Thanks to WFC Director David Hamill, Fellows enjoyed a lively discussion with Parr Lumber’s procurement team at their Hillsboro distribution center. Parr is primarily a west coast lumber retailer, but the company also functions as a distributor, broker, wholesaler, manufacturer, and builder with 750 employees.
Parr managers did an excellent job explaining the complex wood supply chain to Fellows. When asked how they are able to stay competitive with such diverse offerings, Director of Procurement Matt Jeffries explained that they are constantly challenged to prove the value they bring to clients, otherwise they are the first to be eliminated in the supply chain. Providing excellent service and “solutions, not just products” has led to success.
A recent innovation from the company is their “Get Real” programs, a response to the green movement. Parr sees a need for smaller, energy efficient, quality homes in the market and the Get Real program provides customers with sustainable solutions without getting caught up in labeling and certification.
Fellows were impressed with the Parr managers’ passion for their work. Employees tend to stay with the company for a long time, and many managers worked their way up from entry level positions. Matt Jeffries, for example, started as a truck driver. His advice for success: “be innovative, and never assume that what you did yesterday will get you through tomorrow.”
For more photos, click on the Parr Truck!
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