Install Sales Specialist, Eatonton Lumber Yard
With the celebration of the Eatonton Lumber Yards 25th anniversary this month, we would also like to take this time to recognize a true STAR Employee at this location, Joe Rossee!
Joe joined the HLC family in February of 2004 and has held several positions during his tenure. His first role was as a cabinet designer. After his training in cabinet design, he quickly became an integral part of our installed sales vision for the Eatonton location and helped us get that program off and running.
Just when things began to fall into place and we were making strong headway in the market, along comes the Great Recession of 2008. Joe knew he wanted to stay working at Harbin Lumber, but he also could see the economic calamity that was going on all around us (and the world!). In order to do that, Joe put his cabinet design to the side and he quickly became a multi-role employee. During that economic collapse in 2008 and for several years after, Joe did whatever he could to help us survive. Anything he could do to help, Joe gladly did it, which included : driving forklifts, working in the yard and warehouse, helping pull loads and load trucks, and working the sales counter. Joe also jumped in and was the installer for the installed sales jobs that we had going at the time.
Eventually 2008 grew further and further away in our rear view mirror and Joe gravitated back into a full time Inside Sales role and gradually we were able to refocus on our installed sales efforts again, which is where Joe spends all of his time today, having come full circle through the entire operation. Joe is on pace to help lead us to over $1.3 million in revenue for installed sales this fiscal year for the Eatonton location! About installed sales, Joe has this to say : “I enjoy being out on the jobsites and seeing the final product! Seeing the installed jobs completed and meeting the customer’s satisfaction is what it’s all about”.
Joe’s talents do not go unrecognized by his co-workers either; Many have complimented and admire his hard work ethic and the footprint he’s left for the Company. Jody Page, General Manager of the Eatonton lumber yard, had this to say about Joe : “He has worked in almost every department within the organization and is one of the most dependable, respected and versatile employees we have. I really appreciate what he has done for our location.”
Outside of work, Joe is happily married to his beautiful wife since 1998, Paula. Together they have 3 children. Their oldest, Kaitlyn, will be getting married within a few weeks. Miranda just graduated from Ole Miss with a Marketing degree. Adam, their youngest, is currently a Senior at Putnam County Highschool. Joe is a proud father and husband! When not spending time with his family, Joe likes to work around their farm and fix things in the shop that need repair.
Joe, thank you for your years of dedication and service. We are a better Company for having you as apart of it and we are so thankful for all that you have done!