SBCA Secretary and Past President, Jeff Taake, Receives Triad 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

ALDA, NE---Triad (Merrick Machine Company) is honored to announce their 2026 Triad Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Mr. Jeff Taake, Vice President of Manufacturing & Commercial Sales, Regional Manager for Mead Lumber, a man whose dedication, vision, and impact have shaped not only his company but the entire regional lumber and building materials sector for three decades.

For the past several years, Jeff has served as Vice President of Manufacturing, Commercial Sales, and Regional Manager at Mead Lumber Company. In this role, he has provided outstanding strategic leadership across 15 facilities — including seven LBM locations, six component plants, a countertop fabrication plant, and a distribution center — driving the organization to generate over $223 million in annual revenue.

A 34-year veteran of the building materials industry, Jeff has built his career on a foundation of operational excellence, disciplined execution, and a deep commitment to developing people. He has consistently delivered sustainable growth by building strong, accountable management teams that deliver results year after year.

Before joining Mead Lumber, Jeff served as Vice President of Operations at Millard Lumber, where he oversaw manufacturing, installed sales, and commercial sales.

His entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his accomplishments: he successfully green fielded three new LBM operations and one component plant from the ground up. He has also led the site selection, facility design, and relocation of three existing LBM operations and two component plants creating greater operational synergies, and positioning those businesses for long-term, scalable growth.

Jeff's expertise extends far beyond day-to-day operations. He brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, having supported due diligence on 13 acquisition opportunities and personally led the integration teams for four successful acquisitions — ensuring smooth transitions and continued strong performance. 

Beyond his corporate leadership, Jeff has generously given his time and talent to the broader industry. He provided executive leadership for two key industry associations during critical periods of transition, helping guide them through leadership changes and strengthening their governance and member services.

Jeff's educational foundation includes studies in Architecture and Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has further enhanced his expertise with a Lean Management Certificate from the University of Nebraska Omaha, a “Business in Brief” Certificate from Creighton University, and training in Gallup's Strengths-Based Management. He also proudly served 10 years in the Nebraska Air National Guard. 

Jeff Taake exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong leader, someone who not only builds successful businesses, but also builds strong teams, strong operations, and a strong industry.

Recipients in previous years have included Greg Griggs of Builders FirstSource the 2025 recipient, Fred Schenkel of Builders FirstSource, Joe Reed of NVR Building Products, Ivan Sell of Stock Lumber/Carolina Holdings, Sam Galante of Steel Truss & Panel, and Jack Slaughter of Broad Building Supply.

During the past seven continuous decades Triad has been the leading manufacturer of automated, semi-automated and manual wall panel equipment, sub-component systems, and Floor Builders, as well as automated stair manufacturing equipment and builders of the RUVO line of automated interior and exterior pre-hung door machines. No matter if you are a high volume, or low volume operation, Triad has the experience you need and the right answers to help you grow. For questions, please feel free to call 800-568-7423 (ext. 126)