This year has surely been vastly different compared to years past and we have all had to do some adjusting in every aspect of our lives. But throughout the many challenges experienced over the course of 2020, Kelly Roper, one of Harbin Lumber Company’s Credit Managers, has adapted so well to unexpected changes in our industry and even changes in her own life. Because of her successful adaptation, Kelly is our November STAR Employee!
Graduating from college in 2008, Kelly started her career with BB&T and worked her way up from teller to loan officer and even holding a management role. She joined Harbin Lumber Company in 2017 as a Credit Manager, working alongside our other Credit Manager, Linda Lewis. Linda and Kelly have worked side by side in their responsibilities as Credit Managers and Linda compliments Kelly by saying, “she is a valuable asset to the company and works well with our customers. She goes above and beyond to help with credit issues and making sure everyone is satisfied with the outcome”.
There are many things our Credit Managers complete daily, but Kelly thoroughly enjoys communicating with our inside and outside salesmen as they keep things exciting and there are new things happening on the daily in the lumber industry! On most days, you can find Kelly managing Harbin Lumber’s AR for the turnkey and commercial projects as well as handling other transactions.
Kelly is married to her husband, Ryan, who is also within the Harbin family of businesses. Together they have two kids, Haley and Brady – but according to Kelly, sometimes it feels like three if you add Ryan! When she is not at the Corporate Office helping customers with credit applications and transactions, you can find her outside with her kids as they love to help Ryan on their family farm.
Harbin Lumber’s CFO, Philip Hunt, has worked with many different people over the course of his career but pays tribute to Kelly’s outstanding work ethic and hunger to learn. Philip noted, “she has been a positive addition to our finance staff and timely, as well, as our volume has increased significantly over the past few years”. Philip added some good-natured banter to Kelly’s recognition saying, “even though she works full time with Harbin Lumber, she often spends the rest of her extracurricular time training Ryan to be a better employee/husband! But after everything is said and done, Kelly is truly one of the best hires Harbin Lumber has made over the last few years”.
Kelly learns something new in her position every day and she feels that has helped her grow as an employee and credit manager overall. She compliments many aspects of her job at Harbin and is thankful for the time she has had here so far. We appreciate your dedication over the last 3 years, Kelly, and we look forward to watching you continue to grow in all aspects.