GROWING THE INDUSTRY, ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME

Chris Allinotte, WRLA

WRLA has selected the 2022 Industry Achievement Award recipient and we are pleased to announce that this year, that person is Steve Buckle, CEO of the Sexton Family of Companies.

The Industry Achievement Award recognizes members of the WRLA who have contributed to their business, the building supply industry, the WRLA and the communities in which they live. Since 1970 this award has been presented to individuals who have deserved and received the respect of employees, members, competitors, and suppliers in the building supply industry and who have contributed their time and energy to their community and the Western Retail Lumber Association.

Nominations for this award begin each year on April 1, and close in October. As part of the process, the nominee is asked to detail their achievements—specifically their contributions to our industry.

We were fortunate to get a few minutes of Steve’s time this month to chat about his career, the award, and the year ahead.

Steve’s career in the Lumber and Building Materials Industry has always been about connecting with people and fostering lasting business relationships, even from the beginning as he worked in sales with Armstrong Flooring in Toronto, Ontario. When asked what it is about the industry that’s kept him interested all these years, Steve had an answer ready to go.

Upon hearing that he’d been selected as this year’s recipient, Steve’s connection to the industry came through again, as he said he was deeply humbled to be included with the select few that have received this award before. “These are people who have helped shape the industry,” he added.

—Brian Kusisto, Chairman, Sexton Family of Companies

As a leader at the Sexton Family of Companies, Steve demonstrates his commitment to people and connection through his actions every day. Not content to sit back in his office, he prides himself on being available, engaged, and responsive.

“Anyone in this industry can call me and I’ll answer the phone, I show up at all industry events, and when a Sexton member or vendor has an issue, I respond immediately.”

Under Steve’s leadership, the Sexton Group has doubled its membership. At Sexton, he works every day to get their members the best vendor program possible but also keeps the end supplier in mind, making sure they receive the volumes promised. Navigating these relationships between supplier and customer, making sure that negotiations run smoothly, and that both parties end up successful is the thing that Steve likes best. What’s more, he appreciates that this role has given him unlimited latitude to learn new things in an industry that is incredibly complex.

In recent years, the Sexton Family of Companies, along with our entire industry, has been faced with one of the greatest challenges in a generation. Luckily, with Steve’s leadership, the companies were able to work together and weather the worst effects—something he is proud to share.

“Although recent and continuing, I am proud of our performance during the Covid 19 pandemic. The situation called for quick action and excellent communication with our members. We worked collaboratively with suppliers and WRLA to make sure the best guidance was provided to the whole industry. The independent retailers in Western Canada fared better than most and I was proud to be part of that success in the face of adversity.”