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.”
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.
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.