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September 2008 Press & CharterPetoskey Staff
Ben Anderson, Petoskey
As an outside salesperson, Ben works with contractors and homeowners at their jobsites. He enjoys the challenges and problem solving involved with keeping a project moving smoothly. He also enjoys meeting new people and learning about new products in our industry. The people Ben works with and the positive work environment at Preston Feather Building Centers are also high on his list.
Ben’s customer service philosophy is, “What would I want if I were the customer?” Give him a challenge to find a special product and he will do everything possible to get it.
When he’s not on the road visiting jobsites, Ben likes anything in the great outdoors, especially bow hunting.
Call Ben at 231-439-5845, or bwa@prestonfeather.com
John Thorn, Petoskey
When asked to describe his job, John says simply, “Outside Sales.” What that really means is he meets builders, remodelers and contractors on their job sites and helps keep the right materials coming at the right time. A former contractor himself, John knows the building process well enough that he can stay a step ahead of the builder to anticipate what to have delivered. He will, “Do what it takes,” to keep his customers happy.
What might be the biggest surprise about John is that at one time he spent several years in Las Vegas dealing cards.
He grew up in the Detroit area graduating from Servite High School and has attended North Central Michigan College. John possesses a great sense of humor stating, “Almost anything,” makes him laugh.
John has over 20 years in the building industry. He never tires of seeing the completed building projects he has been involved with and enjoys working with everyone at Preston Feather.
John can be reached at 231-439-5810, or jrt@prestonfeather.com
Don Smith, Petoskey
Don Smith has been with Preston Feather Building Centers since 1984, specializing in being an asset to professional contractors with the researching, pricing and coordinating of quality building materials for their projects. Smith states, “Customer service is our number one service that we provide; we strive very hard to help our customer succeed in their building projects.”
Don notes that being an independently owned business allows Preston Feather Building Centers the flexibility to cater to our customers in a way that the boxes just can’t do. "We are able to work on a more personal level between the staff and the customer." He especially enjoys researching, bidding, supplying material and the satisfaction of being a part of helping complete someone’s home, cottage or even a kid’s tree house.
The Smith family includes wife, son and three daughters. When he’s not spending time with the family, or coaching his son’s sports teams, Don volunteers as a third-generation fire fighter.
Call Don at 231-439-5843, or dgs@prestonfeather.com
Gordie Etheridge, Petoskey
Gordie Etheridge has been with Preston Feather Building Centers since 1985, when Hankey Lumber was acquired. Gordie has been in several positions throughout his tenure including driving and sales; he knows the company inside and out. He currently is one of our inside sales team, “providing service and quality products to accomplish your ideas and dreams.”
Gordie prides himself in making an “extra-special effort” to provide detailed information for all who have or will have a specific building need: a house from the ground up, an addition, an out building, or a deck. Prior to Preston Feather Building Centers, Gordie stated, “I have worked in the service industry for over 40 years including my greatest honor, to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps.”
Gordie and his wonderful wife of 27 years are the parents of three and grandparents to eight. When they’re not busy with family, you might find them out in the wilderness canoeing, kayaking or hiking. Sometimes he’ll enjoy a bowl of hot, buttered popcorn and a good movie at home.
Reach Gordie at 231-439-5847, or ghe@prestonfeather.com
Christopher Brake, Petoskey
Chris is part of the “Front Line” customer service team in the Petoskey store and believes the only dumb question is one not asked. People are not afraid to ask Chris anything about building materials.
In his career prior to Preston Feather Building Centers, Chris held a variety of customer service positions for a variety of employers. He likes his job at Preston Feather primarily for the people he meets daily and the fun he has with them. There’s always something new happening, whether it is a new project, a new product or a new person to meet.
Chris grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and Cheboygan, Michigan attending Cheboygan schools, North Central Michigan College and Lake Superior State University. He currently lives in Cheboygan with his wife and two beautiful children.
When he’s not having fun at work, he’s having fun with family and friends.
Call Chris at 231-439-5889Rob Blair, Petoskey
When Rob joined Preston Feather Building Centers in 1992, he was a newly married youngster. Despite his youth, he had gained experience working for a builder and a hardware store in the area. Rob is now one of our sales team specializing in working with professional builders at their jobsites.
What Rob enjoys most about working at Preston Feather is the teamwork with his coworkers. “Working together we can make a difference,” states Rob. He also enjoys helping people solve problems.
“Wood is good, but God is great,” are words Rob lives by. He is deeply faithful volunteering much of his time as the youth director at Family of Christ Church in Petoskey.
Rob grew up in Blue Earth, Minnesota, graduated from high school in Granada, Michigan, and attended Bible College in North Dakota. He and his wife of 15 years are proud parents of three children. The family can often be spotted outside playing volleyball or biking and hiking.
Call Rob at 231-439-5844, or rcb@prestonfeather.com
