A behind-the-scenes Q&A with NYLE leaders past and present, highlighting growth, leadership, and legacy.
(This is an expanded version of an article that appeared in the May 2025 issue of the LC.)
In an industry that values tradition while constantly adapting to meet the needs of a new generation, the North American Young Lumber Employees (NYLE) continues to be a vital force in developing the next wave of LBM leaders. As NYLE celebrates its 38th year in 2025, the organization remains true to its original goal—providing young professionals with the tools, training, and connections they need to thrive in their careers and help shape the future of the industry.
Founded in 1987 as the Northeastern Young Lumber Execs Club, NYLE was created to serve a growing population of younger industry professionals who were eager to take on leadership roles in their companies and communities. Over the years, the program has evolved in name and scope, but its core purpose has remained the same: to educate, develop, empower, and engage the LBM industry’s rising stars.
With membership open to professionals 40 and under, NYLE offers emerging leaders a platform to grow their skills, broaden their industry knowledge, and form lasting connections. From the annual Timber Tour and dynamic roundtable discussions to hands-on committee involvement and high-impact conferences, NYLE creates meaningful opportunities that support both personal and professional development.
In today’s workforce, where Millennials and Gen Zers are expected to make up nearly 70% of the global labor pool by 2030, groups like NYLE have never been more relevant. These generations prioritize purpose, professional development, and work-life balance—traits that align directly with NYLE’s mission and values. According to Gallup, 87% of Millennials rank career growth as a top priority, while a McKinsey report found that 77% of Gen Z views work-life balance as essential when evaluating job opportunities.
What sets NYLE apart is that it not only caters to these priorities but also fosters a supportive, multigenerational environment. While the spotlight is on young professionals, NYLE thrives because of the seasoned leaders who mentor, support, and guide them. That synergy is what makes the organization so impactful—and so enduring.
As you scroll down, you can expand each pane to hear directly from six NYLE leaders—past and present—who have served and grown into respected voices across the LBM industry. Their stories are a testament to what can happen when you invest in people early and give them the space to lead.
Genn Howley
Owner, GNH Lumber, Inc.
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
When I entered the LBM industry, I came directly out of college and had little experience in the industry. One day, Scott Vasquezi from Boston Cedar (now U.S. Lumber) entered my office and asked if I would entertain joining NYLE. I attended my first meeting in Boston Cedar’s offices and quickly found a tribe. I became wrapped up with a group of individuals my age that had various roles throughout our industry. I created friendships that I value today; individuals whom I’ve called to ask questions and get opinions, and often their insight has helped me to define my role in my own company. This industry is a relationship business, and I’ve learned so much and grown professionally due to NYLE and the contacts I’ve made and the mentors I’ve gained.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
Taking a leadership role in NYLE was a leap of faith. I started out as the NYLE liaison to the Eastern New York Lumber Dealers Association (ENYLDA) and gradually worked my way up through the chairs. The mentors I worked with not only helped guide NYLE’s board but also gave guidance in both my professional and personal lives. I gained confidence as a woman in a male-dominated industry with the support of industry leaders such as Tim Lyons and Brad Benson. I built solid relationships that helped my business and influenced my service to the NRLA and my community. I credit my time with NYLE as the foundation that I built my professional career on.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
When I started with NYLE I was a young mom; attending events and meetings was a juggle, but I had good family support. I was blessed to work with my father, and he saw the value and knowledge I was gaining by attending NYLE events and meetings, and he encouraged my participation. Work-life balance is a constant juggle for all young working professionals, and it’s important to not let it get skewed. I won’t lie and say it’s easy, but ultimately, it’s worth it.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
Take the leap; where else will you find like-minded individuals? Professional development is critical; it’s necessary to build relationships in this industry to gain insight and expand your horizons. I often encourage our younger staff members to attend NYLE events; I want them to create relationships and gain knowledge so they can grow as professionals. I would encourage those new to this industry to start with NYLE and meet other like-minded industry professionals. Attend Spring Conference and Timber Tour—guaranteed you’ll take away more than you thought. Like-minded professionals help each other through one-on-one discussions, which often come with challenges you’ll encounter in your career. Having the ability to phone a friend who may have insight is priceless.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Invest in yourself; joining industry groups helps establish your career and gives you valuable connections. Our industry is second to none—where else can competitors encourage each other, give a leg up, or help when the chips are down? I often correlate joining an NRLA state and local or NYLE as helping our industry grow and strengthen by engaging in or collaborating to provide education, necessary support to legislative initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
Some of my favorite NYLE initiatives: hands down working with Scott Norrie and Mike Miller to write and publish the NYLE children’s book. That was one of my proudest accomplishments, and I will always remember fondly the meeting where it all started. Scott shared an old copy of a book originally published by Hoo Hoo; he proposed writing our own children’s book, and the idea grew legs and took off. Another memory was helping to organize a few Timber Tours, but the one that stands out in my memory is a tour I took out to Oregon. We learned about steep slope logging, took a bus up a logging trail, and got to see it firsthand in operation. It was amazing. We walked through forests and were shown conservation/harvesting working hand-in-hand, and I left with a much deeper understanding of the supply channel and the work that goes into being good stewards to the land.
Kylie Holland
Executive Vice President, Curtis Lumber Company
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
I joined NYLE as an opportunity to learn more about our industry and to learn from others outside my company. I still see this as the biggest value for any member, new or old. We get to catch up and compare our experiences while also creating contacts and resources to reach out to when we need support or guidance. Many of the relationships I created exclusively from NYLE events are people I still reach out to and seek advice from today.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
I wanted to work with NYLE and others within the organization to have a greater impact. It was a great opportunity to influence the industry while under the guidance and leadership of others. I think it’s a really great opportunity for anyone looking to experience leadership and to learn what responsibilities come along with it. It’s a safe and supported environment for individuals to learn if leadership is truly a path they are interested in.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
Planning, planning, and more planning. I live and die by my calendar, and I block out time for my day-to-day job, NYLE, other professional commitments, and my personal life. The better I can plan the items I want to prioritize, the better I can manage and get creative with the balance.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
Come to an event, chat with other members, and see if it’s a fit! We welcome anyone to join our events and our meetings to get a feel for us before any commitment is made. It’s a great opportunity to ‘test the water’ before diving in. If networking is something that causes hesitation, try to find one other person that you do know or can connect with ahead of time to go with you. That way you have an anchor person to help make the networking and meeting new people more comfortable!
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Find someone that you can connect with and feel comfortable with. Maybe this is someone in your company, maybe it’s an industry peer. Leverage that person’s knowledge and advice to navigate your way through—help you learn what you like, don’t like, what you are good at, and where you aspire to go. Connections really are important, and it’s so much easier when you have someone to help you make them.
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of and why?
We are currently rebranding NYLE and setting some long-term goals to help NYLE better serve our members and the industry. This has been a really rewarding process to be involved with, as we are able to think about what we can both offer to and receive from NYLE and how our vision can be used to inspire future members to come.
Corbin Rinehart
Technical Sales Director, WindsorONE
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
Initially, I joined NYLE to network and meet new people in the industry. As a 24-year-old entering the LBM industry, I knew few people, and when presented with the opportunity to join an organization tailored to individuals like myself, I jumped at it. I also saw the Timber Tours as a great way to learn about various products across the industry and gain general knowledge about the key products in this space.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
I spent over five years learning the organization’s general operating procedures and saw the opportunity to help grow and further develop NYLE. Being in leadership also allowed me to build stronger relationships with board members and those in executive roles. Working through challenges as a leadership team was enjoyable, as the team consisted of some of my closest friends in the industry.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
I believe this balance is something I will always be working on and will most likely never perfect. It’s not easy, but it is very doable if approached strategically. Being flexible and having a backup plan in place are key components to success. I also believe that having a strong, communicative leadership team around you is part of the solution. Being able to call on other leadership members when a scheduling challenge arises or when you need assistance helps maintain scheduling balance.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
Join us at an event! Attend that first event with an open mind to meet new people and share your experiences. The current NYLE board is eager to engage with new members and assist them in maximizing the value of their NYLE experience.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Step outside your comfort zone at least once a day. Whether that means making an extra phone call to someone you don’t know or asking a difficult question of someone within your organization, challenging yourself daily will help you grow and learn continuously. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become with that growth. Additionally, build your network and make friends. When your industry connections become your closest friends, work becomes easier and more enjoyable!
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
Planning and executing events, particularly Timber Tours, has always been enjoyable for me. Our team emphasizes that every event should incorporate an educational and developmental component for attendees. This approach enables us to create events that offer significant value for our members to learn, grow, and improve themselves within the industry.
Michael Duval
National Account Manager, Humber Engineered Woods
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
When I first began participating with NYLE, the educational events aimed at newcomers in the LBM industry immediately attracted me and were what I perceived as the highest value of the group. I had never encountered events like the Timber Tour and Spring Leadership Conferences, which focus on career development. Additionally, the networking opportunities with peers in the LBM industry are invaluable. Joining the NYLE board of directors offers a unique experience, as it often marks the first time many participants make executive-level decisions for a company. NYLE board service offers real-world business decision-making experience.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
My motivation for serving on the board was to give back to NYLE and our industry. I learned that the board provides strategic oversight and guides the organization’s direction, ensuring that NYLE’s mission is fulfilled through its activities and communications. Participating in the long-term planning process was a valuable experience that continues to shape my career today. Collaborating with diverse perspectives on the board to develop solutions that best serve NYLE was particularly insightful. Serving on the NYLE board equips you with real-world experience that is applicable to other NRLA boards and other corporations.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
I have benefited from working for companies that are dedicated to the NRLA and recognize the importance of leadership growth, networking, and retention within the LBM industry that NYLE fosters. Serving with NYLE was both enjoyable and rewarding. The peers I worked with made my time in NYLE feel more like a collaborative effort than a chore. Staying organized and planning ahead allowed me to dedicate time to attend meetings and address board matters effectively.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
I encourage anyone interested in getting involved to express their interest within their company. I don’t know of any organization that has fully trained and developed employees to the point where they can overlook the need to cultivate future leaders. When I first started, I shared with my manager my desire to participate in the career development training offered at an NYLE Spring Conference. The worst a manager can say is no. Remember, the company is investing in you, and you should strive to be an employee worth that investment.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Don’t let other industries distract you from the LBM sector. In my experience, the LBM industry offers growth opportunities, diverse career paths, a positive impact on communities, innovation and technology, and job stability. Overall, joining the building material industry can lead to a rewarding career that combines personal growth, community impact, and the chance to work in a dynamic and evolving field. We are literally building America and providing rewarding careers at the same time.
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
I was fortunate to serve as president of NYLE during the re-publication of the NYLE children’s book “From Tree to Tree House,” transforming it from a hardcover into a coloring book format. This effort was part of our celebration of NYLE’s 30th anniversary. Although NYLE is marketed as a next-gen group within the LBM industry, it truly functions as a leadership development program in disguise. Many outsiders perceive the LBM industry as stagnant and lacking innovation, but our sector is, in fact, filled with innovative materials and services. As NYLE approaches its 40th anniversary, it stands as a symbol of the forward-thinking potential our industry has to offer.
Sadie Hammond
Director of Organizational Development,
Hammond Lumber Company
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
Networking and building relationships are at the core of NYLE’s value. While the LBM industry can feel small, it’s greatly interconnected and extends to a wide range of organizations. NYLE helps connect you to that broader footprint, offering a space to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside peers. Through NYLE, I’ve built meaningful professional relationships and personal friendships that have helped shape my career. That sense of shared growth and support is what I appreciate most about NYLE—and it’s why I continue to stay involved.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
Having been involved with NYLE since the beginning of my career, I experienced firsthand how impactful the organization could be. I’m incredibly grateful to the mentors and peers who supported me early on, and stepping into a leadership role is one way I can pay that forward. I want to be that same source of encouragement and support for others new to the industry. NYLE has helped me build lasting relationships and grow both personally and professionally through shared experiences.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
Balance comes from knowing your priorities and finding support, which I feel very fortunate to have from my company and family. When your passions and commitments align, finding balance feels more purposeful and less overwhelming. Being involved in NYLE’s leadership is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing we’re contributing to the growth of future leaders.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
Do not hesitate to reach out—whether to a previous and current board member, executive committee member, or even a coworker already involved. That first step can be as simple as attending an event or having a quick conversation. NYLE is incredibly welcoming, and there’s always someone happy to help you get connected.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on new challenges. Every experience—big or small—teaches you something valuable. The LBM industry offers so much opportunity if you’re willing to invest the time and energy to grow within it.
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
I’m proud to be part of NYLE’s Long-Range Planning Committee, one of our newer initiatives. We’re focused on setting strategic goals that ensure NYLE continues to grow and evolve. It’s exciting to be part of shaping the future of an organization that has given so much to so many and to help strengthen it for the next generation of industry leaders.
Mike Miller
President, Warren Trask Company
What do you see as the biggest value in being an active member of NYLE?
For me, the initial value revolved around education. The Timber Tour and Spring Conference offered a way to expand my knowledge base when I was first coming into the industry. After attending a few events and meeting some of the active members, I began to form both business relationships and friendships that have now lasted for more than 20 years. NYLE has provided me with a variety of professional experiences and allowed me to develop friendships that I would not have had an opportunity to create on my own.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role with NYLE, and what lessons have been most valuable to you and your career by doing so?
Moving through the executive chairs of the NYLE organization allowed me to have exposure to a leadership role in a very controlled environment. It was great practice for future positions I had within the industry.
How do you balance the demands of your role within your company, NYLE and/or industry involvement, and your personal life?
Planning and time management are necessary skills in every role we have. NYLE is just another event an individual needs to plan for. The number of meetings are minimal and should be seen as a learning and growth opportunity, rather than an obligation.
What would you say to someone considering getting involved in NYLE but is hesitant to take that first step?
The short answer would be to just do it; there is no long-term commitment, so what do you have to lose?
There could be several reasons why someone is hesitant. If it’s on a personal level, you should know that everyone will be a similar age and have similar roles; you will likely have many things in common with others.
If you think it could be a financial burden to your company, there are several different state and local organizations under the NRLA umbrella that provide subsidies to cover part of, or the full costs for, NYLE events.*
*Contact NRLA’s education department to find out if your state and local association has a subsidy (credit) available.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the industry today, what would it be?
Show up early, do your job well, and never pass up an opportunity even if it’s outside of your comfort zone. You’ll never know what you’re truly capable of until you start doing the things that you “don’t know how to do.” Nobody was an expert when they first started. If you extend yourself, opportunities will present themselves.
Are there any specific NYLE initiatives you’ve been a part of or accomplishments that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
I was heavily involved in the project to bring the NYLE children’s book to life. It was an idea proposed by Scott Norrie of Howe Lumber, based on a book that he had found at his grandparents’ house called, “Our Daddy Is a Lumberman.” Being written in the ’50s, there was some updating that needed to happen, and after some creative work. “Chip and Emily‘s Magic Flume Ride” became a reality. The book was created so individuals in the lumber industry with young children or grandchildren could sit down and share with them what they did for a living and bring awareness to the next generation.
