Maggie Hardy presenting the Jeep to Randy Potdevin and his wife Melanie
EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (Dec. 20, 2018) – Maggie Hardy, owner and president of 84 Lumber, awarded the ultimate Christmas gift to one of the company’s associates: a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Randy Potdevin was named the winner of a company-wide contest that encouraged employees to submit a video of themselves describing what 84 Lumber means to them. Potdevin, co-manager of the 84 Lumber store in Rockaway, N.J., was chosen from 60-plus submissions from across the country. Hardy presented the Jeep to Potdevin at the company’s Team Headquarters holiday party in Eighty Four, Pa., Monday, Dec. 17.
Potdevin’s 84 Lumber story is one of tragedy and triumph. Two years ago, he and his wife Melanie suffered a tremendous loss when their daughter passed away shortly after being born. The ensuing heartbreak prompted the couple to relocate from Buffalo, N.Y., to New Jersey to be closer to family. Potdevin, who was employed at the 84 Lumber in Depew, N.Y., thought he would have to leave a company that he enjoyed working for. But after speaking to management, he was given an opportunity to be the co-manager of the Rockaway store, only 30 minutes from his new home.
“I’m so grateful to 84 for what they did for us during that very difficult time, and now for giving us this incredible gift,” said Potdevin. “This company really values their associates and is there for them when needed. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
Potdevin’s story was especially moving to Hardy and drove her to award him the Jeep.
“No one should have to experience what Randy and Melanie did. It’s absolutely devastating,” she said. “I couldn’t be more honored to present this gift to them, particularly during the Christmas season. We’re a family at 84 Lumber and we take care of each other. I’ll never forget the look on Randy’s face when he won. That’ll stay with me forever.”
