KIMAL FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Our employees are our greatest asset!
Get to know members of the Kimal Family, where monthly interviews are posted.

LISA KATZBECK
BRANCH MANAGER
KIMAL EMPLOYEE FOR 25 YEARS

OCTOBER
How does it feel to be at Kimal Lumber for 25 years? Wow, 25 years!
In this day and age it is hard pressed to find employees that stick with an employer this long. I guess you can say I am not one for change.
Where did you grow up? Go to school? I grew up and went to school in Connecticut.
This is just for fun, but this is called “The First Four”:
- What is the first music album you purchased or received? Rick James
- What is the first concert you attended? Rick James
- What is the first car you owned? Subaru
- What is the first job you had? Picking Strawberries at 15 yrs of age.
- Working at a Bank while going to high school. I was able to leave school early 3 days a week and work my Junior & Senior year.
What jobs at Kimal did you hold before becoming a Branch Manager?
- Truss Production Coordinator
- Interior Door Shop Manager
What’s your favorite part of your Branch Manager role? Variety/Diversification
What’s the most “memorable” experience you’ve had while at work here? (Amazing story?)
I once listed material to be delivered on a “post it” note and gave it to an employee and told him to take it to the Englewood Yard. Next thing I know, the Englewood manager called me and asked me what was he to do with a piece of paper and that the employee had nothing in his truck.
The employee told me he thought I had wanted him to drive a post it from Nokomis to Englewood so he did!!!!!!! That was something I will NEVER forget.
Would you like to comment on why you’ve stayed with Kimal for 25 years, and counting?
Al & Kim, the original owners of Kimal, were wonderful to work for and always looked at the employees as people and treated us fairly. They were very giving and knew/understood the business.
What about family members….and how do you spend your leisure time?
I am my mother’s primary caregiver. I love going to the casino when I have time!