21. Hammond Lumber Company • 298 N. Main St., Rochester • hammondlumber.com
Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures: My firm provides opportunities to socialize and celebrate special events: 91% agree. I feel comfortable talking to my superiors about any concerns I might have about my work: 91% agree
President & CEO: Mike Hammond
Years in Business: 73 (4 in NH)
Full-time Employees: 1,109 (49 in NH)
Years on List: 4
More than 70 years after opening a small sawmill in Belgrade, Maine, Hammond Lumber Company remains family owned—and that family-first philosophy continues to define its workplace culture.
Hammond combines the resources of a large company with a close-knit atmosphere. Employees are encouraged to build long-term careers through training, mentorship and internal advancement.
Hammond emphasizes respect, teamwork, safety, community involvement and customer care. An Employee Engagement Committee with representatives from every branch helped to shape volunteer time off policies, wellness programs, appreciation events, scheduling improvements and better communication.
Benefits include flexible scheduling, paid volunteer time and annual health reimbursement account contributions of $800 for individual coverage and $1,600 for other coverage levels. Hammond matches 50% of the first 4% employees contribute to their 401(k), provides free access to an investment advisor and offers oil and propane discounts. Employees also receive health coaching, an employee assistance program and professional training.
Recognition is another company hallmark. Employees receive discretionary bonuses, while longevity bonuses begin at $1,000 after 25 years and increase to $50,000 after 50 years. In 2025, Hammond awarded seven longevity bonuses totaling $56,985. Anniversaries are also celebrated with jackets and companywide recognition. Employee appreciation extends to families through outings that included a Mariners hockey game, a Professional Bull Riders show and a Portland Sea Dogs game in 2025, along with catered lunches and barbecues.
Each November and December, employees and customers raise money for Wreaths Across America while staff wear red on Fridays to “Remember Everyone Deployed.” Hammond donates a tractor-trailer to transport wreaths to veterans’ cemeteries.
