Location: Montgomery, NY
Position: Inside Sales Representative/Product Manager • Russin
How did you begin your career in the LBM Industry?
I had never worked in this industry prior to working for Russin. During and after college, I spent many years working in retail, including my last stop, which was working for a car dealership selling cars. I was desperate to get out of there when I saw that Russin was hiring. I had no idea if it was going to be something long-term or not, but I quickly fell in love with the job and the people I work with. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.
What are some of the responsibilities of your position?
I spend the majority of my time building relationships with my customers and doing everything I can to be a valuable resource for their continued growth. I also manage a couple product lines, so I have to talk to vendors and mills daily in order to stay on top of market changes and make informed purchasing decisions.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your career?
Everyone experienced a number of challenges in a post-pandemic world, including trying to grasp an ever-changing market as well as dealing with never-ending logistical issues. With that being said, it has also led to a lot of opportunities to get creative by finding new and alternative options for our customers.
What have you learned since working in the industry?
The biggest thing I have learned is that learning never stops. There is no end to how much you can learn about your customers, your vendors, and all of the product lines that you can offer. As a result, every day is different and exciting.
What advice would you give to anyone new to the industry?
I would tell anyone new to jump in right away! There is a huge demand across the industry for young people, and at the same time, there are still a lot of people in this industry who have been doing it for decades. The opportunity to join an exciting and growing industry while learning from a lot of experts has never been better.
What are your passions outside of the office?
I spend as much time as I can with my girlfriend and our two dogs, whether it is finding a new restaurant to visit or just hanging out at home. I am also a huge NFL and Green Bay Packers fan, so I spend every year looking forward to the fall season.
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!
