Meet Our Members: Mike Andrew

After shifting from a career in real estate, Mike Andrew found his home in the wholesale lumber industry. Now working at Nicholson and Cates, he is an active member of NAWLA and a member of the 2023 Young Emerging Lumber Professional (YELP) class. Get to know Mike, including his advice for new NAWLA members, his favorite NAWLA memory and how he has seen the lumber industry evolve since he joined in 2020.

Tell us about yourself. What is your background and how did you get involved with wholesale lumber?

I have been in sales for over a decade but completely pivoted my career when my wife and I started growing our family. I was a full-time real estate agent running a successful practice but started to tire of the evening and weekend hours. I was always on call and missed so many planned classes and events with my oldest son to run out on showings, take a listing appointment or write up offer paperwork. This really wasn’t the kind of father I wanted to be. My wife and I had been discussing a career change for a while when a family friend that worked for Nicholson and Cates reached out and mentioned an opportunity in the lumber wholesale industry. I made the switch a few months before my wife and I had our second boy, and haven’t looked back since!

What motivates you to continue on this career path and be a part of the wholesale lumber industry?

This is an easy one, the people in the industry. I work on an amazing team at Nicholson and Cates, and the people I get to work with every day have become some of my closest friends. Many of the people I meet and get to do business with on a regular basis have become more like friends than customers.  

In what ways have you seen the lumber industry evolve over the years?

I am still relatively new in the industry — having started in 2020 — so I haven’t experienced as much evolution as other seasoned vets, but I am always amazed when I go into a new shop or factory and see the levels of automation in a company’s production process. On a social level, I have definitely seen an influx of young, talented people come into the industry. I am excited to see how the industry evolves and becomes more diverse from where it is today.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far? Are there any “wow” moments that particularly stand out to you?

There are many rewarding aspects to this career. On a business level, being able to work together with my customers and help one another grow our respective businesses makes every day rewarding.  On a personal level, I love the work/life balance I have now. My office is seven minutes from my house and the time I get with my three kids is absolutely priceless.
One big “wow” moment was when I had the honor to speak and introduce a panel at the 2023 Montreal Wood Convention/NAWLA Montreal regional meeting. I was introducing Fred Lebel (Groupe Lebel), Bart Bender (Interfor) and Khara Julien (Specialty Building Products) and was blown away by how friendly all of them were and how these high-level industry executives made themselves so available for the benefit of others in our industry. I felt that it really spoke to the character of the people in the industry and how willing most people are to help teach and advance other’s careers. 

Tell me about your involvement with NAWLA. How long have you been a member and what made you want to join?

I have been a NAWLA member since I joined Nicholson and Cates in 2020. I attended a Wood Basics event in 2021 and made some very strong connections with others in the industry that I still keep in touch with today. The knowledge and connections I gained from that made me want to get more involved with the organization.

What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?

Get involved and be a sponge! There are so many people that are willing to teach you things about this industry and the connections and friendships you can make through NAWLA are invaluable.

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

If I have to pick one, my favorite NAWLA moment was being nominated and accepted into the 2023 Young Emerging Lumber Professional Program (YELP) class. We had a fantastic time at the retreat in Chicago and I have been able to learn so much from other young and ambitious people in the industry. 

Anything else you would like to share?

Join a 10 Group. This is such an under-utilized part of NAWLA that can benefit so many people in lumber. It is such an easy way to start meeting new people and make connections with other like-minded professionals in the industry!