84 Lumber Highlights Career Paths That Build More Than Buildings

October marked “Careers in Construction Month”—a national celebration of rewarding and well-compensated career paths in the building trades. As technology continues to transform how we live and work, 84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately held supplier of building materials, is spotlighting the often-overlooked career opportunities within the skilled trades.

“84 Lumber might not be what someone would think about as a typical path into the construction industry,” says Ken Kucera, VP of Installed Sales and Manufacturing at 84 Lumber. “But our expanding presence across the U.S. offers unique career pathways—from yard worker to manager trainee—for anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard.”

Not Just a Supplier—A Partner in the Field

“What surprises people most is how much happens before a single board hits the ground,” says Zac Martini, Area Manager at 84 Lumber. “We’re not just a lumber yard. We’re strategic partners helping customers engineer smarter solutions, avoid delays and deliver projects on time and on budget.”

One standout example is a 21-unit luxury apartment building at 453 Franklin St. in Melrose, Massachusetts. Working with Johnson Construction, 84 Lumber delivered trusses, subfloor, LVLs and fire-rated walls on a tightly choreographed schedule—an effort that’s now evolved into multiple projects.

“These aren’t just material orders; they’re partnerships,” Martini says. “We’re involved six months before groundbreaking—reviewing specs, shop drawings, and structural redesigns. That level of collaboration separates us.”

Shifting the Narrative on Skilled Trades

Despite strong demand for construction talent, public perception of the trades lags behind reality. “The biggest barrier isn’t skill—it’s perception,” says Kucera. “People think trades are a fallback. They’re not. They’re a launchpad. The pay is strong, the growth is real and the work is meaningful.”

84 Lumber’s Manager Trainee Program helps dispel those myths by offering structured advancement for individuals from all backgrounds—no prior construction experience required. Martini himself entered the company after college with no industry experience and now oversees multiple locations.

“When I was new, people in leadership invested in me, taught me, challenged me,” Martini says. “Now I do the same for others. My job is to make sure my associates get better every day—and know there’s no limit to where they can go.”

With 320 facilities in 34 states, 84 Lumber continues to invest in mentorship, training and internal growth—creating opportunities that build more than just structures.

To learn more about career opportunities, visit www.84Lumber.com.