EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. (April 30, 2025) – As part of its 10th annual Operation Appreciation campaign, 84 Lumber is proud to shine a spotlight on one of its own: Matthew Salaices, co-manager at the company’s Danville, Indiana, store.
A veteran of the United States Army, Salaices served as a cavalry scout from 2002 to 2017. His military career included three deployments to Iraq totaling 39 months, as well as a 10-month mission to Kosovo. The experience instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, resilience, and service – values he now carries into his role at 84 Lumber.
“84 Lumber has been a turning point in my life. It’s the final job I will ever have. I found a company that values hard work, integrity and teamwork,” said Salaices, who was promoted to co-manager in December 2024, just months after joining the company.
Following his military service, Salaices sought a workplace that offered the same camaraderie and structure he had grown accustomed to in the Army. He found that at 84 Lumber, where he says the leadership, mentorship, and clear path for advancement closely align with his military background. He credits his mentor, Jared Gibson, with helping him transition smoothly into civilian life and guiding his early success within the company.
“Veterans like Matthew bring unmatched value to our organization,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. “Their leadership, adaptability, and drive make them natural fits in our culture. We’re committed to giving veterans not just jobs, but meaningful careers and the support they need to thrive.”
That commitment is evident in the company’s robust veteran hiring efforts, including manager trainee programs and a strong internal promotion culture, something Salaices has already benefited from. He’s passionate about sharing those opportunities with others, often speaking at his children’s schools during career days and encouraging other veterans to consider careers in the trades.
Salaices also draws on his past as a business owner in the kitchen remodeling industry, a background that made the transition to 84 Lumber’s fast-paced retail and contractor-facing environment seamless. Whether helping contractors on large jobs or weekend DIYers, he says the work is always rewarding.
“Hard work and dedication – those are the keys to success at 84 Lumber,” said Salaices. “There’s nothing else like it. This company allows you to grow, to lead, and to truly make a difference.”
At home, family remains his foundation. He stays active in his children’s education and recently received heartfelt thank-you notes from students after volunteering at a local school. For Salaices, that balance between work, purpose, and family is what makes his post-military chapter truly fulfilling.
“I’ve always been driven by a desire to make an impact,” he said. “My time in the Army shaped me into who I am today, and 84 Lumber has given me the platform to continue making a difference — not just for my family, but for the customers and associates I work with every day.”
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ABOUT 84 LUMBER
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation’s largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. 84 Lumber, a certified women’s business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. Named one of Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America for both 2024 and 2025, 84 Lumber was also honored as one of USA Today’s Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has been honored as one of America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has also earned a spot on the list of America’s Top Private Companies from 2019 to 2024. In 2023, the company was also honored with a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit 84lumber.com and join us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.