EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (Sept. 18, 2018) – 84 Lumber store manager Mike Kamouyerou has been named a member of Woodworking Network’s “40 Under 40” class for 2018. The organization, which serves as an information hub for woodworkers, hosts an annual “40 Under 40” campaign that honors the top 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are having an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America. This year’s nominees were honored at the Woodworking Network Leadership Reception in Atlanta Aug. 21.
Kamouyerou, 30, is the manager of the 84 Lumber store in Winder, Ga. He was selected among 130 nominations from across the country for the “40 Under 40” recognition. According to Woodworking Network, this year’s winners “are considered innovators, achievers — and even disruptors — who demonstrate excellence in productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or another facet of the wood industry.”
Those are qualities that aren’t lost on Kamouyerou. He was named 84 Lumber’s 2017 Rookie of the Year after having a successful first year at the company that included two promotions within eight months. After starting as a manager trainee in Bridgeville, Pa., in February 2017, he was promoted to co-manager in Greenville, S.C., last October and was recently promoted again to manage the Winder store.
Prior to leaving Greenville, Kamouyerou implemented improvements that enhanced the store’s showroom, improved efficiencies and increased sales. He has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a desire to keep growing within the business.
“Mike comes to work every day focused, determined and with a positive attitude,” said Billy Bill, Southeast divisional vice president at 84 Lumber. “We’re thrilled to have him on the team.”
That feeling is mutual for Kamouyerou, who credits his peers for helping him find success at 84 Lumber.
“If it wasn’t for my previous managers, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “That’s one of the many things I respect about 84: how we all work together to help each other thrive. You don’t find that everywhere.”