Thai Xiong is part of a new group of Employee Owners in Minnesota, joining the company in April of 2024.
As Lumbermen’s expanded Building Materials operations into Minnesota, we needed top-notch drivers to deliver materials to our new customers, and were fortunate to have Thai become one of our first hires for the new location! “I enjoy driving and it brings me joy to work with a great team,” said Thai. “My job is to ensure the truck is in safe operation, I conduct inspections before my route and at the end of each day.”
In addition to delivering products to our customers, Thai enjoys playing golf, exercise, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also very proud of his heritage. “I am Hmong American, I came to the USA as a refugee from Thailand. Because of the opportunities available to me, I became the first in my family to graduate with a four year degree. My father’s decision to come to America was one of the best decisions he made for me and my family. I am blessed and am proud to be an American citizen.”
“It is a blessing to start my driving career with Lumbermen’s and help launch the Minnesota division. I’m excited to be a part of something new.”
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.
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.