Experience is a valuable resource, and whether it is utilized in the custom building of a door, or imparted through mentorship of a colleague, Jack Sims is a wealth of knowledge for the Door production team.
For many across Lumbermen’s, the Door Division would not feel the same without “Jack’s Shop.” That’s the space on the production floor where Jack Sims has spent more than a decade applying his deep technical expertise, mentoring teammates, and keeping work moving smoothly.
Jack has been in the industry since he was 17 years old, and joined Lumbermen’s over a decade ago, now serving as a Custom Door Builder on the production floor. Known for being extremely technical, helpful, and patient, he has become a go-to resource for solving challenges and training the next generation of employee-owners.
In describing his work, Jack says: “Cladding, cut down screens, impression storm doors. Carpentry skills for building things the shop needs—door repairs also.”
But for Jack, the true satisfaction comes from teaching and mentoring: “I like training new people, sharing my knowledge, and seeing them succeed. One of my favorite processes is to show someone why we do a certain process and not just how it needs to be done. Also sharing company information with new employee owners.”
Jack recently shared that he plans to retire in 2026. While it will be difficult to imagine the shop without his steady leadership, he has certainly earned the opportunity after a lifetime of hard work. The good news is that he plans to return part-time to keep his skills sharp—and will even be working alongside his wife, who is also part of the Door Division.
Experience is a valuable resource, and whether it is utilized in the custom building of a door, or imparted through mentorship of a colleague, Jack Sims is a wealth of knowledge for the Door production team.
For many across Lumbermen’s, the Door Division would not feel the same without “Jack’s Shop.” That’s the space on the production floor where Jack Sims has spent more than a decade applying his deep technical expertise, mentoring teammates, and keeping work moving smoothly.
Jack has been in the industry since he was 17 years old, and joined Lumbermen’s over a decade ago, now serving as a Custom Door Builder on the production floor. Known for being extremely technical, helpful, and patient, he has become a go-to resource for solving challenges and training the next generation of employee-owners.
In describing his work, Jack says:
“Cladding, cut down screens, impression storm doors. Carpentry skills for building things the shop needs—door repairs also.”
But for Jack, the true satisfaction comes from teaching and mentoring:
“I like training new people, sharing my knowledge, and seeing them succeed. One of my favorite processes is to show someone why we do a certain process and not just how it needs to be done. Also sharing company information with new employee owners.”
Jack recently shared that he plans to retire in 2026. While it will be difficult to imagine the shop without his steady leadership, he has certainly earned the opportunity after a lifetime of hard work. The good news is that he plans to return part-time to keep his skills sharp—and will even be working alongside his wife, who is also part of the Door Division.
Jack’s contributions have left a lasting mark on both the products we build and the people he has trained. His legacy of knowledge, craftsmanship, and mentorship will continue shaping Lumbermen’s long after “Jack’s Shop” welcomes its next chapter.
Jack’s contributions have left a lasting mark on both the products we build and the people he has trained. His legacy of knowledge, craftsmanship, and mentorship will continue shaping Lumbermen’s long after “Jack’s Shop” welcomes its next chapter.
Jayme Stauffenecker – Outside Sales Representative
An addition to our Minnesota-based team less than a year ago, Jayme is already making her mark in the building materials industry.
Celebrating a Legacy: Henry Bouma Retires After 50 Years with Lumbermen’s Inc.
After an extraordinary 50-year career at Lumbermen’s Inc., Henry Bouma is stepping into retirement—leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, adaptability, and unwavering customer focus.
Ryan Hagan – Sales Consultant, Door Division
Ryan Hagan has grown significantly since joining Lumbermen’s, starting in the Door Division Service Department, and now moving to an Outside Sales role. His experience with the inner workings of operations has prepared him to be a problem-solver in the field.
Brandon Kitkowski – Sales Consultant, Building Materials
Brandon Kitkowski has seen his business card change in 2025, going from Field Sales Representative to now Outside Sales Representative. However, his commitment to service and our customers is his defining characteristic.
Cristina Wasel – Quality Management Supervisor, Door Division
Cristina Wasel leads our Door Division’s commitment to quality and getting things right. Her engineering expertise helps build tools and systems that work to prevent and solve issues on the production floor.
Thai Xiong – Commercial Vehicle Driver
Thai Xiong is part of a new group of Employee Owners in Minnesota, joining the company in April of 2024.
Lumbermen’s Inc Grows Building Materials Division Leadership Team
Lumbermen’s is excited to announce leadership growth within our Building Materials Division. Significant growth in sales, workforce, and expansion into new territories like Minnesota in 2024 has led us to make some changes to our leadership structure.
Terry Lynn – Facilities Manager
Terry Lynn joined Lumbermen’s in September of 2007, as a member of the Grand Rapids Building Materials division.
Steve Hanker – Customer Service – Grand Rapids Building Materials
Steve Hanker has been with Lumbermen’s since 1996, when he joined the company as a Customer Service Representative.
Donna Ritsema & John Rutkowski
On December 7, 2023 Lumbermen’s celebrated the careers of Donna Ritsema (43 years) and John Rutkowski (31 years). Employee Owners, vendor partners, dealer customers, friends and family all gathered to congratulate these two on the positive impacts they have made for the company.
