Traditional Industry. Modern Sales.
Rick Mueller
Lumber & Forest ProductsSenior Business Development & Strategic Accounts
"Building profitable business through strategic market development, key account expansion, and proven commercial execution."
Lumber • Forest Products • Building Materials
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Rick Mueller
Senior Business Development & Strategic Accounts
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https://meetrickmueller.com
A Little About My Background
I'm a business development and strategic accounts professional with 25 years of experience in lumber, forest products, and building materials. My background includes lumber manufacturing, wholesale and two step distribution, industrial sales, strategic accounts, and market expansion.
Throughout my career, I've focused on identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic distribution channels, and turning commercial connections into profitable, sustainable growth.
Areas of Industry Expertise
Lumber Manufacturing & Mill Sales
Direct mill sales representation, species yield management (Ponderosa Pine, Softwoods, Panels), dimensional stock, and custom cut programs.
Wholesale & Two-Step Distribution
Forging reliable distributor channels, margin protection, inventory re-order agreements, and multi-location yard support.
Strategic Accounts & Business Development
Cultivating long-cycle enterprise and institutional buyer relationships where dependability and product knowledge determine vendor choice.
New Market & Channel Development
Pioneering virgin territories, including opening export distribution channels into Mexico and launching startup mill capacity.
Industrial, Contractor & Millwork Accounts
Understanding shop-floor engineering requirements, precision tolerances, and tailored supply commitments for OEMs and truss builders.
Pricing, Purchasing & Margin Strategy
Disciplined market timing, navigating volatile lumber futures and random-lengths dynamics to defend and expand gross margins.
Experience That Delivers Results
Verified commercial execution across mill startup, distribution expansion, and key accounts.
New Account & Channel Sales
Generated across 2025 and 2026 year-to-date through new account development and channel creation, starting from zero sales at a forest products mill startup.
Strategic Manufacturing Account
Annual sales developed with a single strategic industrial manufacturing partner through custom specification and reliable delivery cycles.
Purchasing Portfolio Managed
Commercial responsibility for lumber sourcing, mill allocations, inventory turnover, and commodity margin optimization.
New Customer Accounts Opened
Distribution yards, contractor yards, millwork shops, and industrial accounts established during regional territory expansion.
Two Ways to Explore Working Together
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Professional Overview
Designed for casual introductions, conference acquaintances, and lumber contacts with general networking interest.
- Short professional biography
- Four measurable career benchmarks
- Formatted 1-page PDF printable summary
Detailed Career Profile
"Interested in discussing business development, strategic accounts, or market expansion opportunities? I'd welcome the conversation."
- Full career accomplishments & mill experience
- Discreet, confidential résumé sharing
- Direct executive consultation channels
Let's Keep in Touch
Attending NAWLA Traders Market or exploring strategic lumber partnerships? Leave your details below and Rick will connect directly.
Let's Stay Connected
"Whether our paths have crossed before or we're just meeting, I always welcome the opportunity to exchange ideas, share market perspectives, and explore where our businesses and professional interests may align."