Location: Hyannis, Massachusetts
Position: Sales Manager • Shepley Wood Products
How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry?
My father is a custom residential homebuilder, so you could say I was born into this industry. I began as most do on a framing crew, sweeping the floors for jobsite cleanup and always getting the worst jobs, like installing endless amounts of hangers. Then I worked my way up, learning basic framing skills and reading plans, to framing complicated roof systems. I went out of my home state of Massachusetts for college, earned a business degree, and then ended up back home where a hiring agency asked me about Shepley Wood Products. After a few interviews with ownership, I was hired and now have been at Shepley for close to 16 years.
What are some of the responsibilities of your position?
As the sales manager, I am responsible for our outside sales staff, vendor relations, and key accounts. I oversee performance, strategy, training, and team development. I help outside sales manage contractor relationships, develop new business, quote projects, secure orders, and grow assigned territories.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your career?
Volatile lumber and material pricing, tight labor markets in construction, supply chain delays and backorders,
margin pressure from competition, communication gaps between sales, operations, and purchasing. Managing high volume while maintaining accuracy.
What have you learned since working in the industry?
Sales success at Shepley is built on relationships, accuracy, responsiveness, and teamwork. No one in sales exists in isolation—every order impacts operations, accounting, purchasing, and delivery. Clear communication and accountability are critical. We value long-term customer partnerships over short-term wins.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the industry?
“Know what you don’t know.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Construction technology, process,
language, and business landscape are constantly evolving. Listen when you have the opportunity, and stay humble. The construction industry can be fantastically rewarding if you learn to build from the ground up.
What are your passions outside of the office?
I love driving our Jeep out to Nauset Beach in Orleans with my wife and two sons during the summer and snowmobiling up in Rangely, Maine, during the winters. I am a bit of a music junkie who can’t sing or play an instrument for the life of me but enjoy going to concerts and listening to all genres, from Billy Strings to Notorious B.I.G. and everything in between.
Do you have an employee or co-worker under the age of 40 who is actively and proudly working in the LBM Industry? If so, we want to know! Please submit your nominee here and they may be featured in an issue of the Lumber Co-operator!
