“We are very excited to have both Matt Kuiken and Eddie Crosslin join the LMC Board of directors. Their years of experience in the industry and working on numerous LMC committees will add a tremendous amount of value to the board” says Mark Torrisi, Chairman of the LMC Board of Directors and President of Jackson Lumber and Millwork.
“Good governance should always include fresh perspectives to help navigate constant change,” Matt said. “And I am excited to bring mine to the LMC board.
Founded in 1912, Kuiken Brothers serves the New York and New Jersey metro market and beyond with 9 locations and over 325 employees. The business was started by Matt’s great-grandfather, his brother, and a cousin after their arrival to the United States from The Netherlands. They initially began work as carpenters and builders but soon began stockpiling lumber, windows, doors, and other building components. By the 1930s, Kuiken Brothers was more of a building supply business than a carpentry business. The company has been an invaluable member of LMC since 1984.
“The New York/New Jersey metro market is extremely diverse,” Matt says. “We sell and operate in urban, suburban, and rural markets. Projects are often complex, with multiple layers of decision makers, different building codes and regulations, and often the need for specialty equipment.”
As a fourth-generation family member in the Company, Matt took an alternative path into the family business. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a major in International Relations and Business and considered pursuing a career overseas.
After graduation, Matt joined the United States Peace Corps and was deployed to Mali in West Africa. His work there centered on the development of satellite internet connectivity in rural trade outposts in the region and partnering with international aid organizations to secure long-term financing for project continuity. After his service in West Africa Matt was eager to return to the U.S. to continue his education and to put his energy and focus behind growing the business. He subsequently earned an MBA in finance and management from Fordham University Graduate School of Business.
“My key takeaway from the few years I spent in West Africa was working collaboratively in a diverse setting where communication was paramount,” Matt explained. “I learned to speak French and Bambara and worked in some of the poorest communities in the world. As an American, and non-native language speaker, earning respect and trust was a daily grind. At times it felt impossible, but once trust was established, respect followed – and earning respect in that challenging environment was the single most rewarding part of my experience.”
“I carry that perspective with me always. Integrity, trust, and respect are everything in running a business.”
Matt is passionate about the co-operative spirit at LMC and has been a driving force in continuing the model into the future through his work with the Aspiring Leaders Committee.
“Collaboration amongst the LMC dealer community is one of the greatest values the organization brings to its members,” Matt said. “On a personal level my collaboration over the years has developed into many close friendships with fellow LMC business owners and associates from around the country.”
“LMC dealers are often championed as some of the most successful businesses in our industry, and I’m looking forward to serving alongside my peers on the LMC Board,” Matt said. “Our industry has many opportunities ahead and we face some challenges for sure, but I look forward to putting in the work for the good of our industry, and for our collective businesses.”