Some folks end up in the world of building materials by dint of fate or chance. For others, it’s something more like destiny. Sara Belletete, VP of Branch Development for iconic New Hampshire independent Belletetes Inc., falls into the latter category.
“I was born into this business and industry. I’m a fourth-generation family member working for Belletetes alongside third, fourth, and fifth family members,” she says.
Her current role was created as a stepping stone toward becoming the President/CEO of the family business. That’s the plan for June 2027 when she’ll succeed her cousin, Mike Shea. She’s certainly paid her dues in the profession. Helping manage growth and operations at the company’s nine locations throughout N.H. and another in Winchendon, Mass., earned her recognition as NHRLA’s Lumber Person of the Year in 2025. Winning that particular award is something of a family affair. Her grandfather, Reynold Belletete, received the award in 1987, followed by her dad, Jack Belletete, in 1999, her cousin Ted Shea in 2002, her cousin Mike Shea in 2003, and her uncle, David Belletete in 2012.
That notion of family is a throughline at Belletetes, which has a number of third, fourth, and even fifth generation family members working together. The company has come a long way from its humble origins in Jaffrey, N.H., as a small general store to now boasting over 400 employees, a fleet of over 70 delivery vehicles and more than 30,000 building products in stock.
“My favorite aspect of Belletetes is that our employees are an extension of our family. Longevity within our company is amazing; we have many employees who have worked with us for over 30 years.” Working in that sort of family-friendly environment every day is a “blessing and therefore does not feel like work or a job,” she says.
As a woman in a traditionally male-skewed industry, however, she’s had to earn her stripes—and then some. “I’ve had to work twice as hard to gain the support and confidence of my male counterparts,” she says.
The Story Behind Top Woman Honoree Sara Belletete
Sara Belletete is a 2026 Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply honoree in the Business Excellence category.
