Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association (VRLDA) has named Joe Miles, president of r.k. MILES Inc, 2016 Lumber Person of the Year. The VRLDA Lumber Person of the Year recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the lumber and building materials industry as well as to his or her local community.
Joe Miles (left) and Chuck Handley, NRLA Chairman, Burke’s Do It Best, take a moment to pose for a photo at the VRLDA’s 2016 Golf Outing and Annual Meeting held at Green Mountain National in Killington, VT on September 22. Courtesy photo.
Born in Bennington and raised in Arlington, Miles is the third generation to lead r.k. MILES which was founded in 1940 by his grandfather, Richard. Miles, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, began his career by working his way up the ranks and taking over leadership of the company in 1992. Since that time, Miles has expanded the company to include additional locations in Vermont and Massachusetts.
“Our business has enjoyed such a long tenure due to my grandfather’s early belief in fair business practices and participation in the communities we serve,” explained Miles. “At heart, we are a family business that focuses on being creative, forward thinking, and easy to do business with.”
In addition to leading the expansion of r.k. MILES, Miles has served in several key industry leadership positions including: chair of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (2015), and president of the VRLDA (2014-15). Additionally, he has been involved in many local organizations including the Manchester Select Board, board member and chair of Hunter Park, and board member and chair of the Friends of the Manchester Elementary and Middle Schools.
Miles received his Lumber Person of the Year award at the VRLDA’s Annual Meeting in Killington on September 22. He will also be recognized, along with fellow Lumber Persons of the Year from across the Northeast, at 2017 LBM Expo in Providence, RI, on February 16, 2017. LBM Expo is the largest regional event in the lumber and building material industry.
About r.k. MILES
Established in 1940, r.k. MILES, Inc, based in Manchester Center, has years of experience backed with unparalleled products and services. With four convenient locations in Vermont and Massachusetts, the company is poised to serve its areas with timely deliveries and on-site consultation. No matter the scope of the project, the r.k. MILES team of knowledgeable professionals will help every customer achieve success.
About VRLDA
Established in 1931, the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association was formed to fulfill a leadership role by identifying challenges, changes, and opportunities that will insure its members’ business success and future. VRLDA is one of fourteen state and local associations across the Northeast associated with the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA).
Source: VRLDA 10.6.2016