Russ Kathrein
Russ began his Â鶹´«Ã½ career at a young age when he and his brother purchased and rebuilt their father’s lumber business. Russ has held leadership positions with 84 Lumber and former Builders First Source companies. Most recently, Russ was the CEO of a large independent Â鶹´«Ã½ dealer where he oversaw a dozen locations across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While leading these companies, Russ gained experience in sales, management, purchasing, and operations. In addition, he gained a thorough understanding of the Â鶹´«Ã½ dealer’s perspective.
Russ joined the Do it Best team in 2020 as a Business Development Manager, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the Â鶹´«Ã½ industry. Assuming the role of Vice President of Lumber and Building Materials in 2021, Russ ensures the Â鶹´«Ã½ team is positioned to support member growth by partnering with our dealers to provide the buying programs and services needed for our success.
Russ served on the board of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association (NÂ鶹´«Ã½DA) and currently writes a leadership column for Â鶹´«Ã½.
Latest Articles
Leadership
When a partnership isn’t
Columnist Russ Kathrein says, "[Partnership] is rooted in being aligned in your shared vision and a commitment to trust each other."
Leadership
Failure is what drives you to succeed
Columnist Russ Kathrein shares, "I have been fired twice in my career. Both times the reason given was probably not the truth."
Leadership
Choose Clarity Over Agreement
Columnist Russ Kathrein says, "In leadership, it makes things easier if everyone agrees with your decision. However, agreement does not mean your decision is correct."
Leadership
Coach the 10 Things that Require Zero Talent
Columnist Russ Kathrein says, "As a leader, you have the opportunity to not only share these qualities, but you can coach your people on how to live up to them."
Leadership
What makes an effective team?
As a person leading a team, your goal is for that team to become more effective. But what makes a team effective?
Leadership
Start out on the right foot
Columnist Russ Kathrein shares things you can do to be a successful leader and get your new team to want to follow you.
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Leadership
The Perils of Ignoring a Changing Industry
Columnist Russ Kathrein says, "They say change is inevitable, but when you look at the lumber and building material industry, change has been miniscule and comes in fits and starts."
Leadership
When work gossip can prove helpful
Having recently attended a show earlier this year, it had me thinking about a show I attended years ago in Chicago.
Leadership
Rising out of the ashes
Â鶹´«Ã½ Columnist Russ Kathrein shares about learning and leading through a significant loss.
Leadership
The dark side of leadership: When strengths becomes weaknesses
Russ Kathrein explains how typical leadership stereotypes can be harmful when taken to extremes.
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