ABOUT US
THE BETTER CHOICE.
TRI STATE
BUILDING SUPPLY
Tri State Building Supply provides builders, contractors, and homeowners with quality construction products, competitive pricing, and unrivaled customer service. Locally owned, with combined building industry experience of over 100 years – our team will bring practical value to your next project. From new builds to remodel projects, Tri State Building Supply offers knowledge and advice you can trust, and the name brands you rely on.
Let’s work on something together!
FRONT OFFICE
Mark Less
Founder & General ManagerMeet Mark Less!
Our General Manager, Mark, brings over 38 years of experience to Tri State Building Supply and has worked at all levels of the industry. His background includes stocking, working in the yard, truck driving, sales, inventory, and upper management. Mark is excited to provide excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and to share his extensive construction knowledge with customers.
He is married to our Office Administrator, Jennifer, and together they have raised their two sons, Wyatt & Colten, in their hometown of Dubuque. An avid outdoorsman, when Mark isn’t working, he enjoys hunting and fishing.
“After all these years, I’m still motivated to improve the lumber business any way I can. I’ve been on job sites since I was 6 years old, wiring houses with my dad, who is an Electrician. I have always had an interest in construction and really enjoy working with the contractors and their customers. I’ve developed many great friendships over the years by working very closely on so many projects.”
Jesse Thompson
Assistant ManagerMeet Jesse Thompson!
Jesse is a leader in building innovation, bringing 27 years of experience in construction and building software. His product and project managerial past provides beneficial knowledge to the company and customers.
A native Dubuquer, he and his wife, Jessi have a daughter Olivia and reside in the area. When he’s not at work, he enjoys watching Olivia ski, or cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs and Bears!
Jennifer Less
Office ManagerMeet Jennifer Less!
Our Office Manager, Jennifer, brings a diverse background of retail, banking, and construction office management that contributes to the many reasons she is a perfect fit for Tri State Building Supply. She provides a bright light to the team and is excited to watch the company grow. Jennifer enjoys the process of marking things accomplished and ensuring everything balances.
A Dubuque native, she’s been married to our General Manager, Mark, for more years than she can count and together they have two sons, Wyatt & Colten. Jennifer loves to cook, bake, and belongs to a book club and film group. Her passion is creating jewelry, mixed media, and folk art, of which 20 projects have been published. She’s known for bringing little gifts and treats to the staff and “keeping the boys in line”.
“I think the thing that excites me the most about this new opportunity is seeing all the enthusiasm from Mark (her husband). He has been very ambitious about opening this store, and it’s been great to watch him be so eager and passionate. If anyone in Dubuque knows the lumber business, it’s Mark! He convinced me to come along when he said, “Imagine when in a couple years we can look at a successful, new, local lumberyard and say, ‘We did this together!’” That’s when I was sold!”
Becky Schmitt
Administrative AssistantBio coming soon!
SALES
Jordan Giesemann
Contractor SalesJordan joined the team eager to expand Tri State Building Supply’s growth. Inspired by the proprietors, Jordan shares a passion to build. With 15 years of direct sales experience, Jordan is your go-to for answers. He doesn’t claim to know it all, but he will find you the answer in a timely manner. His phone is always on… unless a fish is on the “other” line.
Click to Email Jordan::jgiesemann@tristatebuildingsupply.com
Scott Reinke
Contractor SalesScott Reinke is a seasoned Sales professional at a lumber company with 33 years of experience in the building industry, covering everything from remodels to new construction. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge in building materials and products, and he has built lasting friendships and a network of contacts through his work on various projects. For Scott, the most rewarding part of his job is ensuring customer satisfaction. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
John Cook
Director of PurchasingJohn Cook is a walking Library of Knowledge in the world of Building. There isn’t much that he hasn’t done, but there’s nothing he can’t do. John represents the core of Tri State Building Supply as a well-rounded, customer satisfaction-focused leader in the industry.
Craig Schmal
Senior Estimator / Sales SupportCraig Schmal is an experienced Estimator/Sales Support professional with 35 years of expertise in wood and steel fabrication detailing and estimation. Craig is a skilled Estimator/Sales Support professional with extensive experience in the lumber industry. Specializing in accurate project estimation and providing expert sales support, Craig is committed to delivering top-notch customer service. His deep knowledge of lumber products enables him to guide customers through their projects with confidence. Passionate about helping clients find the right solutions, he plays a crucial role in ensuring successful project outcomes.
Craig is passionate about providing excellent customer service, leveraging his extensive knowledge in the field. Outside of work, Craig enjoys applying his skills to home projects and spends his free time engaging in RC racing, sprint cars, stock cars, and spectator drag racing across the Midwest.
Russ Benn
Contractor SalesRuss Benn combines decades of precision estimating with the personal touch to make your project pop. For Russ, accuracy and satisfaction are the most important aspects of your job, saving you time & money. His work speaks for itself. Russ “Truss” Benn is the perfect consultant to get the job done.
Click to Email Russ::rbenn@tristatebuildingsupply.com
“After all these years, I’m still motivated to improve the lumber business any way I can. I’ve been on job sites since I was 6 years old, wiring houses with my dad, who is an Electrician. I have always had an interest in construction and really enjoy working with the contractors and their customers. I’ve developed many great friendships over the years by working very closely on so many projects.”
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