For more than a century, Michigan Lumber Company has supplied quality building materials to contractors, builders and homeowners throughout mid-Michigan. Founded in 1916, the third-generation, family owned company is celebrating 110 years in business while continuing the traditions that have defined it for generations.
Helping lead that legacy is General Manager Matthew Paruch, whose career in the building materials industry spans more than three decades. Matthew began his career in 1989 at Churches Lumber in Auburn Hills. Five years later, he joined Erb Lumber as a driver, steadily advancing into operations and sales positions at several locations throughout the Detroit area. When his branch closed in 2004, he accepted a position with a millwork manufacturer in northern Oakland County.
Like many in the construction industry, Matthew’s career took an unexpected turn during the housing downturn in 2008. He returned to school, earned a degree in radiological physics and began working at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, now McLaren Oakland.
But the lumber business never stopped calling.
In 2013, Matthew learned of a part-time opportunity with his former employer, Churches Lumber. While balancing both jobs, he quickly realized where his passion truly belonged. “At that time, I realized how much I missed the building materials industry,” he recalled. “I left Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital and returned to Churches full time.”
It has been an absolute honor leading Michigan Lumber into its second century at our Flint location on Clifford Street, where the company has operated since 1916.”
— Matthew Paruch
Another opportunity came along in 2018 when Matthew became General Manager of Carter Lumber’s growing door and millwork distribution operation in Lansing. Two years later, he accepted the position with Michigan Lumber Company, bringing him closer to home and to what he describes as a more personal, family oriented business under the ownership of Gerry Haan.
“It has been an absolute honor leading Michigan Lumber into its second century at our Flint location on Clifford Street, where the company has operated since 1916,” Matthew said.
That family atmosphere remains one of the company’s greatest strengths. Yard Supervisor Tommy Howay has been with Michigan Lumber since 1988 and represents the third generation of his family to work for the company. In the millwork department, Harvey and Chris Jamick continue another family tradition as father and son, crafting custom doors and moldings — a specialty Michigan Lumber has proudly offered for 110 years.
Matthew says that commitment to family extends beyond the company’s history. “The family tradition carries on by bringing my oldest son, Jeffrey, into the fold during his summer breaks from school,” he said.
As Michigan Lumber celebrates 110 years of serving the community, its enduring success is rooted in the same values that have guided the company from the beginning: family, craftsmanship, quality service and a commitment to the people of mid-Michigan.
Matthew took a few minutes from his busy schedule to answer the following questions for My City Magazine.
Celebrating 20 years of marriage to my wife, which is a miraculous achievement.
1 As a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
A bass player in a rock band. At a young age, I didn’t have the confidence to be the front man, but that eventually changed.
2 What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play?
Baseball. I enjoy watching the game and attending Detroit Tigers games whenever I can. When I was younger, I spent many nights playing in softball leagues with friends and played baseball throughout my school years.
3 What are you most passionate about?
Raising my two children, Jeffrey, 19, and Jacob, 14, alongside my wife, Lyndsay. Ensuring we raise grounded, well-rounded and confident children is our first job as parents and the most important job I’ll ever have.
4 What’s a goal you’ve recently accomplished?
Celebrating 20 years of marriage to my wife, which is a miraculous achievement. In my early 20s, I couldn’t imagine myself getting married. It’s amazing how much your life can change from your original plan. One minute you’re thinking you’ll be a bachelor for life; the next, you’ve been married for 20 years and have two children. God has a plan — listen.
5 What’s one thing you wish you had more time to do?
Golf. Although I have a lot of room for improvement, I always enjoy getting out on the course.
6 What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Put in the work and never stop learning. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. A strong work ethic is something I strive to instill not only in my children, but also in my team at Michigan Lumber Company. First and foremost, you have to do the work. Show up, be present and give it your best.
7 What’s something people would never guess about you?
I love boating, snowmobiling and cats … not necessarily in that order.
