Russ Kathrein
Russ began his LBM career at a young age when he and his brother purchased and rebuilt their father’s lumber business. Russ has held leadership positions with 84 Lumber and former Builders First Source companies. Most recently, Russ was the CEO of a large independent LBM dealer where he oversaw a dozen locations across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While leading these companies, Russ gained experience in sales, management, purchasing, and operations. In addition, he gained a thorough understanding of the LBM dealer’s perspective.
Russ joined the Do it Best team in 2020 as a Business Development Manager, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the LBM industry. Assuming the role of Vice President of Lumber and Building Materials in 2021, Russ ensures the LBM team is positioned to support member growth by partnering with our dealers to provide the buying programs and services needed for our success.
Russ served on the board of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and currently writes a leadership column for LBM Journal.
Latest Articles
Leadership
Start digging the well before you’re thirsty
While all generals plan for their army’s success, good generals have a Plan B, or even a planned retreat.
Leadership
The three A’s of hiring
Everyone, in just about every industry, is having trouble finding and hiring good employees.
Leadership
Will your people tell you when you’re naked?
As a leader, you are often asked to make decisions that not everyone will agree with.
Leadership
Selling our industry
Finding the right people to help you grow your business—or just maintain it at its current level—has been an ongoing challenge.
Leadership
Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
I’ve been known as an analogy guy for most of my career. I was okay with that reputation because I strongly believe when you’re making a point using an analogy, it’s easier to see the answer.
Leadership
Management advice for new leaders
Ask anybody who ever moved as a child, being the new kid in school can be both terrifying and exhilarating.
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Leadership
Do you lead like a Tigger or an Eeyore?
Most people have both a little Tigger and a little Eeyore inside of them. The trick is in how you manage them and when you let them out.
Leadership
I believe in you
Sometimes successful leadership can be boiled down to giving people something that they have never had in their life—confidence.
Leadership
Speak in a manner that others will listen
Sometimes you need to stop, hear yourself speak, and then ask, “Would I want to listen to what I have to say?”
Leadership
Providing structure to your expectations
How do you hold an employee accountable in their job performance if you are basing your evaluation on subjective or vague criteria?
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