How does it feel to be at Kimal Lumber for almost 15 years? Wow, 15 years….

I feel a sense of pride to be able to work here that long…. When I think back over it, in one sense it seems like a long time, but in another sense, I can’t believe it’s gone by so quickly.  In all the years I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone at Kimal, at all our branches.  

Where did you grow up? Go to school? 

I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.  At age 15 I started home school, and at 16 I started college, still in Corpus Christi.  When I was 18, our family moved to Atlanta. I finished school at Kennesaw State University (Georgia). 

This is just for fun, it is called “Kimal Favorites Five”:

1. What is your favorite movie? The Matrix
2. What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii. I haven’t been in 20 years and want to go back someday (Bucket List)
3. What is your favorite food? Indian food
4. What is your favorite music artist? Any professional classical Spanish guitar player
5. What is your favorite local restaurant?  “Fresh Kitchen” at UTC 

What jobs at Kimal did you hold before becoming an Outside Salesperson?

My first job at Kimal was as a driver. Then I moved on to Front Counter Sales, the Interior Door Shop office, and finally Sales Support Rep… before I was promoted to Outside Sales.

What’s your favorite part of your Outside Salesperson role? 

My favorite part of my job is helping builders and homeowners see their projects through to fruition. Along with this, developing pleasurable working relationships.

 What’s the most “memorable” experience you’ve had while at work here? (Amazing or humorous story?)

Here’s a funny story: It is kind of corny I guess but endearing to me. My colleague Vic Skidmore (who worked in the Door Shop office way back when) used to call me “Pretty Boy Jason.” Then it became “Pretty Boy,” then it became “PBJ.”  Ann Walke (another colleague in Nokomis) picked up on the “PBJ” and started calling me that, but in her mind that was because I brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to work for lunch, every single day, week after week LOL.  When she learned what Vic’s PBJ stood for, it was funny to me. Other than that, I laughed hearing Roger’s (Front Counter) crazy stories and laughing endlessly at Vic’s humor. Working in the Door Shop office was the most fun time I ever had here. I also laughed when Vic wondered where I was for long lunches on days there were waves at the jetties nearby.

Would you like to comment on why you’ve stayed with Kimal for almost 15 years, and counting?

I love that we’re an independent lumberyard and have developed a strong reputation for good customer service in this area.  I enjoy seeing all the familiar faces, those who are still here as well, even after 15 years.  I enjoy it when customers come back to Kimal after trying out competitors and learning our good customer service is the reason they came back.   

What about family members….and how do you spend your leisure time? 

My wife and I have been married for 18 years, we have two sons (15 and 13 years old). I go surfing whenever we have waves. Occasionally I’ll go to the shooting range, and hiking/backpacking thrips whenever I am able to go.