Arnold Lumber Company Recognized as Top Workplace in Rhode Island

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Arnold Lumber Company emphasizes teamwork and a positive workplace culture.

News Summary

Arnold Lumber Company has been recognized by Providence Business News as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for 2025. This acknowledgment reflects the company’s commitment to a positive workplace culture, employee development, and community engagement. With over a century of experience, Arnold Lumber operates six locations in the state and recently appointed a new Vice President to enhance its market presence. The company is also integrating advanced technology to improve efficiency while investing significantly in training and community initiatives.

Rhode Island—Arnold Lumber Company has been named one of Providence Business News’ Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for 2025, highlighting its strong dedication to maintaining a positive workplace culture, employee development, and community involvement. The company, founded in 1911, is a family- and women-owned provider of building materials with over a century of operational experience.

The recognition comes as Arnold Lumber operates six locations across Rhode Island, in towns such as West Kingston, Wakefield, Bristol, and Westerly, and continues to expand its team of roughly 155 dedicated professionals. The firm aims to set industry standards for excellence, particularly by embracing innovations and adapting to the challenges of the competitive market landscape.

As part of its growth strategy, Arnold Lumber has appointed Steve Rendine as Vice President of multi-family and light commercial sectors. With 42 years in the lumber and building materials industry, Rendine will be responsible for overseeing purchasing, sales, and building a strong team to enhance the company’s position in this market segment.

Operations at Arnold Lumber are managed by Chief Operating Officer Matt Semonik, who expressed support for Rendine’s leadership, emphasizing the potential for growth under his guidance. The company’s annual sales exceed $90 million, primarily driven by special orders for products, particularly windows and doors. Given this robust financial performance, Arnold Lumber has been able to invest significantly in technology and employee training.

In an effort to enhance operational efficiency, the company has integrated advanced Epicor Warehouse Management Software into its systems. This is part of a broader commitment to embrace technology and innovation, ensuring its workforce is equipped to handle modern challenges in the lumber and building materials sector.

Arnold Lumber prioritizes a positive workplace culture, actively hiring for attitude and emphasizing employee development and training. Each year, the company invests around $200,000 in training and education initiatives for its staff. The focus on community extends beyond the workplace as well, with Arnold Lumber participating in initiatives like a toy drive and fundraising for breast cancer awareness.

Looking ahead, Arnold Lumber plans to launch a new division focused on multi-family and commercial construction. The company is also searching for property in northern Rhode Island to expand its market reach towards Boston, thereby increasing its presence in new geographic areas.

In response to evolving market conditions, Arnold Lumber’s marketing strategy has shifted predominantly towards social media to better engage with customers and enhance brand awareness. The company’s focus remains on delivering quality products and services that align with its brand promise of “Build Trust.” Currently, the customer demographic comprises 85-90% professionals, such as contractors, and 10-15% homeowners, indicating a strong foothold in the professional sector.

Ultimately, Arnold Lumber is dedicated to preserving its family-owned heritage while dynamically responding to market changes. The steadfast commitment to employee training, community engagement, and technological integration positions the company as a leader in the building materials industry in Rhode Island.