For Lumbermen’s, great culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through people who genuinely care. That’s exactly what Kris Langerak has been doing since she first joined the company in 2004.
Kris’s path to Lumbermen’s didn’t start as a long-term career plan. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom simply looking for a part-time role. “I just wanted a job where I could talk to adults again,” she says with a smile. After responding to a newspaper ad that didn’t even list the company name, she took a chance—and more than two decades later, that decision has turned into a meaningful and impactful career.
Today, as HR Manager, Kris plays a central role in supporting Lumbermen’s employee owners and their families. From leading new hire orientation to helping employees navigate benefits, she works to make what can often feel complex and overwhelming much more approachable. Just as importantly, she serves as a trusted resource for employees facing challenges, whether personal or professional. Her steady, people-first approach reflects a core belief: when employee owners feel supported, the entire company benefits.
Having spent over 20 years with Lumbermen’s, Kris has had a front-row seat to the company’s growth—and it’s something she finds especially rewarding. She enjoys traveling to different locations and seeing new operation hubs in places like Minnesota take shape, but what stands out most is the consistency of the company’s culture. “It’s meaningful to watch that same sense of support and connection grow in new places,” she explains.
That focus on people is more important than ever. Kris notes that today’s workforce faces challenges that often extend beyond the workplace. In response, she and her team are prioritizing support systems, ensuring employees have access to resources and someone to turn to when they need it. At the same time, they’re investing in training and development initiatives and exploring new tools like an updated payroll system, all to better serve employee owners across the organization.
Outside of work, Kris enjoys staying active and making the most of her time outdoors, especially on the golf course. She also values time with friends, but nothing tops being with family. Whether it’s having her kids over, playing cards, or simply spending time together, those moments are what matter most.
Kris’s journey is a reflection of what makes Lumbermen’s unique, where she and the rest of the Human Resources team continue to cultivate a work environment where people can grow, feel supported, and build lasting connections.
For Lumbermen’s, great culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through people who genuinely care. That’s exactly what Kris Langerak has been doing since she first joined the company in 2004.
Kris’s path to Lumbermen’s didn’t start as a long-term career plan. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom simply looking for a part-time role. “I just wanted a job where I could talk to adults again,” she says with a smile. After responding to a newspaper ad that didn’t even list the company name, she took a chance—and more than two decades later, that decision has turned into a meaningful and impactful career.
Today, as HR Manager, Kris plays a central role in supporting Lumbermen’s employee owners and their families. From leading new hire orientation to helping employees navigate benefits, she works to make what can often feel complex and overwhelming much more approachable. Just as importantly, she serves as a trusted resource for employees facing challenges, whether personal or professional. Her steady, people-first approach reflects a core belief: when employee owners feel supported, the entire company benefits.
Having spent over 20 years with Lumbermen’s, Kris has had a front-row seat to the company’s growth—and it’s something she finds especially rewarding. She enjoys traveling to different locations and seeing new operation hubs in places like Minnesota take shape, but what stands out most is the consistency of the company’s culture. “It’s meaningful to watch that same sense of support and connection grow in new places,” she explains.
That focus on people is more important than ever. Kris notes that today’s workforce faces challenges that often extend beyond the workplace. In response, she and her team are prioritizing support systems, ensuring employees have access to resources and someone to turn to when they need it. At the same time, they’re investing in training and development initiatives and exploring new tools like an updated payroll system, all to better serve employee owners across the organization.
Outside of work, Kris enjoys staying active and making the most of her time outdoors, especially on the golf course. She also values time with friends, but nothing tops being with family. Whether it’s having her kids over, playing cards, or simply spending time together, those moments are what matter most.
Brian Wilcox – Stone Production Supervisor, Counter Solutions
As Stone Production Supervisor overseeing CNC operations and programming, Brian’s role is “joyfully dynamic.” His focus on precision helps deliver the high-quality edges and finishes that drive customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Evan Breuker Announced as New Outside Sales Rep for Northern Michigan
After gaining experience in various departments of Lumbermen’s, Evan Breuker has a new challenge in front of him as we welcome his customer-focused approach to the Door Division.
Ross Kornoelje – Production Supervision, LP Division
With nearly three decades of hands-on experience and a passion for both people and performance, Ross Kornoelje’s journey at Lumbermen’s reflects the dedication and culture that continue to drive the company forward.
Jack Symmes – Custom Door Builder, Door Division
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.
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.
