Leadership Evolution at Hancock Lumber

Hello!
I am writing to share some exciting news. Beginning in January 2020, Paul Wainman (our current CFO) is going to become President of Hancock Lumber. I am going to continue working as CEO and BOD Chair. I am not retiring or planning on retiring. So, this move is just additive in nature – we are simply strengthening and deepening our leadership team. I have never wanted this company to be about ‘me’. I want it to be about all of us – employees, customers, suppliers, and communities.

Paul joined Hancock Lumber in February of 2016 and has done an exceptional job. Since then, Paul has worked directly with every business unit in our company developing budgets, business plans, strategy, and capital reinvestments. Along the way, Paul has played a leading role in strengthening our cultural priorities around employee engagement, safety, and customer care. He is exceptionally well versed on the company as a whole. Paul brings passion, curiosity, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, collaboration, respect, and a competitive spirit to his work. His qualities and the company’s values are very well aligned. I am excited for you to meet him if you have not already done so.

Hancock Lumber is designed to be a place where everybody leads. Every voice in our company is important, and every person on our team has a critical role. Even within our senior executive team, our leadership approach is shared. That team is comprised of Kevin Hynes (sawmill division COO), Mark Hopkins (retail division COO), Wendy Scribner (Human Resources Director), Paul Wainman (CFO), Erin Plummer (Marketing & Communications Director), Jim Buchanan (BOD Vice Chair), and myself. As an executive team we have, for years, made the important decisions collaboratively and collectively. In our work we don’t get hung up on titles. We each know our roles and we just help each other and try to make the best possible decisions for the future of the company. So, while on one level, Paul becoming President is a big moment, on another level it’s a subtle change by design.

Finally, a word about me. I have had the privilege of working for this company since 1991 and I have been President since 1998. Shortly thereafter, I assumed the roles of CEO and Board Chair. I love this company and plan to keep working and supporting our efforts for a long time to come. My connection to the company is a lifetime affair. As such, my role has and should evolve over time. My first adult job at Hancock Lumber was working on the front counter at the Yarmouth store. From there I spent a number of years running the Windham store. There was a time for each of those roles, but also a time to move past them. That’s all that’s happening here. I’m just evolving my role and I remain super excited about our future.

Our company has been doing business since 1848. I have always recognized that Hancock Lumber did just fine before I arrived-and, someday it will do just fine without me in the future. I like making senior leadership decisions that evolve in slow and measured ways, so they’re barely noticeable. I plan to be here for many years to come. I love what we do and the customers we do it with. So, thank you for always being so supportive and committed to our relationship. Our company is blessed to have so many great customers. Those relationships typically last for decades, careers, and even across generations. It’s a blessing to be a part of them and connected to you all.

You can reach me any time at my email address listed below. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you! I appreciate you!

Kevin Hancock
Chairman & CEO
khancock@hancocklumber.com

Source: Hancock Lumber Company, Inc.