[Washington, DC]
- The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) was pleased to honor Scott Engquist with the 2019 NLBMDA Chairman’s Award. NLBMDA Chair, Bob Sanford surprised Scott with the award during the annual ProDealer Award Dinner event on October 8, during the ProDealer Industry Summit in Colorado Springs. Bob recognized Scott for his years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions toward advancing the mission and goals of NLBMDA and for being a relentless advocate in Washington D.C. on behalf of the entire lumber and building material industry.
Scott got his “official” start in the lumber and building material industry following his graduation from Iowa State University. Although, he did not officially enter the industry until after completing his education – one might say that like so many other lumbermen, he was born with sawdust in his veins.
His family operated Engquist Lumber Company, which opened for business in 1890 and was founded by his great-grandfather, Olaf. Following Olaf, his grandfather and father all owned the family business and in 1981, Scott became the fourth generation owner. For the past thirty-eight years, Scott has owned and managed the yard with the support of his loving wife (Diane) and sons (Alex and Thomas). Thomas is in line to be a fifth generation owner.
Although he considers himself “small” in the grand scheme of building material supply operations – Scott has never once shied away from supporting the industry or his associations. Scott is a true testament to the fact that you don’t always have to have the biggest operation to have a major impact. Since day one, Scott and Engquist Lumber Company have been active members of Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA), the Iowa Lumber Association (ILA) and NLBMDA.
Scott began his service to the industry in 1994 as a Trustee to the Iowa Lumber Association where he served as Chair. He quickly ascended to the Northwestern Lumber Association Chairman role and represented NLA on the NLBMDA Board of Directors from 2009 to 2014. In October of 2014 Scott assumed the role of NLBMDA Treasurer and guided the organization until earlier this month.
If this wasn't enough, Scott currently serves as a Trustee to the Lumber Dealer Political Action Committee (LuDPAC) and is the Vice Chair of the NLBMDA Legislative Affairs Committee.
In addition, Scott is an active advocate on behalf of lumber and building material dealers nationwide. Scott has faithfully attended over ten NLBMDA Legislative Conferences in order to advocate on behalf of the dealer community in Washington, DC. Scott is also passionate about serving his local community. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Security Savings Bank of Furnamville, and is a member of the Harcourt City Council where he continues to give back to the community that shaped the man and business owner he is today.
"For over twenty-five years, Scott has done more than his part to ensure that the future of the LBM industry is bright," said Bob Sanford, NLBMDA Chair. "When I first joined the NLBMDA Board of Directors, Scott was the first to welcome me and I have considered him a mentor ever since that day. He is one of the most kind and selfless individuals you will ever meet."
