Featured Employee Owners

Lumbermen’s Inc Grows Building Materials Division Leadership Team

August 22nd, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

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. Effective September 30, 2024, Shawn Montague will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Building Materials. In this role, Shawn will focus on strategic growth initiatives and oversee the division on a broader scale.

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. Effective September 30, 2024, Shawn Montague will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Building Materials. In this role, Shawn will focus on strategic growth initiatives and oversee the division on a broader scale.

Steve Petersen, CEO and President, had this to say about the creation of this new role: “If you know Shawn, you’re aware of his exceptional talent in customer experience and his strong leadership and strategic abilities. We’re eager to see how his new role will further enhance our success and benefit our customers!”

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Steve Petersen, CEO and President, had this to say about the creation of this new role: “If you know Shawn, you’re aware of his exceptional talent in customer experience and his strong leadership and strategic abilities. We’re eager to see how his new role will further enhance our success and benefit our customers!”

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Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Jeff Malloch will be joining the company as the new Vice President of Building Materials. Jeff comes to Lumbermen’s from a leadership position with West Ottawa School District based in Holland, MI, where he was responsible for overseeing an organization of over 800 employees. Jeff will initially spend his time working closely with Shawn to understand the nuances surrounding our customers, vendors, and employee owners. His primary focus will be to support the Regional Sales Managers and ensure that the Lumbermen’s culture and level of service not only remain strong but continue to grow.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Jeff Malloch will be joining the company as the new Vice President of Building Materials. Jeff comes to Lumbermen’s from a leadership position with West Ottawa School District based in Holland, MI, where he was responsible for overseeing an organization of over 800 employees. Jeff will initially spend his time working closely with Shawn to understand the nuances surrounding our customers, vendors, and employee owners. His primary focus will be to support the Regional Sales Managers and ensure that the Lumbermen’s culture and level of service not only remain strong but continue to grow.

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“We invite our partners throughout the industry to join me in congratulating Shawn on his promotion and welcoming Jeff and his family to Lumbermen’s,” added Petersen. “We are fortunate to have outstanding leaders across our business segments who are dedicated to our valued customers.”

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“We invite our partners throughout the industry to join me in congratulating Shawn on his promotion and welcoming Jeff and his family to Lumbermen’s,” added Petersen. “We are fortunate to have outstanding leaders across our business segments who are dedicated to our valued customers.”

Additional Employee Owner Posts

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.

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.


Terry Lynn – Facilities Manager

July 2nd, 2024 by Caleb Krugman
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Terry Lynn joined Lumbermen’s in September of 2007, as a member of the Grand Rapids Building Materials division.

As Lumbermen’s continues to grow our service across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Northern Kentucky, and Minnesota, we add staff, and space! Terry has overseen the opening of new service locations, and ensures that the Lumbermen’s buildings and grounds remain maintained and any maintenance repairs are done in a timely and cost effective manner.

“I really enjoy getting out to the outlying divisions and being able to meet their specific needs for the facilities, and also having the opportunity to meet new Employee Owners,” said Terry.

“I believe the facilities team all have one goal, and that is to make sure our facilities are in great shape, so when our customers visit, their overall experience here at Lumbermen’s is a positive one.”

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.

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.


Steve Hanker – Customer Service – Grand Rapids Building Materials

May 7th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman
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Steve Hanker has been with Lumbermen’s since 1996, when he joined the company as a Customer Service Representative.

Steve spoke about his duties at Lumbermen’s: “Customer service reps play a key role with order accuracy and support with the sale. We can save the customer time, with quick answers and product knowledge. It’s enjoyable to come in the office and work with a great sales team. I know that the team will not hesitate to assist me. We do this all for the customer experience here at Lumbermen’s, and that is a great feeling at the end of the day.”

In 2023, Lumbermen’s began a volunteer initiative called Building Community with Heart, in which the company provides a paid day for employee owners to donate their time to a community initiative that they wish to support. Steve has taken a leadership role within the program and had this to say, “Lumbermen’s has always prioritized helping individuals and giving back to people in need. The Building Community with Heart program is expanding this commitment even further. Corporate community involvement has been around for a while, but Lumbermen’s has created a high impact employee volunteer program. This initiative is important, as it will bring positive results. Building Community with Heart has become part of our company mission, and says something about the company for future employees. It also brings current employees together, and strengthens relationships. It’s easy to get involved, and it is paid volunteer time.”

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.

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.


Donna Ritsema & John Rutkowski

May 7th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

74 YEARS of commitment to our customers!!!

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. Both of these individuals have been exemplary representatives our Mission, Vision, and Promise throughout their time with Lumbermen’s. To learn more about our MVP commitment, click here.

We wish Donna & John all the best on this next chapter!

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.