Open Minds, Better Systems: A Conversation with Wheeler Manis
At BCMC 2025, Carlton sat down with Wheeler Manis, VP of Operations at Wheeler Truss & Wall Panels, to talk about experimentation, integration, and what it means to stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.
Wheeler’s team operates with a simple but powerful mandate: keep trying new things. Whether it’s hardware, software, or workflow, he believes innovation starts when people are trusted to explore ideas and bring them back to the floor.
Empowering Change from Within
At Wheeler Truss, innovation isn’t a department—it’s a habit. Wheeler explained how his team carves out time for testing new processes and encourages curiosity at every level. One employee’s job description even includes finding ways the company can “change and be better.” That mindset has led to breakthroughs in both manufacturing efficiency and digital adoption.
Bridging the Gap with Builders and BIM
As multifamily projects grow in complexity, Wheeler sees collaboration as the next big unlock. By engaging architects and structural engineers early through BIM, Wheeler Truss has streamlined coordination and reduced costly errors. He shared how integrating panel data directly into architectural models made their recent large-scale project in Georgia smoother and more collaborative.
Data, Integration, and the Future of Design
Looking ahead, Wheeler is energized by new open platforms that rethink what truss design software can do. From better shop data to real-time collaboration, he believes the next generation of software like Paragon, will let manufacturers connect every part of the process.
“If you don’t go out of your way to try new things, you’ll find pretty quick that you’re left behind.” — Wheeler Manis
Learn more about Wheelers Truss & Wall Panels: https://www.wheelers.com/
