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to operate at an even higher level .”
Through the transformational roadmap Paul is creating , which focuses on both customers and associates , 84 Lumber ’ s systems and technology are being designed to work as hard as every member of the team and help take the organization to the next stage .
From speaking with Frank and Ken , it is clear that Maggie ’ s management style ( Frank described her as a ‘ fearless leader and entrepreneur ’) and her approach to business have been game changers for 84 Lumber . Decisions made from a female perspective can bring a different angle to solving challenges . “ I believe that ‘ group think ’ can be counterproductive at some point , so if an owner who happens to be a woman can put a little different tilt on that and crack open some new ideas and creativity then all the better ,” added Ken .
Committed to communities
With the business also being nationally certified through the Women ’ s Business Enterprise National Council , Ken acknowledged that being female-owned and
... 84 Lumber has been built to survive the highs and lows of market changes
operated does give the business a uniqueness in the industry and gives it a platform from which it can work with customers on certain projects . “ We also found that we were able to provide mentorships for women-owned firms that are smaller in nature . This is definitely a relationship we are focused on building , so we are going to be adding associates to that program ,” he elucidated . “ We want to get the word out and make sure we are connected with groups that are focused on women and minority ownership and bringing more people to the table to help face all the shortages and constraints we have on the industry .”
Mentioning the way that 84 Lumber works with some community groups and smaller businesses brought Frank to the topic of philanthropy . The business believes that being a good corporate citizen goes beyond donating money and materials . For 84 Lumber , it means having a commitment to helping individuals and organizations most in need , as well as a vision for making a positive impact . Through its Building Hope program , it has worked with numerous charitable organizations , ranging from volunteer fire departments , to chapters of the Red Cross and United Way , to the national efforts of Habitat for Humanity . In 2020 alone , the business donated millions to a variety of charitable causes .
Members of the United States military have always been recipients of 84 Lumber ’ s strong commitment to helping others . To continue the tradition , the building materials supplier hosted its sixth annual Operation Appreciation campaign in May 2021 in honor of Military Appreciation Month . “ Operation Appreciation is one of our favorite times of year ,” said 84 Lumber Vice President of Marketing Amy Smiley . “ It means a lot to us to be able to set aside time to honor heroes from all of our communities across the country and to give back to those who have given so much .” Throughout the years of hosting Operation Appreciation , 84 Lumber has donated to various military-related charities , highlighted company associates around the country who have served , launched major partnerships with organizations including the Fisher House Foundation , and one year , the company even gave away a tiny house to a military veteran in need .
May 2021 also witnessed an event that highlights not only 84 Lumber ’ s dedication to developing the technical skills of the next generation , but also its generous approach to philanthropy and Maggie ’ s hands-on involvement . In celebration of the next generation of trade workers , 84 Lumber
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