With 16+ years of experience in credit, Lisa Geth is well known as an avid negotiator and decision-maker, successfully managing accounts and maintaining high collection ratios. Her expertise has awarded her recognitions such as Credit Manager of the Month, guest writer, and key speaker for Levelset. In addition, she has been responsible for overseeing branch banking sales for over 10 years. With a strong background in credit and banking, along with an exemplary work ethic and visionary leadership, Lisa now serves as director of operations at Frensco Building Products where she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, strategizing and developing long-term plans to maximize the company’s productivity and performance.
2023
Christi Powell has worked in the commercial and residential construction for over 30 years and presently leads the Women’s Business Enterprise for 84 Lumber. She finds fulfillment in making an impact with inclusivity in the construction, manufacturing, and industrial industries. Christi holds several national awards, such as Women of Influence, WBE Advocate, Groundbreakers, Business Excellence, Changemaker, and served as 2023 ABC National IDE Judge. She serves on several boards to increase awareness of the value of women in the industry while bringing her business acumen and strong leadership skills to support change. Her favorite mantra is, “We can change the world one gentle conversation at a time.”
As TAL’s CEO, Blair is responsible for ensuring the company achieves its strategic initiatives and goals. Jason Blair comes to TAL with over 30 years of industry experience, most recently from Wilco, a chain of farm stores in the Pacific Northwest, where he was the vice president of merchandising and marketing. Prior to Wilco, Blair was the divisional vice president of sales and strategic alliance accounts at True Value where he led a team that managed 35 of the company’s largest dealers, as well as over 1300 additional accounts. Blair received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Arizona and a Masters of Executive Business from Colorado Technical University.
A Virginia native, Kari Gaviria is a skilled and visionary executive who has worked in the lumber and building materials industry for over 10 years. In 2022, Gaviria assumed the role of president of Madison Wood Preservers and has helped to expand the company’s market share through investing heavily in new technology and equipment to improve efficiency and product quality. Committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in the lumber industry, Gaviria is an active member of the American Wood Protection Association, serving as a T-2 and T-7 committee member. As well, she was named winner of the 2020 ProSales Four Under 40 award, 2021 LC’s Rising Star, and was inducted into LBM Journal’s 2023 LBM 40 Under 40.
Jennifer Castenson serves as the vice president of ambassador and industry partner programs for Buildxact, providing leadership and collaboration through technology to drive a higher level of efficiency for builders and dealers. She develops and curates content to be a catalyst for innovation with stakeholders involved in residential construction. She also is a contributing writer to Forbes.
Over the last 11 years at The Detering Company where she serves as the marketing director and an owner, Cassie has built relationships with customers and competitors alike. She has been a board member of the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Remodeler’s Council for the last five years, presiding over the annual charity project and special events committees. Throughout her tenure at Detering, she has focused on building the company’s brand and marketing it as the #1 millwork supplier in the Greater Houston area. Cassie holds a degree in International and Global Studies from Sewanee as well as a M.Ed. from George Washington University. She and her husband, John, have four children.
After joining Curtis Lumber’s Ballston Spa location in 1996, Doug’s ability to build relationships and provide exceptional customer service earned him a promotion to vice president of sales and purchasing. He serves as president elect of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) Foundation Board, was a member of its Education Committee, and was instrumental in developing its Material Handling Program. Along with a Curtis Lumber colleague, Doug formed the Workforce Development Coalition for the Trades, a team of professionals who promote awareness about career opportunities in the trades. Doug and his wife, Lisa, have a son and a daughter, another son they “unofficially” adopted, plus three grandchildren.
Driven by collaboration, creativity, investing in people, and embracing change, Ray is an extrovert who is committed to being present and engaged. As co-owner of Walker Lumber, a 2023 LBM Journal Dealer of the Year, Ray is quick to point out that he’s still figuring things out, and credits the company’s success to his strong faith and an incredible team dedicated to serving others with excellence. With a B.B.A., Marketing from SMU, Ray owned several companies before acquiring Walker Lumber in 2016. Married to the same lady for 27 years, Ray and his wife have four children.
A self-described “recovering attorney,” Scott focuses on precision, calculated decision-making, and attention to detail as co-owner of Walker Lumber & Supply, an LBM Journal 2023 Dealer of the Year. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, with a J.D. degree from St. Mary’s University and Master of Laws (taxation) from SMU Dedman School of Law, Scott served as VP and Associate General Counsel for Goldman, Sachs & Co. in Dallas for 16 years before becoming co-owner of Walker Lumber & Supply in 2016. Happily married with three children, Scott’s strong faith guides him and his responsibilities as a steward of Walker Lumber.
Bringing a career of broad experience, Dave Davis became president and CEO of the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company in 2017. He previously served as corporate vice president, supply chain at the Bostwick-Braun Company; vice president, merchandising & marketing for the Aubuchon Company; and vice president, sales & marketing at the True Value Company. Throughout his career, Dave has strategically helped organizations and their people be all they can be. Dave has a B.B.A., Management from Valdosta State University, and a Certificate in Disruptive Strategy from the Harvard Business School Online. Dave and his wife have seven children and eight grandchildren.