In 2023, LBM Journal introduced its 40 Under 40 awards. Now we’d like to introduce you to the members of the class. Our interviews spotlight the 40 Under 40 members’ LBM experience, thoughts on attracting young people to the industry, and visions for the future.
Aaron Park, Outside Sales Representative, Main Street Lumber and Millwork
Since joining Main Street Lumber and Millwork in 2015, Aaron Park has steadily made a name for himself in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In addition to being naming named one of LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40, in 2019, Park was named as “One to Watch” by the National Association of Home Builders, and is also a member of the Dallas Builders Association. Park is also involved with the Collin County Community College, serving as chairman of the board on their Trim Carpentry Advisory Committee to help advance the college’s Construction Management program.
How did you become involved in the LBM industry?
I got into the LBM industry in the summer of 2016. I was in the oil and gas industry living out of a 5th wheel camper and traveling around the country from job to job. I met a girl and she gave me an ultimatum, “Come back home for good, or I’m coming with you.” I knew I wanted to settle down and start a family, so I chose the former. I had to call an audible and make a career change. A good family friend owned a lumberyard, so I threw out a Hail Mary and asked if they had anything available in sales. The rest is history. Main Street Lumber has been nothing but a constant blessing to me and my family ever since.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working in lumber and building materials sales means that each day brings a new set of challenges and tasks. Whether it’s assisting customers with their specific needs, working on estimating, or coordinating deliveries, the variety keeps my job interesting and prevents monotony. The nature of the job brings elements of excitement. This could be related to handling different types of materials, working on unique projects, or being part of the ever-evolving construction and building industry.
Building relationships with clients, understanding their requirements, and helping them find the right solutions not only contributes to your professional growth, but also adds a social element to the job. This constant interaction with new people brings fresh perspectives and experiences.
As a salesman in the lumber and building materials industry, you play a crucial role in the construction process. Knowing that your efforts contribute to the realization of various building projects can be gratifying. It provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in being part of the construction ecosystem. Overall, my favorite part of the job is the variety of seeing what each day brings. It offers a blend of excitement, variety, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment. These factors make my job not only enjoyable, but also fulfilling on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to companies looking to attract young professionals like yourself?
The lumber industry is archaic, not necessarily in a bad way, but should be open to change. Identify the needs of the younger generation and figure out how they can fill potential gaps by changing the norm. The industry is changing rapidly with growth and technology that is available in today’s world. Let the younger generation lead on identifying ways to keep up with current market trends.
What is your personal mission statement?
To remember where I have been and where I will go through maintaining positive relationships with my team, my builders and my homeowners. To choose the ethical way by making a personal commitment to honesty and integrity. To find confidence within myself by continually learning and looking inward as to not ever think I know all the answers to questions or obligations. To content myself in my surroundings and existing business so I can always serve my customers to the best of my ability while always keeping myself from getting too comfortable. To build a reputation of being dedicated to every goal I choose to pursue while having successes in both my personal and professional life. To enjoy every moment along this journey finding laughter, love, and happiness with each job, task, and day that passes.
