Careers In Construction for Women
As a woman-owned business, 84 Lumber prides itself on providing opportunities for women in construction. We have many career paths available for women to get their start in the industry and build the career of their choosing. We’re diving into some of the many career opportunities at 84 Lumber. Think one of these sounds like the right fit for you? Check out our open positions at 84lumber.com/careers to find out more!
STORE LEVEL
MANAGER TRAINEE
If you’re looking to build your own path in the construction industry, 84 Lumber offers the perfect starting point. The Manager Trainee is entry-level position into the management career path. It all starts with a comprehensive training program. We offer an Early Development Program and Self Study Program, which candidates complete within 4 to 6 months. All successful candidates will then attend a detailed 3-day training program we call “Lumber Camp” at our Corporate Headquarters where you will get one-on-one training with our field-experienced instructors. 84 Lumber will provide you with the skills you need to get started, but the path you choose to take from there is all up to you. Whether your interest lies in outside sales, management at the corporate level, or managing your own store, we’ve got a career route for you!
Shannon Lamonte, Co-Manager at our Millersport, NY location, started her career with 84 as a Manager Trainee in August 2021. Within 7 months, her hard work landed her a promotion to Co-Manager. Her goal with the company is to climb the ladder to Store Manager, and she is well on her way!
“Becoming a mother at such a young age, 84 lumber has given me the opportunity to create a great career for myself which ultimately benefits my daughters’ future,” says Lamonte. “With a great work life balance, it has allowed me to be present at home with my daughters and attend all their extracurricular activities.”
She also offers her advice to other women looking to get their start in the industry: “Don’t be afraid to get dirty, don’t be afraid to get started, don’t hesitate to learn, all the training and support you will need is offered here no matter which path of 84 you desire.”
STORE MANAGER
Store managers are responsible for all operations of their designated store. With the support of 84’s management team but the autonomy to make your own decisions, you can conduct your store the way you feel is best to get the job done. Almost all of our current store managers have been promoted into the position from within.
Carrol Nance, manager at 84 Lumber Door Shop in Cartersville, GA, got her start at 84 after 25 years with another supplier. She was tasked with opening the Cartersville Door Shop and after successfully doing so, was promoted to Manager of the Door Shop.
Nance says her favorite part of working at 84 is the “family” environment of the company. She encourages other females to get their start in the industry by working hard and asking the right questions. “Don’t be afraid to ask for more responsibilities and speak your mind. And learn the material and how it is applied to the job site!”
IN THE FIELD
RECRUITERS
84 Lumber is always looking for top talent in the industry. If you would like to be a part of growing the team and finding the right people for the job, a Recruiter position may be for you! Recruiters will source and pre-screen applicants, analyze resumes, and find the right fit for each available position. They are also active on various online platforms, sourcing the best and most cost-effective ways to increase the number of quality applicants. If you are energetic, organized, and possess excellent phone and email skills, you could be a great fit as a Recruiter!
Keely Flynn, Campus & Community Recruiter, appreciates the company culture of 84 Lumber the most. “We all help each other reach our individual, team, and company goals, and everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand,” says Flynn. “No question is too small or unimportant, and each employee is treated with respect. We are all supportive of one another, and work together as teammates.”
Flynn says her best advice for women looking to step into the recruiting field is to be “communicative, straightforward, and confident. Always keep an open mind, and continuously look for ways to improve and challenge yourself.”
SALES COORDINATOR
The Sales Coordinator is an entry-level support role, assisting our sales representatives in their day-to-day customer service activities. Our coordinators are well-versed in the POS, Inventory, and Human Resources systems. They are responsible for creating estimates from quotations provided by the salesperson, as well as sourcing product needed to fulfill job requirements and invoicing customers. This is a great way to get started on the sales track at 84!
OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Do you have a knack for working with people? Sales may be the route for you! Our sales representatives are responsible for creating positive customer relationships by identifying potential customers and will read blueprints, create material estimates, sell lumber and building supplies, schedule deliveries, and source special orders. Sales at 84 Lumber is all about providing potential customers with a unique experience before, during, and after the sale is made.
Rachel Fowler, Outside Sales Rep for our California locations, began her career with 84 Lumber as a Manager Trainee after transitioning out of the restaurant industry at the start of the pandemic. She moved up the ladder to a Sales Coordinator position, and again to an Outside Sales position.
“I think that this is a great job for any female that is looking for a challenge and is willing to do some heavy lifting and get on the forklift when necessary,” says Fowler. “It can be a fun environment that is quite different from other more formal atmospheres. 84 is my home away from home, and I find that I really enjoy some part of each day.”
“Don't be afraid to ask questions and get used to being uncomfortable while you learn,” Fowler recommends to other women looking to get started. “There is nothing but opportunity for growth and knowledge. Look at this as a challenge and have some fun with your job.”
TEAM HEADQUARTERS
We’ve got positions in a variety of fields at our Team Headquarters located in Eighty-Four, PA. From Marketing to Cost Forecasting to HR and all thing in-between, there are many different paths to take at 84 Lumber.
Check out our open positions and find one that’s right for you at: 84lumber.com/careers