Skip to main content

TJ Brister is not typically someone a customer ever sees.  But without him, job site materials would be much less likely to arrive on time.  That’s because TJ is an integral part of the team at Harbin Lumber’s Reload Facility, where inventory arrives on rail cars, and is stored and distributed based on the restocking needs for six Harbin locations.

When TJ began his career with Harbin five years ago, he was loading and unloading trucks and rail cars, and transferring material to the lumber  yards. As time has progressed, so has his role.  Now, TJ is actively working within the Harbin Lumber inventory system and assists Dennis Long, Purchasing Manager, with purchasing and inventory control.

TJ doesn’t mind not being in the spotlight, but instead, finds fulfillment in seeing our customers’ successes. “I like seeing some of the finished projects that our customers build,” he said. “It’s really rewarding to know that people all across our area are living in their dream homes, and that every piece of lumber in many of those homes has come through a Harbin location. A lot of that material has come through Reload. So we have been a big part of getting that material into our system, and then out to the retail location so that they can then get it to the job site.  I helps me to see that if every person does their part, we can all help to get the job done.”

Doing his part is something TJ can be counted on to do.  “TJ exhibits the All in Principle when it comes to his work with Harbin Lumber,” said Ryan Roper, Reload Operations Manager.  “He does all that he can to make sure the branches have the inventory they need when they need it.”

When he’s not at work at the Reload facility, TJ enjoys riding his motorcycle, as well as traveling, camping, and spending time with his wife Karen, twin 20 year olds, Dillon and Zachary, and 9 year old, Zeb.  He also works full-time as a Paramedic for Hart County EMS, where he will celebrate a 15-year anniversary this year.

“I really enjoy being a part of a company that seems to really value their employees,” said TJ. “I’ve never been made to feel like ‘just an employee’. I really feel like each team member at each location is helping to make our company, and our customers, successful.”

We certainly do value you, TJ.  Thank you for everything you do both for the Harbin Lumber team and customers, but also your service to the community as a paramedic.   Your servant leadership is a gift to all of us.