Celebrating 40 Years in the Lumber Industry: A Journey of Growth and Opportunity

Embracing Change and Learning

Recently, I celebrated a major milestone—forty years working in the same industry, with almost all of it spent at the same company. Looking back, I am amazed by the many wonderful people who taught me, encouraged my growth, and opened doors to new opportunities. I was fortunate to have leaders who helped me improve at my job and gave me enough autonomy to learn and teach others. This made my 40 years especially rewarding.

My lumber career began in St. George, Utah, at Anderson Lumber. I started in the yard building loads, delivering Bartile and sheetrock, and hauling dump loads of lumber. After a couple of years, the company purchased a crane truck for roof tile loads, and I got the chance to operate it. Not long after, Anderson Lumber decided to exit the roof tile business, so I moved into handling larger, long-haul deliveries with this same truck and trailer. I still remember operating the crane—there’s even a photo I added from that time.

Crane Truck Operator

After making almost daily runs to Las Vegas, I realized it was time to graduate from the driver position and learn something new. I moved into the role of an inside salesperson, where I learned the computer systems and how to work directly with customers. Although I didn’t stay long in this role, I quickly transitioned into outside sales, which helped me become more extroverted and hone my sales skills. This transition taught me the importance of adaptability and customer relationships, skills that became essential throughout my career.

The Leap into Independent Representation

I spent many years in sales before leaping into the independent representative role, covering southern Utah, Nevada, and northern Arizona for several companies. It was a rewarding experience that pushed me to learn and grow, but it was also demanding for my young family. Just over a year into that role, Anderson Lumber reached out and offered me the position of area sales manager and lumber buyer.

From there, my work environment began to change significantly every five years, sharpening my change management skills. Anderson Lumber was sold to a holding company, the name changed, and the company was bought and sold several times. Then came a series of mergers. I started at a company with roughly 30 locations, but today I work for a group overseeing more than 700.

Adapting to Change

My career has changed as much as my workplace—constant transitions, new names, new bosses, and fresh ideas. Through these changes, I grew into a well-rounded leader. As I near the end of my professional journey, I now serve in a corporate role, helping roll out SAP across the company.

I share this story to show that anyone can build a meaningful career by seizing every opportunity—even those you create for yourself. I started with just one year of college and didn’t finish my business degree until my fifties. I embraced new positions without knowing the job, but I learned quickly and grew each time. Now, I am stepping back from the corporate world to share my experience with others as “The Genuine Mentor,” hoping to become a valuable resource.

The Power of Perseverance

No matter where you start, perseverance and a willingness to learn can open doors you never imagined. Embrace every opportunity—your journey is what you make of it.

I wish you well on your career path. Remember, the only limits are the ones you set for yourself. So, take that leap, and who knows where it might lead you?

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the relationships built. I encourage you to embrace your own path with open arms. Each step you take is a building block for your future.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What milestones have you celebrated in your career? How have they shaped who you are today? Share your thoughts!

DISCLAIMER:

This content was created by The Genuine Mentor and is informed by years of professional experience, extensive reading, and thoughtful reflection. OpenAI’s ChatGPT was used as a supportive tool for refinement, grammar, and assistance with information. All content was originally formed by a human and reviewed by a human.

We strive for accuracy in everything we publish; however, readers are encouraged to verify any critical information independently.

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