EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (March 24, 2025) – 84 Lumber recently celebrated the outstanding contributions and achievements of its associates at its annual awards banquet, held at the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The event, which honored individuals who went above and beyond in driving the company’s success in 2024, spotlighted 84 Lumber’s commitment to its associates’ development and growth.
Among the distinguished honorees were:
Manager of the Year: Steve Coning
Manufacturing Manager of the Year: Craig Caldwell
Area Manager of the Year: Matt Watkins
Rookie of the Year: Robert Decosmo
The ceremony was the highlight of the evening, with 84 Lumber owner and CEO, Maggie Hardy, personally acknowledging the recipients for their remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to the company's success.
“This event is always one I look forward to each year,” said Hardy. “Our associates are the backbone of everything we do, and we owe our continued success to their hard work, determination, and loyalty. Without their passion and commitment, none of this would be possible.”
The Manager of the Year award was presented to Steve Coning, who has dedicated more than two decades to 84 Lumber. A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Coning started his journey with the company in 2002 as a Manager Trainee at the Kansas City location. He continued to climb the ladder and now serves as the Store Manager in Winter Garden, Florida. Reflecting on his career, Coning expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he’s had at 84 Lumber.
Pictured: Steve Coning & Maggie Hardy
“I’ve been with the company for 23 years,” said Coning. “I didn’t think anyone would put their time into me. I had two things: effort and potential. I just needed a little bit of guidance. I needed somebody or some company to steer me in the right direction, and 84 Lumber became that landing spot for me. Once you find that, you are home, and I think I’ve been home for the last 23 years.”
For more on Steve, click here.
Manufacturing Manager of the Year was awarded to Craig Caldwell, who has been with the company since August 2003. Staring in Plant City, Florida as an Operations Manager, he has demonstrated hard work and dedication. Over the years, Caldwell has displayed exceptional leadership, with one of his greatest strengths being his deep understanding of his team members, a quality that has been consistently recognized by those he leads.
Pictured: Ken Kucera, Maggie Hardy, & Craig Caldwell
“Without all my people, their dedication, support, tenacity, and drive, none of this would be possible. 84 Lumber is more family than it is business here. I want my team to feel they can come to me and talk to me about anything,” said Caldwell.
For more on Craig, click here.
Winning the award for Area Manager of the Year was Matt Watkins. Starting his 84 Lumber career in Columbus, Georgia, as a Manager Trainee in 2003, Watkins was determined to make a difference in the lives of those on his team. As his success continued, he became an Area Manager in January 2020, using the opportunity to mentor and develop his team in helping them achieve their goals.
Pictured: Matt Watkins & Maggie Hardy
“I just want to put people in an opportunity to be successful. I hope that our guys feel I’m what they need at the moment. Sometimes they need motivation, sometimes they need to know that somebody cares about them, and sometimes they need to know that we are going to stand behind the challenges they are facing,” said Watkins.
For more on Matt, click here.
Finally, Robert Decosmo was honored with the Rookie of the Year award. He began his journey with 84 Lumber in January 2024 at the Springfield, Massachusetts location, where he started as a Manager Trainee. Due to his exceptional performance and dedication, Decosmo quickly stood out and was promoted to the role of Manager just a few months later, in July 2024, at the Malta, New York location.
Pictured: Robert Decosmo & Maggie Hardy
“One thing I tell my guys every day, is bring the gas,” stated Decosmo. “We want to treat every day like it’s the Super Bowl. It’s not just an exhibition game, the way we treat every day is just to win.”
For more on Robert, click here.
This year’s awards reaffirm 84 Lumber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of performance, leadership, and teamwork—values that continue to propel the company’s growth and success. Through recognizing and supporting its associates, 84 Lumber is poised to continue thriving in the years ahead.
84 Lumber is the leading supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates more than 320 facilities in 34 states and is continuing to grow. To learn more, visit www.84lumber.com or follow 84 Lumber on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information.
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ABOUT 84 LUMBER
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation’s largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. 84 Lumber, a certified women’s business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. Named one of Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America for both 2024 and 2025, 84 Lumber was also honored as one of USA Today’s Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has been honored as one of America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has also earned a spot on the list of America’s Top Private Companies from 2019 to 2024. In 2023, the company was also honored with a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.