At LBM Advantage, growth is the goal
Stephen Sallah plans to retire from his role as CEO of LBM Advantage, the New Windsor, New York-based LBM co-op. He will remain in his post until August.
Sallah made official his decision to retire during a shareholder meeting at the co-op’s 2024 Annual Buying Show in Orlando. The search process has begun for his replacement, and it will include internal and external candidates.
Sallah replaced Russ Kennedy as CEO of the co-op back in 2011 when it was known as ENAP (the initials for “everyone needs a profit.”) He had been chief financial officer since 2008.
The co-op hopes to have a replacement lined up by April or May.
“There will be a lot of candidates applying,” Sallah told HBSDealer. “I think it’s a pretty well-known position, especially within the industry. And I think it’s a great job, and a great company.”
Prior to his service with ENAP, Sallah spent 16 years at IBM as division controller and in other marketing and operational roles. He started his career with the U.S. Navy and served for nine years in active duty as a submarine officer and is a retired Commander in the Naval Reserves.
Under Sallah, the co-op underwent significant changes. It merged with PAL (Progressive Affiliated Lumbermen) in 2016, and the combined organization changed its name to LBM Advantage. In 2017, LBM Advantage grew again with the merger with Independent Builders Supply Association (IBSA).
Today, the co-op includes about 525 dealer members and some 1,400 lumberyard locations. LBM Advantage extends into 46 states.
“We had one of more successful recruiting years last year,” Sallah said, pointing to 24 new members. “We’re in 46 states and we should be in 50 by the end of this year. And we’re going to continue to press that as well help our members expand.”
