JODIE PORTER

Taiga Building Products

It’s an understatement to say that Jodie Porter knows the Lumber and Building Materials Industry very well. Becoming Assistant Branch Manager and Sales Manager at Taiga’s Edmonton branch last year and winning the WRLA Salesperson of the Year Award for Alberta are just two of the latest achievements in an over 28-year career in LBM.

Starting with Canwel Building Products while she was in University, Jodie found her way into the industry on the accounting side. Through that position, and by the nature of our industry’s strong focus on relationship building and networking, Jodie soon found other opportunities calling and made a jump to lumber trading. While this was the first step in what would prove to be a career she loves, Jodie also faced the additional challenge of being one of just a handful of women in the industry, particularly on the trading side. Today, Jodie still finds a lot of fulfillment in those relationships and in playing the game of watching and working with the lumber market. “It’s really great being able to put together these deals. It gives you a real sense of accomplishment.”

When she found out she was receiving the Salesperson of the Year Award, Jodie said she was overwhelmed but very happy. It was especially gratifying to be recognized for her work as a woman in the industry. She was touched that her customers would take the time to note their appreciation for her work through a nomination. “This is a giant step forward for women in the industry,” she said. “And the fact that there were two women this year just is awesome.”

Taking a step back to examine how 2022 went, leading up to her nomination and receipt of the award, Jodie reflected, “It was like a rinse and repeat of 2021.” She noted the impact that the pandemic had on her work, as well as the industry. “You’re always working at this heightened level of, ‘what’s next?’ and you never get to quite come down from the stress. But we saw the results at the end of the year. It was a really spectacular year.” As an added highlight, 2022 was also the year she got promoted to her current position, “So that was really good for me, too!”

Looking at what lies ahead this year, Jodie acknowledged the industry is likely to see a bit of a downturn in the beginning of 2023, especially in the commodities where she does her work, though she was optimistic about the industry and Alberta in particular, having the diversity of resources in the province to shield them from the worst of the fluctuations. From a professional development standpoint, Jodie is hoping to see more localized support and networking opportunities come together for women in the industry, much like the WOLF (Women Of Lumber and Forestry) conference that happens each year in BC.

When asked what advice she would give to a younger version of herself or someone entering the industry, she said, “Take a deep breath and go for it.” It’s advice that she’s followed herself, and she credits that ability to stop, breathe, and get moving for the success that she’s had so far, with no plans to slow down any time soon!