Tell us about your role.
I’m the Lean Manufacturing Leader for US LBM. My role is focused around supporting our manufacturing facilities in unlocking new levels of performance.
The major aspects of my role consist of helping foster a sustainable continuous improvement culture; sharing best practices; bringing people together to solve common challenges; designing and creating tools that aid manufacturing facilities in forecasting and decision making; and analyze data, processes and facility flow.
How did you get into the industry?
I started at Wisconsin Building Supply (one of our divisions) as a yard hand around 2013. Prior to that time I had the opportunity to be exposed to many different industries and was looking for something different. I started at WBS to try it out and little did I know that the industry would really draw me in!
What do you like most about your work?
There’s not enough space to list everything, but if I had to narrow it down to just three things, I’d say 1) Getting to help the manufacturing facilities of US LBM; their success is my goal. 2) Every day I learn something new and gain a better understanding of our industry overall. 3) I enjoy being able to be creative and find ways to improve systems and build cultures to make processes safer, easier and faster than ever before. I get excited every time we make an improvement – it’s very fulfilling!
How have you grown as a professional since you joined the company?
Rewinding back to when I started at WBS, from helping me get my CDL to sending me to Yellow Belt and Green Belt in lean Six Sigma training, it was very empowering to have a company believe in me enough to invest in my growth. Then after I joined the US LBM team I was given the opportunity to get my Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. I’ve also been able to attend US LBM University (one of our internal training opportunities), and Pulse (our leadership development program). All the training I have been given has directly translated into helping me better serve the divisions and grow professionally every year.
In addition to all the great training I’ve received, the one-on-one mentorship is second to none. I’ve had amazing support my entire time here.
How would you describe the culture at US LBM?
Supportive, open, daring, empowering, fast-paced.
What would you say makes US LBM unique?
US LBM cares about its people and is willing to spend the time, effort, and resources to do what it can to take care of them. Where a company is willing to invest says a lot about its values and the quality of its leadership, and US LBM continues to provide industry leading education, mentorship, and coaching to its people.
People are the creative engines to an organization, and in a world where the most creative companies are the most successful, I feel we stand in a league of our own.