What was your line of service? And how did those skills transfer to your career now?
I’ve served 12 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and am currently still serving as an Artillery High Mobility Rocket and Missile Crew Member. While the technical skills haven’t directly translated to my civilian role, the leadership and soft skills I’ve developed in the military have made a significant impact. I’ve held multiple leadership and management positions, and I credit much of my success to the discipline, flexibility, and strong work ethic instilled in me through military service.
What is a lesson or piece of advice that you received during your time in service that still applies to you today?
Always develop your soldiers. On the battlefield, it’s critical that your team knows how to step into your role if needed. I take mentoring seriously, because the ability to teach and grow those around you is a direct reflection of your leadership. When you take care of others, they’ll take care of you in return.
What’s the first thing you tell your team each day?
I’ve found that it’s not always about what you say to your team; it’s about how well you listen. Right now, I don’t have any direct reports at US LBM, but that mindset still guides how I interact with others.
What was your first job in your career/field?
I started as a production manager at a custom door shop and mill.
What’s the first thing you’d tell someone about your job/what you do?
As Continuous Improvement Manager for the South Central region, I guide teams through the tools and methodologies of process improvement. My goal is to empower each person I work with to eventually lead projects on their own, building an “army” of Continuous Improvement-minded associates across our operations.
What has kept you in this industry/at your company/in your position?
I love being part of one of the biggest decisions people make in their lives: creating their dream home. It’s rewarding to know we contribute to something so meaningful.
What’s the first thing that makes you smile at work each day?
Opening the SC production logs from our various Millwork locations and seeing the progress we’re making!