Location: Caribou, ME
Position: Assistant Manager • S.W. Collins Co.
How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, so I applied at the local lumberyard. I started out ringing up customers and stocking shelves.
What are some of the responsibilities of your position?
Mainly, I am active on the sales counter, helping contractors and homeowners with their various home projects, as well as assisting and training other pioneers (sales associates). I also help out across the company, from purchasing to deliveries and process improvement.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your career?
Given the difficulty of finding knowledgeable staff, it is challenging to fulfill all my responsibilities with a smaller team. However, it is helping us learn to be more efficient and streamline our processes.
What have you learned since working in the industry?
Since I started out completely green, I have learned way more than I can list. Mostly, I have learned to work as a team.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the industry?
I say it to any new employee that we hire, “Try not to be overwhelmed by all the new information.” The LBM industry is constantly evolving, so despite being in the business for 15 years, I am still learning every day.
What are your passions outside of the office?
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. I am also very active in my church community.
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!
