Parr Lumber recognized among 'Top Workplaces' in Oregon

Parr Lumber Company announced that it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2022 honor by the Oregonian/OregonianLive. 

Winning employers in the annual Top Workplaces competition have earned their spots based on an anonymous employee feedback survey that asked participants to rate their employers on multiple aspects of the workplace culture, including pay, benefits, company values, productivity, and leadership.

“At Parr, we treat each other like family,” Tony Cookston, manager at the Parr Lumber Newberg location, said in a blog post on the company’s website.. “Our mission is to provide legendary service through teamwork, and we utilize that teamwork mentality in everything we do. We are known for how well we treat everyone we interact with, including co-workers and customers.”

Parr Lumber Company said that in 2020 its executive team identified a three-year strategy with a key initiative to expand the footprint of truss (roof and floor), door, and millwork manufacturing throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating some explosive company growth. 

The now 1,500+ member team has expanded to over 44 locations. Though growing fast, Parr continuously instills its core values to maintain the company culture.

 “One thing that sets Parr apart is that we put our employees first,” said Cookston.. “Parr provides Performance Incentives, Tuition Reimbursement, Volunteer Hours, Vacation & Sick Hours, Jury Duty, Bereavement, 401k Match, Employee Apparel, Wellness, and an Employee Assistance Program.”

Not only does Parr take care of its employees, but they also put a significant focus on promoting from within. 

Parr Lumber CEO Mike Howell started his career with Parr as a driver at the Salem lumber yard in 1997. 

Over the years, he’s had many roles within the company, including sales coordinator, lead counter, assistant manager, district manager, and director of operations. 

“By giving our team members the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, we empower our employees to build their careers with Parr and to have a voice within our company,” said Micheal Parr, general manager and grandson of the company’s founder. “When you give employees a voice, you can navigate challenges as a team and forge a path for the future.”

Parr Lumber Company was established in 1930 by Dwight Parr Sr., in the Pacific Northwest and remains a locally owned family business today