Ryan Blizzard is a Milledgeville native who, after completing two seasons playing football at Shorter University in Rome, GA, chose to move back home and begin his career. His first employer was an aircraft manufacturing company, where he worked until he was caught up in a company layoff. Shortly afterwards, Ryan landed at Harbin Lumber’s Eatonton location.
Ryan started out as a yard/warehouse employee six years ago. “I enjoyed getting to meet and interact with customers every day. I worked on the lumber yard for a year before accepting the current job I have,” said Ryan.
He currently works with Inside Sales in the estimating program for Harbin Lumber. “With my job now, I get to study many different house plans and give each customer an accurate quote for framing, siding, cornice, and interior trim materials. Working as an estimator, one needs to start from the very beginning of each project and work his or her way to the very end. It is a very fast paced job, being that each customer wants their quote back very quickly. I like how I get to see, first-hand, the unique ways a particular house plan is configured,” he said.
For Ryan, the culture at Harbin is a great fit. “The things I love most about my job are the co-workers I am surrounded with and the fact that, in each project, there is always something different,” he said. “There is always something new to learn. Each customer is different. Each home is built in a unique way. I am fortunate to have a hand in helping customers and homeowners build his or her dream home, and that’s what I like most.”
After working full time for several years, Ryan decided to continue his education. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supply Chain Management and Logistics at Georgia Military College, while continuing to work at Harbin.
“All of my classes are being taken online which helps me balance my every day life, my job, and my school work,” said Ryan. “I hope to graduate and use this degree to help advance and continue to grow the current business here at Harbin Lumber Company.”
During his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with friends, his girlfriend, and his chocolate Labrador Retriever. As an avid outdoorsman, Ryan also spends time hunting, fishing, and helping manage his family’s property for wildlife.
We are so impressed with Ryan’s work ethic and all he manages to balance. There is no doubt he has a bright future ahead with Harbin. Keep up the great work, Ryan!
