Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Russ Kathrein, vice president of lumber and building materials at Do it Best Group, has been elected chair of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association’s (NLBMDA) Manufacturers & Services Council, a role that also gives him a seat on the NLBMDA board of directors.
The Manufacturers & Services Council represents companies that provide products and services to the lumber and building materials industry. The council connects manufacturers and service providers with LBM dealers and industry executives through meetings, committees, task forces and other networking and industry activities.
“Independent dealers succeed when they have strong partners who understand their businesses and are invested in their future,” Kathrein says. “The council brings manufacturers, service providers and dealers together to address shared challenges and identify opportunities to grow. I’m honored to serve as chair and look forward to building on those relationships to help independent businesses compete and thrive.”
NLBMDA represents more than 6,000 member locations, including lumberyards and component plants serving homebuilders, contractors, remodelers and consumers. The association advocates on federal legislative, code and regulatory issues affecting the LBM industry, with its current policy agenda addressing areas including housing and construction, workforce policy, product supply and trade, transportation, energy, taxes and environmental and safety regulations.
As council chair, Kathrein will help guide its priorities and strengthen connections between manufacturers, service providers and dealers. His seat on the NLBMDA board will also bring the council’s perspective into the association’s broader activities.
“Russ understands the independent dealer channel and the importance of strong partnerships across our industry,” says Jonathan M. Paine, president and CEO of NLBMDA. “His experience, commitment and collaborative approach will serve the council well as we work to support our members and strengthen the industry.”
At the Do it Best Group Fall Market September 25-28 in Indianapolis, Kathrein hosted the Do it Best and True Value LBM Industry Update, where company leaders addressed lumber pricing, tariffs and purchasing strategies and outlined new and expanded programs for LBM dealers, including initiatives involving Trex and Central States.
Kathrein also joined Forest Economic Advisors’ Paul Jannke during the market for a presentation on PricePulse, a transaction-based lumber market pricing service being promoted by Do it Best Group as a resource for its LBM dealers.
