We are always in the business of celebrating our own people! Every year Team Hancock recognizes an Employee of the Year per Hancock location, and we are excited to announce the 2024 recipients. Congratulations to all of those being recognized for their hard work, loyalty, positive attitudes and commitment to our company culture and customers! Read about each employee and what their teammates had to say about them.
Hancock Location: Retail Operations Center
Employee of the Year: James Gigliotti | Program & Commodities Manager
James Gigliotti has earned the honor of 2024 Employee of the Year for the Retail Operations Center. James is the primary Commodity Purchaser for Hancock Lumber and he does an excellent job of staying one step ahead of the market to position our sellers with very competitive costs on the highest quality framing lumber and sheathing available. He communicates market insight and data to our team and customers, while also making himself easily accessible to all our managers and sellers. In addition, James has the added role of Chief Negotiator for all the vendor purchasing programs we maintain annually. Through his understanding, insights, and market connections, he has been able to negotiate all our programs to improve both market costs and vendor incentives in 2024, greatly contributing to the company’s performance. James is a smart, ambitious, insightful and very productive contributor to our entire team. Well-deserved and congratulations James!
Hancock Location: Wolfeboro
Employee of the Year: Tracy Frost | Driver Pro
Wolfeboro would like to honor Tracy Frost as their 2024 Employee of the Year! Tracy is an employee all should emulate. He always has a positive attitude, which makes every day an enjoyable one when working with him. Tracy is quick to do whatever is asked of him, and help any of his teammates with tasks that need to be done around the facility. He has also continued to show how dependable, reliable, and consistent he is through his work, which is something that everyone in our location admires. In short, Tracy embodies the Team Hancock culture in every way and is a joy to have on our team. Congratulations Tracy on this great achievement!
Hancock Location: Damariscotta
Employee of the Year: Steven York | Millwork Specialist
The Damariscotta team would like to announce Steven York as the 2024 Employee of the Year! Steven takes his job seriously and is diligent in ensuring millwork is received, tagged, and placed in an efficient manner. He is always willing to help in other areas of the yard including unloading trucks, helping customers, and assisting with shipping when the need arises. Steven does all of this with ease and a positive attitude, even in very challenging environments. He has been with us for over two years now and has proven to be a valuable teammate we all count on—congratulations Steven on this well-earned award!
Hancock Location: Home Office
Employee of the Year: Anna Russo | Senior HR Business Partner
Congratulations to Anna Russo, Hancock Lumber’s 2024 Home Office Employee of the Year! In her first year since rejoining Team Hancock, Anna has demonstrated the best of what shared leadership and using your true voice is all about. She has gone above and beyond to transform her own role and support her colleagues in remarkable ways. Her leadership and dedication during this year’s HR team transition were nothing short of inspiring. Anna recognized that her genius and best-fitting role would be in the field and bravely spoke up to inquire about moving positions. Throughout this process, she led by example, encouraging and embracing change with grace and positivity, all while onboarding our new CPO, Hillary Roy. Anna has welcomed her new teammate with enthusiasm to ensure a seamless transition. Anna’s leadership and courage to explore a new opportunity, combined with her ability to lead with compassion and collaboration, set an incredible example for us all. Her work this year has not only strengthened the HR team but also enriched Hancock Lumber’s culture overall. Anna’s leadership and positivity is noticed, appreciated, and truly admired. Thank you, Anna, for your outstanding contributions and the enthusiasm you bring to our team every day—we’re so proud to recognize you as our 2024 Home Office Employee of the Year!
Hancock Location: Bridgton
Employee of the Year: Andy Bariteau | Driver Pro
Andy Bariteau has earned the honor of 2024 Employee of the Year for the Bridgton location! In the words of Toni Vacca, the 2023 Bridgton Employee of the Year, “Andy is a person that you always want on your team. He is a hard worker, always has a good attitude, treats customers with respect and friendliness, is thoughtful and helpful to his coworkers, and he is just an all-around good person. I cannot think of one thing that is not positive about Andy. He goes above and beyond and is a huge asset to this company. We are lucky to work with him!” Bridgton GM, Micah Voter, commented that he couldn’t say it any better. Speaking about above and beyond, Andy has opened his home on multiple occasions for company gatherings, for which the team is grateful! Thank you for all that you have contributed to our location and congratulations on being named our Employee of the Year!
Hancock Location: North Conway
Employee of the Year: Butch Foss | Inside Sales Support
Mike Foss, known as Butch around here, has been chosen as North Conway’s 2024 Employee of the Year. Butch started with Hancock Lumber as a Counter Pro in 2020 and a year later moved to Inside Sales Support. He has been an integral part of our sales team, supporting our employees and customers as we’ve grown. Butch is dependable and willing to help where needed. Whether opening the store, working the counter, or answering phones, he is always willing to go above and beyond. He has a great relationship with our customers, and they know that they can rely on him to get the job done. Butch is not afraid to share his voice, teach others, or jump in when something needs to be taken care of. He is well deserving of this award! Congratulations Butch and thank you for all that you do!
Hancock Location: Casco EWP Mill
Employee of the Year: Paden Brett | Equipment Operator
The Casco Sawmill is proud to announce Paden Brett as the 2024 Employee of the Year! Paden joined Team Hancock in 2016 and has spent his time here in the sawmill. It has been fun to watch Paden grow and mature over these past eight years. He has a great attitude, is a great teammate, and proudly represents the culture of Hancock Lumber. Very seldom in our business do you have an employee who can run every machine center in the mill and run them all at a high level of efficiency. Paden is the only one on the Casco sawmill team who can wear this hat. A few years ago, he showed interest in learning how to be a Sawyer, a role that takes most people several months or even years to excel at. Paden proved to be a quick learner and within a few months was up to speed with production and sawing on his own while working safely and maintaining quality. Today, he is a top performer at this machine center—smooth, fast, safe, and very productive. One of his best days occurred recently—the log mix was good, no downtime was needed, and he sawed at 16,620 bf/hr, with 9.9 lines a minute. Sawmill Supervisor, Cliff McConkey shared, “Paden has three first names (Paden, Lee, Brett) so if Paden is behind you, you can ask Lee or Brett to help.” Paden is always willing to take on the challenge you give him. The Casco team is thankful and proud to have Paden as a teammate, making the Employee of the Year for 2024 an easy choice. Great Job Paden!
Hancock Location: Tiny Homes of Maine
Employee of the Year: Jillian “Roscoe” Ross | Carpenter
It is with great pleasure that Tiny Homes of Maine has selected Jillian Ross for the prestigious title of 2024 Employee of the Year! Since joining our team in 2021, Jillian has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, broad skill set, and positive attitude that sets her apart as a top performer. Jillian is an outstanding carpenter! Whether she is installing trim, flooring, cabinetry, or putting the final touches on a project, her craftsmanship is unparalleled. Her dedication to excellence ensures that every task is completed to the highest standards, making her an invaluable asset to our team. In addition to her carpentry skills, Jillian has also proven herself to be proficient in electrical work. She approaches this task with the same professionalism and attention to detail, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft. Whether she’s working with wood or wiring, Jillian consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the job is done right. She is incredibly reliable and always completes her work on time. She is dependable in every sense of the word, making her a key member of the team. Her positive attitude and willingness to collaborate make her a joy to work with. She contributes to a supportive and encouraging work environment, always stepping up when needed. Jillian’s exceptional skill, dedication, and reliability make her more than deserving of the Employee of the Year recognition. We are lucky to have her as a part of the Tiny Homes of Maine family, and we look forward to her continued success within the company.
Hancock Location: Brunswick
Employee of the Year: CB Sylvester | Estimator
Brunswick would like to congratulate CB Sylvester on being named the 2024 Employee of the Year! CB began his career at Hancock Lumber in 2004 as an Estimator, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the industry. With 23 years of expertise, CB has not only excelled in his role but has also become a cornerstone member of the team. His keen attention to detail, efficiency, and accuracy in estimating have made him an invaluable asset to Hancock Lumber. What truly sets CB apart is his willingness to share his extensive knowledge with others. Always eager to mentor and guide the next generation, CB’s commitment to helping his colleagues grow professionally is a testament to his leadership and dedication. His approach to teamwork and his exemplary work ethic have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of the entire company. As an estimator, CB’s contributions have been critical to the success of many projects, and his impact extends far beyond his individual role. For his exceptional performance, unwavering dedication, and steady mentorship, CB is a deserving recipient of the Employee of the Year award.
Hancock Location: Saco
Employee of the Year: Gavin Dancsak | Counter Pro
Gavin Dancsak has been awarded the 2024 Employee of the Year for Saco! Gavin first came to Team Hancock working in the lumberyard at various locations before landing in Saco. Expressing interest in the Counter Pro position, Gavin quickly excelled at the many tasks that were handed his way. He absorbs more responsibility without hesitation, including taking on several key, vendor-ordering tasks. Although his new role is at the counter, Gavin does not hesitate to fill any voids in the yard, even on short notice. He can be found covering receiving, order coordinating, and other roles in the yard, even on short notice. His willingness to take on extra training and expanding his knowledge across multiple roles has greatly impacted our location for the better. Gavin’s can-do attitude and exemplary work ethic make him the perfect selection for our Employee of the Year! Great job Gavin and congratulations!
Hancock Location: Windham
Employee of the Year: Dylan Mathieson | Millwork Handler
Hancock Lumber Windham would like to announce Dylan Mathieson as our 2024 Employee of the Year! Dylan is a bright light for our location, with the personality and commitment that make him someone we all look forward to seeing and working with every day. Dylan has received many compliments from our customers on his service and willingness to help, as said best by one of our long-time customers, “That kid’s a keepah!” Dylan is wrapping up his first year at Hancock Lumber as a Millwork Handler and has shown the willingness to learn other positions, including his current training to become a Driver Pro. His work ethic, positive attitude, and perpetual smile make Dylan a prime example for contributing to our work environment in a positive way. He is a true Team Hancock Ambassador and a testament to our company’s aspirations at work. Thank you for all you bring to the table Dylan and congratulations!
Hancock Location: Yarmouth
Employee of the Year: Drew Storey | Yard Pro
Drew Story has been chosen for the prestigious title of Yarmouth’s 2024 Employee of the Year! Drew has worn many hats for Hancock Lumber since joining the team as a Stocker at just 14 years old. Since graduating college and joining us full time, Drew has continued to expand his roles, including becoming a backup Driver Pro and backup Logistics Manager. Drew’s internal drive to learn more and his willingness to take on new challenges have made him an integral part of the Yarmouth team and our success. Here is just one example of what Drew’s teammates have to say about him: “Andrew has been a stable, reliable, and positive asset to our yard and logistics teams. He has done a fantastic job filling in for Dan in logistics and manages stressful situations with a can-do attitude. Drew has an outstanding sense of teamwork and an infectious good-natured spirit. He very much deserves this honor and recognition.” Thank you for all you bring to our location and congratulations Drew!
Hancock Location: Casco Bargain Barn
Employee of the Year: Nick Tash | Counter Pro
The Casco Bargain Barn announces Nick Tash as our 2024 Employee of the Year! Nick holds the longest tenure with Casco Retail, being hired in October of 2017. Nick has proven himself to be a true Hancock Lumber Ambassador. Nick started his career as a Yard Pro in 2017, then was promoted to Counter Pro, and now is our Inventory Manager who helps out in the yard. Time and time again, Nick has proven himself to be an incredible employee. He is always willing to pitch in and help when needed, and more importantly anticipates moments of need from others and steps in without hesitation. Nick shares our team mindset and focuses on a Safety 24/7 attitude. He consistently works to make everyone’s day go a little better. Nick is the go-to guy for all-around assistance—in the words of his fellow teammates: “He is a great teacher, eager to help out, a true VIP in every position inside and outside of the store.” Nick has played a huge role in developing Casco Retail into what it is today. He helped to evolve numerous processes and procedures that happen daily here in Casco to make them simpler and more efficient, has played a huge role in onboarding new employees, and shows continued effort in support of the growth and betterment of our store. Nick is trusted to make the right decisions, and we cannot thank you enough for what you bring to the team each day. What an amazing accomplishment you have earned—two-time Employee of the Year! Congrats Nick!
Hancock Location: Augusta
Employee of the Year: Jim Bell | Yard Pro
Jim Bell has earned the distinct honor of 2024 Employee of the Year for Augusta! Jim started with LaPointe Lumber in May of 2021 and has remained with us as we made the transition to joining Team Hancock. Jim handled this transition with ease and became a true Team Hancock Ambassador, as evidenced by his incredible work ethic. Jim is an exemplary employee who consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does. He is always willing to take on any task, no matter how challenging, with a positive attitude and a readiness to help. His commitment to excellence is evident in his work, as he consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. Jim’s dedication and proactive approach make him a valuable asset to the team, always stepping in where needed and ensuring that every task is a success. Thank you, Jim, for your years of service, willingness to go above and beyond, and your positive attitude! Congratulations for being our 2024 Employee of the Year!
Hancock Location: Bethel EWP Mill
Employee of the Year: Jerry Gautreau | Boiler Operator
Our Bethel Sawmill team has selected Jerry Gautreau as our 2024 Employee of the Year! Jerry started working for Hancock Lumber in January of 2007. In that time, Jerry has been a valuable team member in the boiler house. Jerry has a positive attitude and is often called on for his knowledge and expertise in the plant. Jerry is known for being a reliable and responsible team member who is always willing to help and put in extra effort around vacation coverage and plant shutdowns. Jerry maintains an exceptionally clean work area when he is on shift and excels at all his job responsibilities above and beyond boiler operation. Jerry has also proven to be an invaluable resource when training new or inexperienced operators. Congratulations Jerry on being this year’s selection for Bethel’s Employee of the Year!
Hancock Location: Mainely Trusses
Employee of the Year: Chad Fecteau | Yard Lead
We are pleased to announce that Mainely Trusses has selected Chad Fecteau for the 2024 Employee of the Year award. For the past 24 years, Chad has demonstrated remarkable dedication and hard work, making him an integral part of our team. In his role as Yard Lead for the last six years, Chad has consistently ensured that our lumber is effectively prepared for cutting each day and our yard is kept clean and well organized. His hard work and dedication have greatly contributed to our team’s success. Additionally, Chad plays a vital role in offloading trucks and assisting in the loading of trusses for delivery as needed. Chad’s exceptional reliability and strong leadership qualities make him a valued member of our organization. He consistently goes above and beyond to facilitate smooth production operations, often putting in extra hours when required. We are truly appreciative of Chad’s contributions. Congratulations Chad, on this well-deserved accolade!
Hancock Location: Kennebunk
Employee of the Year: Josiah Harrington | Driver Pro
Josiah Harrington has been awarded the 2024 Employee of the Year for our Kennebunk location! As a member of our operations team, Josiah is willing to put in the extra time when we are busy but more importantly, understands the impact on the bigger picture as a Driver Pro if things are not done accurately and in a timely way. Josiah is an example of a great team player with a positive attitude and his teammates find he is a pleasure to work with and be around. Josiah is diligent about completing tasks to a high standard and also applies himself with the same level of enthusiasm to provide top-notch service to Hancock Lumber customers. Josiah consistently receives compliments from both customers and sales staff about how he conducts himself on the jobsites. He is a great asset to Hancock Lumber as part of our team in Kennebunk. Thank you Josiah, and congratulations on this great award!
Hancock Location: Pittsfield EWP Mill
Employee of the Year: Angie Fitts | Office Coordinator
Our Pittsfield Team congratulates Angie Fitts for earning the 2024 Employee of the Year award! Whenever you enter the Pittsfield Mill, you are most likely met with her warm and welcoming smile. Not only is Angie the Office Coordinator for our sawmill, but she also lends an ear to many of the employees in times of need. Angie is always there to help with any question or problem—always with a positive and glowing attitude. Pittsfield is fortunate to have Angie as a front-door to the mill as she is the ultimate Hancock Lumber Ambassador. Hancock Lumber benefits from her professional attitude and pleasant personality when dealing with our customers. Thank you for all you do Angie and congratulations on this amazing achievement!
