Russ Kathrein, vice president of lumber and building materials at Do it Best, has been elected the next chair of the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association’s Manufacturers & Services Council. The position also includes a seat on NLBMDA’s board of directors.

The Manufacturers & Services Council represents manufacturers and service providers supporting the lumber and building materials industry. As chair, Kathrein will help guide the council’s priorities, strengthen collaboration among suppliers and dealers, and support initiatives that advance the independent dealer channel.

“Independent dealers succeed when they have strong partners who understand their businesses and are invested in their future,” said Kathrein. “The council brings manufacturers, service providers and dealers together to address shared challenges and identify opportunities to grow. I’m honored to serve as chair and look forward to building on those relationships to help independent businesses compete and thrive.”

Kathrein brings industry expertise and a longstanding commitment to independent lumber and building material dealers to the position. His work at Do it Best and engagement with NLBMDA and the council provide a perspective grounded in the needs of dealers and the partnerships that support their success.

“Russ understands the independent dealer channel and the importance of strong partnerships across our industry,” said Jonathan M. Paine, president and CEO of NLBMDA. “His experience, commitment, and collaborative approach will serve the council well as we work to support our members and strengthen the industry. We look forward to the leadership he will bring to both the council and our board of directors.”

Through his service, Kathrein will help connect the perspectives of manufacturers and service providers with the broader priorities of NLBMDA, supporting a shared focus on the continued success of independent lumber and building material dealers.

About Do it Best Group

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world’s largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. We support thousands of independently owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities. For more information, visit doitbestonline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.