FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Attracting, hiring, and retaining talented young pros is consistently one of the top challenges reported by LBM dealers and distributors. That’s exactly why we created the LBM 40 Under 40—to recognize and celebrate the growing class of strong young leaders in the LBM community.
Inductees to the Class of 2025 are neither “rising stars” or “future leaders.” Instead, they’ve paid their dues and have put in the work necessary to establish themselves as leaders in their companies, and their communities.
From growing up in the industry to joining later in their careers, this year’s class comes from a variety of backgrounds and positions at organizations across the U.S. Many of them are leaders in their respective companies, and we’ve asked them to share not only their goals for the future, but their advice for the next generation of LBM employees.
Inductees from this year’s list have all been invited to attend and be recognized at this year’s LBM Strategies Conference, to be held October 15-17, 2025 in Nashville, TN. For more information on the conference, visit lbmstrategies.com.
Congratulations to LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 Inductees:
Jon Fletcher, National Sales Manager, Advantage Lumber LLC
Where do you see yourself in five years:
In five years, I see myself actively driving the growth of Advantage Lumber, steering the company in the right direction to stay ahead of industry trends and meet evolving market demands. My goal is to ensure the long-term success and stability of the organization while fostering an environment that supports not only my family’s well-being but also the prosperity and satisfaction of my coworkers.
Advice for the next generation: My advice for anyone entering the LBM industry is to stay focused and committed. While this industry is far from easy, the relationships you build with coworkers and clients are invaluable and often last a lifetime. Though it can be highly competitive, it is also driven by passion and a shared dedication to excellence. Success in this field requires hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve with the market. If you bring these qualities to the table, you’ll find not only professional success but also deep personal fulfillment.
Fun fact: I am passionate about youth sports. I have the privilege of coaching multiple age groups in both travel and recreational baseball and softball. It is incredibly fulfilling to help children, including my own, discover that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to improvement, their goals are within reach.
Matt Rayol, Founder, Brazawood LLC
Where do you see yourself in five years:
Enjoying life with family, making sure that we’ve created something special for the world. And for sure, following my passion for creating and materializing.
Advice for the next generation: Focus on the cause that you’re defending, not on the profit that it could or could not generate. BE A PROBLEM SOLVER; eventually you will also solve the “money problem.”
Fun fact: I can’t pronounce the ‘TH’ in English. I used to participate in rhyme battles in Brazil, and I still rhyme today (in Portuguese). I’m trying my best to train my brain to rhyme in English too, but most of my rhymes in English are very silly.
John Simpson, General Manager, Builders FirstSource
Where do you see yourself in five years:
In five years, I see myself continuing to effectively lead sales and operations teams within our company, helping them to adapt and thrive in our dynamic industry and grow our business in Connecticut, and beyond.
Advice for the next generation: Our industry is a great one, and there are countless opportunities within it for people with a wide variety of skillsets and interests. My advice for younger folks, especially those looking to lead others, is to learn as much as you can by getting your hands dirty. Words of wisdom from more experienced peers undoubtedly have their value, but without getting out there and learning the ropes firsthand, it’s hard to develop a healthy respect for what it takes to get everyone’s job done. Ask questions, lend a hand (even when it’s not asked of you), and push yourself to work harder every day.
Fun fact: My family is my life. When I’m not working, I’m almost always spending time with my wife, three-year-old daughter, and our black lab Georgie. My daughter is obsessed with trucks and construction equipment, so she thinks it’s pretty cool to have a dad that knows his way around machinery!
Scott Nicholson, General Manager/COO, Dakota County Lumber Co.
Where do you see yourself in five years:
If I am lucky enough, to still be working at Dakota County Lumber for Sunny Bowman. We have some lofty goals that we want to accomplish so hopefully we have multiple locations and have doubled in revenue and people.
Advice for the next generation: This industry is special because there are so many examples of people working their way up from a forklift driver, a truck driver, working the city desk or whatever entry level type job to becoming the Operations Manager, Sales Manager, CEO, etc. There is so much opportunity to have an amazing career with awesome earning potential. You just need to be willing to work hard, have a great attitude and learn as much as you can.
Fun fact: I have three children under five years old. I grew up playing hockey and still play goalie in a beer league with a bunch of buddies from high school. I know a lot of useless information that has not helped my career at all.
Zac Page, Regional Sales Manager – Residential, Simpson Strong-Tie
Where do you see yourself in five years:
I see myself continuing in sales leadership and elevating my position within Simpson Strong-Tie along with continued growth and leadership within the industry. I aim to not only grow myself as a leader but mentor and help develop the next generation of leaders within our industry that will help carry us all into the future.
Advice for the next generation: My advice would be to find a mentor that is truly invested in your growth and cares about you. This industry is an amazing network and having a mentor that can help you connect the dots, walk through good and hard times and help build your knowledge will open you up to endless opportunities for growth, connection and meaning in your career with the LBM industry.
Fun fact: I’m married with two amazing kids and we love spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but before I lived out west I was born and raised in Ohio. I love all sports but have a strong passion for football which I was lucky enough to play in college at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Now I’m just a big fan of the Steelers and my Ohio State Buckeyes!
See more LBM 40 Under 40 Inductees to the Class of 2025 HERE
Source: LBM Journal Read original HERE
