Peter Krihak’ s journey in the lumber industry began during high school, working summers as a yardman at Holbrook Lumber Co. There, he swept warehouses, learned wood species, built orders, loaded trucks, and offloaded railroad cars, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.
Over the years, Peter built a diverse resume with hands-on experience across the country. He worked as a yard worker at Red Barn Lumber Co. in Durango, Colo., and as a mill worker for Washington Idaho Forest Industries in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho—where he once survived being rammed by a 20-foot green log. He later advanced to sales and management roles with Snavely Forest Products in Phoenix before returning to Holbrook Lumber Co., where he served as territory manager, president, and ultimately CEO/owner.
NNYLDA’s Lumber Person of the Year Award recipient Peter Krihak (center) (Holbrook Lumber) with NRLA President Rita Ferris (L) and NRLA Chair Doug Ford (R) (Curtis Lumber Company).
Peter has been actively involved in the industry’s leadership, serving on the Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association (ENYLDA) Board from 2002 to 2010, and on the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) Board of Directors from 1996 to 1999. He also chaired the NAWLA Regional Meeting in 1995. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., and completed the NAWLA Wood Basics Course in Corvallis, Ore.
NNYLDA’s Lumber Person of the Year Award recipient Peter Krihak (Holbrook Lumber) receives his award from longtime industry friend, Tim Wiley (left photo), and poses for a picture with members of the Holbrook Lumber Company team (right photo).
Born in Glens Falls, N.Y., in 1960—the year John F. Kennedy was elected president, gas was 30 cents a gallon, and a dozen eggs cost 57 cents—Peter grew up enjoying Lake George, skiing at Gore Mountain, and celebrating holidays with family. He is the son of Paul and Eleanor Krihak. His late father, Paul, served the industry for more than 60 years with Holbrook Lumber Co., setting an enduring example.
Peter’s greatest pride is his daughter, Grace Krihak. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, boating, skiing, traveling, and connecting with people from other cultures. He is civically engaged and guided by a philosophy that life is a journey of self-discovery and continuous growth. Inspired by mentors such as his parents, sisters, Steve Snavely (Snavely Forest Products), among other respected business associates and friends, Peter lives by the mantra: Be true to yourself, do what you love, and you will thrive in business and in life.
The Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association is proud to honor Peter Krihak as its 2025 Lumber Person of the Year.
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