—it’s practical.” — Trent Wagler

“It’s not your father’s pole barn anymore.” — Randy Chaffee