b'THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINELESTER BUILDINGS 75 YEARS STANDING THE TEST OF TIMEINDUSTRY NEWSW hat began in 1947 in a twenty-fourin 1947, John, who is now our companys CEO, says. hundred square foot warehouse in LesterIts really important to me that Lester continues to Prairie, MN, has grown into a nationalthrive after I retire. People are building their lives building manufacturer operating in 36 states withand their livelihoods around this business, and I over 170 independent dealers. want to make sure that continues.For any company to not only survive, but thriveTo that end, John has been transitioning the for nearly a century, innovation has to be in itsbusiness to the next generation of leaders: current DNA. Lester Buildings, a leader in the design andpresident Mark Billstrom, CFO Melanie Hoof, VP manufacturing of post-frame buildings was rootedof Engineering Services Ted Helmink and VP of in the agricultural sector until they innovated andManufacturing Tyler Bennett.transitioned to serve many additional markets. This transition has given them the opportunityThese four key leaders are gradually buying into to construct engineered pole buildings forthe ownership of the business and the entire buy-the livestock, agricultural, equestrian, hobby,out will be completed in the next couple of years, commercial and residential markets. All LesterJohn explains. We all have a passion to provide buildings are custom designed and engineered tohigh quality product and services, and I look for meet the varying wind and snow load requirementsreally good things to come in the future.found across the country. One aspect to look forward to is building on our Looking toward the next 75 years rich tradition in agriculture and expanding into I was always impressed with Lesters legacy, startingother markets like residential housing, and home and hobby. Our buildings are becoming more 38 / FRAME BUILDER - NOV2022'