Do it Best Corp. hired Russ Kathrein as an LBM business development manager. In the role, Kathrein will work to grow sales and market share for the home improvement co-op’s LBM division and develop new and existing LBM relationships with member-owners.
“Russ brings an incredible amount of experience and insights—along with well-earned credibility—to this important position,” Gary Nackers, vice president of lumber and building materials for Do it Best, said in a news release. “He practically grew up in the lumber business and has been in the shoes of our members as a dealer himself for many years. His strong reputation as an industry thought leader and innovator will serve our team and members very well as part of our LBM total solution.”
Kathrein has over three decades of experience in the forest products industry, including experience leading truss plants, door shops, and pro dealer operations. Most recently, Kathrein served as CEO of Alexander Lumber, an LBM dealer with more than a dozen locations in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Kathrein stepped down from his role with Alexander Lumber in July. Do it Best said Kathrein brings “extensive experience” in management, sales, and business development with several distributors and co-ops. The newly appointed LBM business development manager has also served on the board of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association (NLBMDA).
“Do it Best is a company I’ve long respected and admired, so it’s an honor and a thrill to join the outstanding LBM team here,” Kathrein said. “This is a unique and important time for the industry—and I’m incredibly excited to help new and existing Do it Best LBM dealers grow and succeed.”
Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. is a member-owned, fully-integrated hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative. With annual sales nearing $4 billion, the co-op serves thousands of member-owned locations across the United States and in more than 50 other countries.
