Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Monday, September 15, and ends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025
EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2025) – 84 Lumber is proud to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month by shining a spotlight on the contributions, culture, and inspiring stories of its Hispanic associates nationwide.
This year, 84 Lumber is spotlighting two associates whose journeys reflect the perseverance, passion, and values that define the Hispanic community and the spirit of this celebration.
Turning Opportunity into Success
Aurora Hernaiz, an outside sales coordinator at 84 Lumber’s West Springfield, Massachusetts store, began her career with the company in September 2022 after working in retail.
“I was drawn to 84 Lumber because I wanted a change in scenery and pace. Building a career in an industry that was new to me was also appealing,” said Hernaiz.
Hernaiz started as a manager trainee – 84 Lumber's MT program is a key component of its expansion and talent development strategy, particularly in the context of opening new retail locations and manufacturing facilities. The program offers a pathway for motivated individuals to enter the construction industry, learn store operations, and advance into management roles. Trainees receive comprehensive on-the-job training, including sales, freight handling, material estimation, and inventory management, with opportunities for promotion.
“My first impression of 84 was nothing but good – it’s a good environment to work and grow a career within the industry.”
84 Lumber outside sales representative Edison Severino, based in Fort Myers, Florida, joined 84 Lumber in 2021 with the hope of working in the door shop. Recognizing his potential, his manager instead encouraged to enter the company’s Manager Trainee program – a pivotal moment that launched his career.
“I didn’t have a clear career path before 84, but this company gave me a sense of direction and purpose,” said Severino. “My manager saw something in me that I hadn’t quite seen in myself, and he suggested that I’d be a better fit as a manager trainee. Looking back, that was a great career decision – I’ve been growing with the company ever since.”
Severino emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 20 and began cleaning roofs and painting homes. Over time, he studied English, learned construction skills, and ultimately found a long-term career path with 84 Lumber.
“The MT program helped me understand the industry,” said Severino. “I didn't have any background in construction, and the program helped me, and others I've spoken to also agree. The education and training at 84 Lumber is amazing.”
Severino said 84 Lumber’s established, traditional business approach appealed to him, as well as the company’s ladder of opportunity.
“What helped me succeed were the opportunities I saw within the company. When I gave 100% effort, I received that back in return,” said Severino. “In [five years from now], I see myself at 84 Lumber. I am not going anywhere.”
Hernaiz – who is now in college studying for a master’s in child psychology – credits her success at 84 Lumber to her determination, hard work, and organization, along with the support of her fellow associates.
“I love working with the other associates here at my store. I also love the relationships I've built along the way within the company and outside of it as well.”
A Celebration of Culture and Remembrance
Both Hernaiz and Severino say that Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than parades and festivities — it’s about recognizing the values that shape their lives and careers.
“[I] eventually saw how important it is to celebrate the culture and the contributions that people of Hispanic heritage bring to our society,” said Severino. “What I love most about my culture is our shared happiness and instant connection, no matter where we’re from.”
“What I cherish about my culture,” said Hernaiz, “is that my heritage has shaped my values, goals, and personality. Hispanic Heritage Month is about strength, community, and traditions. It’s an opportunity to spotlight the experiences and voices of Hispanic Americans in our culture.”
For Severino, Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating both culture and contributions.
“I feel proud seeing Hispanics thrive in the construction industry, building homes at high speeds and witnessing the hard work and effort they bring to the industry,” said Severino.
“As a whole, we can always get to know more about everyone’s cultures, and show initiative that we care about everyone, not only our associates but our customers as well,” said Hernaiz. “[We should] try to do more within the communities we serve.”
“I believe 84 Lumber is on the right path,” added Severino. “We’re hiring more bilingual associates, and it’s improving communication and collaboration across the company. 84 has shown a lot of empathy and opportunity to Hispanic workers who are willing to work hard and provide for their families.”
As 84 Lumber continues to grow across the U.S., the company is dedicated to fostering a culture where every associate feels valued and supported.
“I am a man of few words, but there's a quote I would like to share with everyone – it’s from [Cuban salsa singer] Celia Cruz, who said, ‘When an opportunity presents itself, grab it, hold on tight and don't let go.’”
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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.