Team Hancock’s Longest Years of Service recipient has passed on the golden hammer baton after 48 years with Hancock Lumber. Jim Foster, who started working at Marriner Lumber in 1978, joined Team Hancock following their 2004 acquisition of Marriner Lumber.
Jim spent considerable time in multiple locations and roles including the Store Manager in Windham and Hardware Store Manager at our Brunswick location. Once the Hancock Lumber location in Saco opened in 2020, Jim made the move South and became a Counter Pro at that location where he remained until his retirement in early 2026. Wherever Jim landed, his presence left a mark—he mentored so many employees, many who entered the industry without any previous experience.
Rob Riley, former Saco General Manager, now Regional General Manager has this to say about Jim:
Jim was instrumental in the opening of a new location (Saco) for Hancock Lumber. The passion and knowledge that he brought with him to Saco was invaluable. Jim was always in the business of helping his teammates whether that be through holding weekly product trainings or by using his incredible sense of humor to get a good laugh going within the store.
Jim cared so much about the customers that he served. He was constantly striving to provide the best customer service to anyone that walked in the door and give them the best experience at our lumberyard. He was the perfect Team Hancock Ambassador by representing our core values every day and shaping our culture—he made an immense impact on the team. He will be missed, but we wish him the best in his retirement.
Kevin Hancock created a special video message for Jim that was shared during the Saco quarterly huddle where the team was also celebrating Jim’s retirement. Here’s how Kevin honored Jim’s lasting legacy:
Hello, everybody. This is Kevin Hancock. I am coming to your quarterly huddle for two reasons. One, I wanted to say hi to everybody and say thank you. And second, I wanted to take a minute to honor and congratulate and celebrate Jim Foster and the amazing human and Hancock Lumber employee leader that he is.
Jim Foster, it’s impossible to put words to a career like yours. There’s just no way to do it. I remember way back when Hancock Lumber purchased Marriner Lumber and I came to what was then Marriner’s Ace Hardware store on Route 1 in Falmouth. And I walked through that front door, and I got the first of what has been many of the most incredible, firmest gripping handshakes I’ve ever been a part of—nobody shakes a hand like you, Jim. Like when I’m coming to shake your hand, I get ready because when you shake hands, you mean it. And it’s one of many things I love, respect, and appreciate about you.
When I think about you, two words come to mind. The first one is consistency, and the second one is pride. If I could add a third one, it’s gratitude. So, consistency, you’re one of the most consistent people. When it comes to you, Jim, we all know what we’re going to get. You show up every day, you show up the right way, and you do the right things with incredible consistency. Next is pride. All of us to see the pride you take in your work, pride in doing things right—that’s a simple thing to say, but not a simple thing to do. The pride you take in retailing, in merchandising, in handling customers, having Hancock Lumber be neat, clean, organized, friendly, consistent, sharp, OTIF, market-leading ready, you embody all of that. None of those things happen without humans making it happen. You’re incredible that way. Then with all that, you always show gratitude. Every time I’ve seen you across your career, you’ve made me feel special and valued. You’ve made me feel trusted, respected, valued, and heard. Every time you see me, you tell me it’s good to see me, and it feels like you mean it, and I know you mean it. That’s how you treat everybody in the world around you. You know, it’s not even getting to the half of it to say you’re an incredible employee.
What brings me here on this video is you’re an incredible human being. I’ve been saying lately that when it comes to work and being an adult at work, that mentorship is more important than management. How we live at work is the thing—and, how you live at work is beyond words. I can’t put words to it and it’s a model and an inspiration for all of us. If anybody ever deserved a long, happy, prosperous retirement future, it’s you and we will always be indebted to you. It won’t ever feel quite the same to walk in and not see you and yet I’m super happy for this next big phase of your life. I know you’re going to approach it the same way you’ve approached every other phase.
So, I want to thank you. I’m sorry I’m not there in person, but here I am on video and in spirit. I’ve got nothing but respect, appreciation, and great memories. Lots of gratitude and a big smile for you, my friend, when it comes to your career. You crushed it. You absolutely crushed it. So, congratulations and keep in touch—lots of love to you and everybody there. Thank you. Bye.
Thank you Jim for 48 incredible years of service with Hancock Lumber. We wish you the very best in your retirement and hope you enjoy your days filled with family + friends!
