James A. O’Brien was born in Michigan and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University. He is recently retired as CEO of The Lester Group. He has been in the building materials industry since college graduation. Previous to joining The Lester Group, he was a Vice President with VNS Corporation, President and CEO of Triangle Building Supply, and held a Vice President level position with Moore’s Building Supply. In the past Jim served on his church’s Parish Council as Chairman, was on the Forest Products Committee for LBM Advantage, and served for 10 years on the Board and as an Executive Committee Member for the Southern Building Materials Association and the Building Materials Suppliers Association, including holding the position as Chairman. Jim also serves as Vice Chairman for Lester Development and is currently serving as Co-Chairman of The Lester Group. He joined The Lester Group Board in 2014.