Belletete's has announced that Sara Belletete was the recipient of the NHRLA’s 2025 Lumber Person of the Year Award. The honor was presented during the Association’s Annual Celebration Weekend, held on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Portsmouth, NH. This award recognizes outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the lumber and building materials industry—and for Sara, the profession is much more than a career. It’s a legacy.
Following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather, and father—while forging her own path forward—Sara, a fourth-generation leader in the family business, has spent most of her life involved in the trade. She becomes the first third-generation recipient of the NHRLA’s Lumber Person of the Year Award in her family, following her grandfather Reynold Belletete (1987), father Jack Belletete (1999), uncle David Belletete (2012), and cousins Mike Shea (2003) and Ted Shea (2002).
Sara’s journey in the lumber industry began early—at just 14, she started working summers at the company, continuing through college with hands-on experience, including a position at Forester Moulding & Millwork. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration, she spent several years in St. Louis before returning to her roots in NH. For over two decades, Sara has held a key leadership role at Belletetes, helping to drive the company’s growth while honoring its founding principles.
Sara’s influence extends well beyond her company. Dedicated to continual growth, Sara has completed several advanced leadership programs and holds the distinction of serving the longest consecutive term as president of the NHRLA—six years—and actively contributes to the industry through board positions with:
- The NRLA Executive Committee
- The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) Board of Directors
- The North American Young Lumber Employees (NYLE) Board of Directors
Sara lives by a simple yet powerful philosophy: “There is no higher achievement than treating others kindly and living with integrity.”
Belletete's has been an LMC Dealer since 2009
