An active member of YELP and co-leader of the CFO 10 Group, Tiffany Richardson has become fully immersed in NAWLA programs after joining the lumber industry four years ago. In this member spotlight, Tiffany shares what makes the lumber industry stand out, how she got her start in the industry, and her best advice for new NAWLA members.  

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

I was born and raised in Helena, MT, and eventually made my way back so that I could raise my three kids surrounded by family. I got my degree in Business Management from MSU Bozeman, an MBA from the University of Montana, Missoula, and a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul University in Chicago. I am a CPA, but I never wanted to work in public accounting. I love helping private businesses understand their financial statements and how to use them to continue to grow. 
I fell into the lumber industry when I applied to an ad for a corporate controller posted by Empire Building Materials in Bozeman, MT. It has been a whirlwind learning everything that this industry encompasses, but I have never loved what I do more than now. 

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

The lumber industry is an old one with mounds of amazing history. I love the authenticity of this industry as well as the vendors and customers I get to work with. My motivation to continue in my career path lies in my desire to continue to push the industry forward. My passion combines finance and technology which allows my incredible staff to improve processes, create efficiencies, drive sales, and provide killer customer service. To continue to grow in all facets, we can’t stand still. 

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

My time in the lumber industry has been a wild ride! I was hired in 2020 shortly after Covid ravaged our country, but surprisingly not our industry.  So far, I haven’t known anything but gangbuster sales, solid growth, and a future that is almost impossible to predict. I don’t have enough years under my belt, but I see very exciting things evolving in the industry moving forward. 

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

The people and the endless opportunities are by far the greatest part of my job. Not only do I get to work with an incredibly talented pool of coworkers, but I have never met harder working and more passionate people than those who work in and own the lumber yards we service. The biggest “WOW” moment I have had was seeing the price that OSB hit during Covid! 

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

I joined NAWLA on the advice of my boss, Anthony Tangaro, when I first joined Empire in 2020. I was hooked after attending my first Traders Market in Louisville in November 2021. I am a co-leader of the CFO 10 Group and was nominated as a YELP-er last year. I have attended every Traders Market and Leadership Summit since Louisville and wouldn’t want to miss one. 

What advice would you give to a new NAWLA member?

I think I have heard it a million times, and for good reason, “Get Involved”! As a member, you only get out of NAWLA what you put in. Get involved, meet new people, push yourself out of your comfort zone, attend events, and show up to every event ready for something new. 

What’s been your favorite NAWLA moment?

I don’t have just one since my favorite NAWLA moments stem back to meeting a handful of people that I now consider close and lifelong friends. I am grateful, daily, for these relationships. 

Anything else you would like to share?

I am super excited to be assigned a mentor through the Young Emerging Lumber Professional (YELP) program! I look forward to having an expert in the industry that can guide me to be better and do better in my current position and help prepare me for all this industry has in store!