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

General Manager

Meet 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 Manager

Meet Jesse Thompson!

Jesse is the Assistant Manager and part of our Sales Support Team at Tri State Building Supply, bringing 25 years of experience in construction and building software. His product and project managerial past provides beneficial knowledge to the company and customers. Jesse is excited to participate in building a business from the ground up!

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 Manager

Meet 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!”

Lisa Hintz

Administrative Assistant

Lisa is a dedicated Office Assistant with 35 years of experience in providing administrative support. Skilled in managing daily office operations, scheduling, and ensuring efficient workflow, she is a reliable team player who contributes to a productive office environment. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the team. She works closely with Jennifer, our Office Manager, and together they have built a strong rapport, contributing to the smooth operation of the office.

Married with two children and one grandchild, she enjoys riding motorcycles, kayaking, and spending quality time with her family.

SALES

Paul Wheelock

Contractor Sales

Bio coming soon!

Scott Reinke

Contractor Sales

Scott 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

Purchasing / Sales

Bio coming soon!

Craig Schmal

Estimator / Sales Support

Craig 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.

Mike Konzen

Contractor Sales

I’m Mike Konzen, a dedicated professional with a passion for craftsmanship and a love for the outdoors. As a proud father of two beautiful kids, I find joy in watching them play sports and grow. My family is my inspiration, and I cherish the moments we spend together, especially in nature.

Interests

Beyond my family life, I am an outdoor enthusiast. I enjoy hunting and exploring the beauty of nature during my leisure time. In the fall, you can find me cheering on Iowa football, embracing the excitement and camaraderie that comes with game days.

Professional Background

With 20 years of experience in the cabinetry and woodworking industry, I have honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of design and craftsmanship. I am passionate about helping my customers bring their visions to life, whether it’s creating custom cabinetry or transforming spaces with beautiful woodwork. My goal is to ensure that every project reflects the unique style and needs of my clients while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

What to Expect

As your partner in woodworking and cabinetry, I am committed to providing exceptional service and a collaborative approach. I believe in open communication and working closely with my clients to understand their needs and preferences. Together, we can create stunning solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics in your home.

Keaton Kephart

Contractor Sales

I’m Keaton Kephart, a dedicated professional with a passion for building lasting relationships and making a meaningful impact. At 30 years old, I’m a proud father of three wonderful kids, ages 7, 5, and 2, with another little one on the way. Family is my cornerstone, and I cherish spending quality time with them, whether it’s playing sports, going on vacations, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

In addition to my family life, I am actively involved in coaching football and baseball, where I instill teamwork and perseverance in young athletes. I enjoy golfing and have a love for the outdoors, particularly hunting. In my downtime, I indulge in my favorite video games and catch up on sports—I’m an avid supporter of the Packers, Badgers, and Cubs

With several years of experience in the restoration industry, I understand the importance of detail and the value of relationships. My approach is not just to assist with a single project but to foster a long-term partnership with clients, ensuring their needs are met now and in the future.

You can expect to get to know me on both a professional and personal level. I believe that strong relationships are built on trust and open communication, and I am committed to being there for my clients throughout their journey. Let’s work together to create lasting solutions and make a positive difference in our lives.

Austin Krier

Contractor Sales

Austin Krier is a Contractor Sales professional with 14 years of hands-on experience in construction, spanning from remodels to new construction. Having been on-site for numerous building projects, Austin has a deep understanding of the industry’s demands. He enjoys working closely with contractors and their customers, ensuring they receive the best products tailored to their specific needs and desires, leading to successful outcomes and happy clients. Austin’s expertise and passion for the industry make him a trusted partner in any construction project.

In his free time, Austin enjoys watching his kids play soccer and football, and spending time with family. He is a passionate firearms enthusiast with a deep love for shooting and a particular interest in vintage and collectible guns. He is an avid outdoorsman with a deep passion for hunting.

“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.”