Meet Our Members: Patrick Price

After initially pursuing a career in communications and broadcast journalism, Patrick Price discovered his passion for the family business at All*Star Lumber. In this NAWLA member spotlight, learn more about his start in the industry, what drives him, and his best piece of advice to new NAWLA members.

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

I am a 26-year-old second-generation lumber salesman. I grew up sweeping the same sheds I sell product out of today. In college, I was a communications major with a minor in broadcast journalism. I thought I found my passion through hosting radio shows, concerts, and local events around town.  Upon graduation, I was offered a job for a progressive food purchasing company and it was time to step into reality. After working for six months, I was promoted to the GM position of their Logistics company. Six months after that, Bill Price called asking if I wanted to try my hand at selling carbon filtration technology. Shortly after, I accepted and have never looked back.

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

I have been given an incredible opportunity to grow and further my family legacy at All*Star Forest Products. Not many young men have the chance to learn about an industry and lead a company that has withstood the test of time for nearly 30 years. Taking All*Star to new heights, feeding my family, and building a firm foundation for my future children is what drives me every day.

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

During my two years in the industry, I witnessed the fall of prices at the end of the pandemic craze. Many salesmen who started around 2020 experienced profits that others never witnessed throughout their 35-year careers.  Starting in May 2022 helped me work hard to build a book of business in relatively slimmer times.

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

I think the most rewarding thing in my career has been seeing the good months stack up and relationships blossom. Those phone calls that started apprehensively and have turned into “how’s your mom?” joyous, daily conversations.

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

It’s no secret that Bill Price, (my father) is the reason I joined as soon as I entered the industry two years ago, but I have stayed for the leadership opportunities and tremendous friendships formed in such a short time.

What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?

Get out there. Go to events you have no business going to. Shake a stranger’s hand and stick around for some conversation after the event is over. You never know what opportunity will arise from one random conversation, you had one time.

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

I have two very distinct and fond memories in my short time with NAWLA that stick out the most. First, enjoying one of the most fun and educational weeks I’ve ever experienced at Wood Basics. Second, getting to watch Bill Price as chairman of NAWLA in 2022/23’.

Anything else you would like to share?

Work hard when you don’t want to, smile when you don’t want to, and make that phone call when you don’t want to. Do the important things and the tough things, even when you don’t want to. That is what will separate you.