Meet Our Members: Adrian Krupka
Tell me about yourself. What is your background and how did you get involved with wholesale lumber?
I was born in Toronto, Canada, but spent most of my life in the Tampa, Florida area. I made a five-year pit stop to play football at Northern State University in South Dakota where I graduated with a degree in political science with minors in geography and sociology. After struggling to find a career that resonated with me, I returned to Toronto where the wholesale lumber industry found me. Previously, I sold wholesale salon supplies in the beauty industry and custom restaurant furniture before making a switch at the behest of my wife’s family who have a long history in the lumber/building supplies industry in Central Florida. They were right about my personality being a fit and I haven’t looked back once.
What motivates you to continue on this career path and be a part of the wholesale lumber industry?
My motivation comes from two major sources, my newborn daughter, who has provided me with a clear purpose to wake up every day and be the best father, husband, and lumber salesman I can be; and the innate competitive spirit that I have had my whole life.
In what ways have you seen the lumber industry evolve over the years?
Diversity and inclusion – there is a very welcome shift occurring in our industry that I can see happening in real time. It’s quite refreshing to see such a traditionally male-dominated industry hosting events and doing everything in its power for more female representation. These young, sharp, female colleagues of mine, such as Emma Avakian and Stephanie Mulvogue, are an inspiration for what they have accomplished. We couldn’t have better trailblazers and leaders laying a strong foundation for future generations like my daughter.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far? Are there any “wow” moments that particularly stand out to you?
The most rewarding part of my career has been the fulfilling nature of the lumber industry that I struggled to find with other jobs. I truly love being a lumber wholesaler and the ups and downs that come with it.
The biggest “WOW” moment certainly has to be when I landed my first truckload sale of lumber to a customer I had brought on. It was a feeling of “Okay, I CAN do this!” and just kept the momentum moving forward.
Tell me about your involvement with NAWLA. How long have you been a member and what made you want to join?
I joined NAWLA when I was sent to the 2023 Fall Wood Basics. I attended last year’s Traders Market as well.
What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?
Soak up any and all guidance and knowledge available to you. I spent most of my first Traders Market pestering established members like Curt Stuckey for any advice they had for a new lumber wholesaler and what is needed for success. Don’t worry if some people find it annoying, no one ever remembers the quiet guy/gal in the corner.
What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?
The after-hours socializing at Wood Basics is hands down my favorite NAWLA moment. Gathering 50 people together from all over the continent leads to an exchange of ideas and humor that can’t be replicated anywhere else. I still keep in touch with quite a few of my classmates and stay up to date on their life achievements and milestones.