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The home improvement industry is mourning the loss of Rich Lender, who died in a car accident on Oct. 25. He was a newly elected member of the Do it Best Board of Directors, and president and CEO of Your Building Centers in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Lender began his journey in the industry with a job at a hotel construction and management company where he worked closely with contractors. He joined Your Building Centers as the company’s chief financial officer and vice president of finance in 2006.
“I was always fascinated to see all the pieces fold together, between architect plans, how you got started, where you ended up, change orders, draws, dealing with banks,” he shared recently. “That was my first venture into this business, and it was so intriguing to me.”
Lender was elected to the Do it Best Board of Directors at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in September.
“Our board is shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of our fellow member-owner, friend and newest board member,” said board chair Joe Taylor. “Rich was a wonderful man in every respect and he will be dearly missed. On behalf of our entire membership, we offer prayers for his wife Peggy and the Lender family.”
“Our industry lost a great leader,” says Dan Starr, Do it Best president and CEO. “Rich will be remembered for his leadership and even more for his genuine kindness to everyone. To the Lender family and the YBC team, we extend our sympathies and prayers on Rich’s passing.”
Lender was born November 24, 1960, the son of the late Ed and Louise Lender. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Peggy; a daughter, Lauren (Brandon); a son, Garrett (Samantha); brothers, Bob (Donna) and Ed; and his grandpup, Jet.
Rich was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He was kind, funny, hard-working, dedicated and generous, and his positivity could light up a room. In his free time, Rich loved to travel and read, but most of all, he cherished the time spent with his family. He even coached his son’s little league team in Bellwood. He will always be remembered for his generosity, humor, positivity and warmth.
