Ed Hayes is our most experienced driver having worked for Bender Lumber for over 50 years. When store manager Ed Craig refers to Ed he says “nobody does it better”. These are not just words out of Ed’s mouth, Mr. Hayes shows how he is committed to our purpose each day.

Ed works and seems to show no regard for his personal time, especially when it comes to taking care of our customers. Working late or even on his days off are a regular occurrence with Ed Hayes.

Last week and during a heat wave many employees would leave early, trying to get relief from the heat but not Ed. Volunteering to make a long run to Madison to pick up a set of concrete steps for a client was just the start of Ed’s week.

Then the very next day Ed would gladly make a late trip to pick up some treated lumber at the distribution center, each night arriving back much later than the store would be open.

It’s with great associates like Ed Hayes that we succeed. People are often surprised by the success of Bender Lumber as we compete against much larger entities. Our secret? Associates like Extra Mile club member Ed Hayes who aspire to be what our “Core Values” say we should be. These values guide us each day. We do not always live each one. When we fail we use them to remind ourselves of our promise to our clients and each other.

Being an Extra Mile Club member is a special and exclusive club, and we welcome Ed Hayes with open arms and appreciate the many years of service he has delivered for Bender Lumber.