Page 22 - Nov-Dec 2025 REPORTER

jake den hollander announces retirement Message from the Chair continued from page 4...

As I prepare for this next chapter, I’ve been reflecting on how
much this industry has evolved. When I first started, business
was conducted with handshakes and fax machines. Today, we’re
navigating e-commerce, digital marketing, and data analytics—but
at its core, the lumber and building materials business remains
about people. It’s the relationships that make it rewarding: the
conversations at the counter, the friendships formed at events, and
the shared commitment to helping communities grow.
Looking ahead to 2026, I see tremendous opportunities for our
members and for our industry as a whole. By continuing to support
one another, sharing knowledge, and championing independent
retail, we can ensure that Ontario’s LBM sector remains strong,
innovative, and sustainable. Whether you’re a long-time member
or new to the association, your engagement matters. Together,
we’ll keep building—one partnership, one project, and one year at
a time.
As we close out 2025, I hope you can look back with pride,
knowing you gave it your best, and look forward to a healthy,
happy, and prosperous 2026. I wish you all a holiday season filled
with warmth, laughter, and the company of family and friends.
My goal for 2026: to meet as many of our members as possible.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Atlas Polar .................................................................................................5

After 45 years in the lumber and building supply industry, Auto-Stak Systems (Canada) Inc. ..................................................17
Jake den Hollander will retire effective Dec 31, 2025. He will
be reflecting with gratitude on a career filled with learning, BIK Hydraulics .........................................................................................8
challenges, and lasting relationships.
Jake began his career in 1980 at Cashway Building Centres. In Castle Building Centres ...................................outside back cover
1984, he joined Beaver Lumber, working in several Ontario
locations before moving on to manage the Lumber Division Cloverdale Paint ..................................................................................14
at Norfolk Co-op and later holding management roles with Pro Home Hardware ..................................................................................11
Hardware and Plywood and Trim.
In 2002, he became a Region Manager with RONA Corporate, Kohltech Windows .............................................................................15
followed by a similar role at TIMBER MART for South and Central
Ontario. He then served as General Manager at Woodland LBMAO Buying Show .........................................................................13
TIMBER MART in Grande Prairie, Alberta. When grandchildren
arrived, He returned to Ontario and, in 2010, joined Dennis Nicholson and Cates Limited ...........................inside back cover
Doidge as General Manager of his operations.
Recent personal events have reminded Jake to focus on Nu-Forest Products (Canada) Inc. ....................................................8
what matters most: his wife, children, and grandchildren. In
retirement, he plans to tackle long-awaited projects, enjoy Polytarp Products ..........................................................................................21
cruise nights with his 1929 Ford Hot Rod, travel, and spend
cherished time with Charlene. Sellick Equipment ............................................................................................9
Throughout his career, Jake has benefitted from outstanding
mentors and have been proud to mentor others. This industry is Sexton Group ...................................................................inside front cover
built on relationships, and he is very grateful for so many people
he met along the way. TIMBER MART .....................................................................................................7
Jake wants to thank everyone who has been part of this
memorable journey.
22 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2025 www.lbmao.on.ca