Meet Our Members: Patrick Randall

After managing restaurants for over a decade, Patrick Randall jumped into a career in lumber at Wholesale Wood Products. An active NAWLA and Young Emerging Lumber Professional (YELP) member, he has found connection, passion, and more in the lumber industry. In this member spotlight, hear about how he got his unexpected start, and how he has seen the lumber industry change since 2020.

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

I had been managing restaurants for over a decade and had no prior experience in the lumber industry. I took a leap by changing professions, and it's been rewarding to see how the skills and lessons I gained in the service industry have translated seamlessly into my role in the wholesale lumber industry.

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

To be perfectly blunt, I never saw myself selling lumber. This opportunity came by chance and to this day, I’m still amazed at how much passion I have for my job and this industry.  Every day is a new day, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to meet new people and share what our company has to offer. I enjoy the customers I get to work with and am grateful for Wholesale Wood Products providing a landing zone for me in the industry.

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

That’s almost a trick question for me. I started at Wholesale Wood Products in March 2020 only two weeks before COVID shut the world down. As all of you know, that ended up being a time when the lumber industry was at an all-time high. It was quite the environment to learn in - there were days when it felt like the walls were spinning but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Now that things are back to normal, I feel like the biggest change I’ve seen is with the evolution of technology such as AI which is making it more important than ever to cultivate relationships with your customers.  

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

This might sound corny, but the business relationships that turn into real-world friendships are great, rewarding moments. One of the biggest ‘wow’ moments in my career so far is being nominated as a YELP member, which I will always see as a great honor. To be a part of the 2023 YELP program along with so many people I respect has been one of the highlights of my career.

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

I’ve been a member since 2022. The first event I went to was MLMA. It’s always great to be able to put a face to the name and voice of people you talk to so often. I love making connections with people, and the friendships and connections I’ve been able to foster as a NAWLA member have really been a game changer for my career. 

What advice would you give to a NAWLA member?

Embrace every opportunity given to you. Be a sponge. There’s a lot to learn from seasoned members who laid the groundwork for the industry I’m fortunate to be in today.

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

The YELP meeting in Chicago! Being from Birmingham, Alabama, and getting to hear different perspectives from colleagues and companies all over North America was a great learning experience. I met some really great people that I look forward to working with for years to come.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’m just really grateful to be in this industry and to be a part of the NAWLA community. I look forward to the years ahead!