John Lyons, our new Millwork Products Sales Manager, not only brings a wealth of experience in the lumber industry to his position, but also a deep passion for music and people.
Based out of Hammond, Louisiana, Lyons recently started working with OHC in November of 2017. However, he brings over three decades of experience in the lumber business.
He states, “I started in the hardwood lumber distribution business in the mid-80s, and I’ve worked for three different Hardwood Lumber Distributors over that time span. I’ve spent most of my time in the Gulf Coast region, managing sales for different types of domestic and imported hardwoods, cypress, hardwood plywood, mouldings and related specialty products.”
Over his long career, he’s built up an extensive knowledge of the hardwood industry as well as a knack for being a strong team builder.
When asked what is the biggest asset he brings to the OHC team, Lyons answered, “I’ve been working in sales as a sales manager for a long time so I feel like my ability to ‘bridge the gap’ between our customer’s needs and our company’s abilities is probably my biggest asset.”
He believes that, “Listening to and understanding what the expectations are from our customers is the first step. Then, filling those needs and exceeding those expectations, while being true to what our company can supply, is the key to being successful in our industry.”
Even from a short conversation with Lyons, it’s clear that he is truly passionate about creating connections with people. Another way he lives out this passion is with his band, The Wiseguys.
“I play music professionally in New Orleans. So, when I’m not selling lumber or at home with my family, I’m a saxophone player. The Wiseguys perform many private and corporate events, as well as festivals and Mardi Gras events every year” says Lyons.
The Wiseguys have even opened for national acts like KISS, Maroon 5, and Carrie Underwood in the past years. They’ll open for Rod Stewart in the Superdome at The Endymion Extravaganza and also Huey Lewis and the News at The Bacchus Rendezvous in New Orleans during this year’s Mardi Gras.
While his musical talent has given him the opportunity to share the stage with many widely-acclaimed artists, it’s also been a way to build deeper relationships with clients and coworkers.
He’s played at weddings of his clients’ children, along with corporate events in the lumber industry like the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) Convention.
Whether he is playing his saxophone with The Wiseguys or selling hardwood products for OHC, Lyons brings a passion for creating connections with people. This, matched with his longevity and knowledge in the hardwood business, makes him the perfect candidate to be a part of growing OHC.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Overseas Hardwoods. Having an opportunity to help build the millwork products division is exciting to me. Wonderful products, such as Nemesu, Seraya and Engineered Door Stiles are a welcomed opportunity to the Millwork industry. OHC is a great company and our history shows that we’ve delivered great products and service for our customers, as well as created a company that our employees are proud to be a part of,” says Lyons.
Feel free to contact John with any questions or inquires:
John Lyons
Millwork Products Sales Manager
jlyons@ohc.net
Cell# (985) 969-1592
Check out his band here: www.wiseguysband.com
