Robert Joseph Ashley was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. on July 7, 1962 entered the lumber and building materials industry through the family business started by his father, John Ashley Sr. His entire professional career has been with Triple “A” Building Center, where he serves as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the company has grown and maintained branch locations in Canton, Potsdam, and Massena, N.Y. He is a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy High School (1980) and attended Niagara University. His continued professional development includes recognition through the Doctorate of Andersen (1988, 1994) and the Bachelor of Andersen (1990).
Robert Ashley (middle left) (Triple A Building Center) with sisters Mary (far left) and Sheila (far right), accepts NNYLDA’s Lumber Person of the Year award from NNYLDA President Rob Bicknell (middle right)(Bicknell Building Supply).
Throughout his career, Robert has held significant leadership roles in both professional and community organizations. He currently serves as First Vice President of the Northern New York Lumber Dealers Association (NNYLDA) and has been active in the Ogdensburg Lions Club since 1992, where he has held every board officer position. His past board memberships include the Do it Best Board of Directors (Treasurer), St. Lawrence Health Alliance (Treasurer/President), Frederic Remington Art Museum, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (Performance Improvement Chairman), American Heart Association (Co-Chair of the American Heart Classic), Ogdensburg Pavilion Fund (Co-Chair/Head of Fundraising), Home Builders Association of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties (Membership Chairman), and the Seaway Council of Boy Scouts (Director).
His honors and awards are numerous and include the Lions Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (1993, 2009), a nomination for Young Retailer of the Year (1996), Ogdensburg Lions Club “Lion of the Year” (1994), recognition from Hardware Wholesalers, Inc. as Sheriff & Teller (October 1994), and Campaign Sight First Chair for the Ogdensburg Lions Club (1994–1996). He has also contributed to the Hardware Wholesalers, Inc. (Do-it Best Corporation) Advertising Committee (1996–1997, 2004–2005). Robert’s commitment to community service is equally strong. He coached Ogdensburg Minor Hockey from 1992 to 2004 and is also a longtime member of the Ogdensburg Elks Lodge.
Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Robert enjoys working on his and Mollee’s property, following sports, and appreciating wine. Robert has been married to Mollee Monnet-Ashley, a Speech and Language Teacher with the Enlarged Ogdensburg School District. Together, they are the proud parents of Nathaniel Robert Ashley, a graduate of Franklin Pierce University, and Alana Marie Ashley, a graduate of St. Lawrence University.
Guided by his philosophy, “There are seven days in a week; someday is not one of them. Working harder can create your luck or improve your chance luck will follow,” Robert is known for his dedication, work ethic, and focus on both professional and personal excellence. His words of encouragement to others are simple but powerful: “Breathe easy, smile more, put in 100% effort, work harder, stay focused, take chances, be creative, stay away from drama, enjoy the little victories, listen–assess–improve–take action.”
The Northern New York Lumber Dealers Association is proud to honor Robert Ashley as its 2025 Lumber Person of the Year.