Joel started in the industry sweeping floors and restocking warehouse inventory in 1997.  In his first 10 years in the industry he held almost every position a lumberyard offers from fork lifts to accounts receivables. In 2012 he and his wife started flirting with the possibility of opening up their own business and six months later the LumberZone Opened in Steinbach.   Joel Grew up in Southern Alberta and loved his roots growing up on the family farm which included grain and Angus Cattle. Joel moved to Southeast Manitoba in 1996 to attend Providence Bible College and Seminary. It was here that he met his future wife Jodie who made it clear that Steinbach and not Alberta would be where they would start their family. 23 years in the industry Joels remarks his favorite part about the industry is the relationships that have formed with long term customers and suppliers. Relationships and industry experience has lead to serving on the Board of the Western Retail Lumber Association concentrating on the Government advocacy pillar of the organization. Joel spent time as a volunteer coaching hockey, baseball and basketball and is enjoying working with his two sons (Mason and Lewis) who are now full time co-workers at The LumberZone. You might also find him plucking away at his guitar late at night with the amp turned to full volume as his wife does not allow that racket in the family home.