12. Hammond Lumber Company • 298 North Main St., Rochester • hammondlumber.com
Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures: I am actively helped with my professional development: 98% agree. I routinely receive feedback from my manager: 96% agree
President and CEO: Mike Hammond
Years in Business: 72
Full-time Employees: 946 (47 in NH)
Years on List: 3
Founded in 1953 with a single sawmill and two employees, this fourth-generation, family-owned company has grown into one of the largest independent lumber and building material retailers in the Northeast, with more than 900 employees across 22 locations in Maine and NH. But even as it expands, Hammond keeps its roots in family, safety, and employee care firmly intact.
“We believe one of the advantages of being a family-owned business is our ability to invest directly in our employees,” says Mike Hammond, president and CEO.
That investment is evident in a robust slate of benefits and recognition initiatives from surprise “Season of Thanks” bonuses and flexible schedules to catered branch lunches, volunteer time off, and longevity bonuses. Hammond issues bi-annual discretionary bonuses to all employees in June and December. In December full-time employees received an additional $500 appreciation bonus and part-time employees received $125 on top of discretionary bonuses.
Hammond has an Employee Engagement Committee with representatives from every branch to turn employee feedback into improvements, from payroll changes to new wellness programs that include mental health services for staff and families.Hammond has a winter-long professional training program for all job types, a dedicated Learning Management System with mobile access, an annual expo where more than 200 vendors train staff in product knowledge, and a mentorship program.
“We’ve worked hard to create a company where someone can stay and grow for a lifetime,” says Sadie Hammond Berube, director of organizational development. And many do. More than 270 employees have been with the company over a decade.
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Hammond has made diversity a priority. Women now hold leadership roles at every level, including in operations and on the executive team.
