FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lester Building Systems, LLC: Stephanie Beste, Marketing
800-826-4439 x 5229 | [email protected]
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JOHN HILL RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS BERNON G. PERKINS AWARD
Lester Prairie, MN (March 8, 2018) – The National Frame Building Association (NFBA) awarded John Hill, President of Lester Building Systems, the Bernon G. Perkins Award at the 2018 National Frame Builders Expo in Columbus, OH. Since 1986, NFBA has annually recognized one individual who demonstrates exemplary service to the post-frame industry. The award is named in honor of Bernon G. Perkins, a pioneer of the post-frame industry. In the 1930s, Perkins refined the evolution of the modern post-frame building from a temporary "pole barn" to a long-lasting structure.
John Hill entered the post-frame industry in 1988 when he was General Manager of Lester Building Systems’ Clear Brook, Virginia operation. In the 1990s, he broadened the application of post-frame construction to the commercial market. As National Accounts Manager, John developed relationships that resulted in the rollout of national commercial building programs such as Purina Mills America’s Country Store, Sears Hometown Stores, and Best Friends Pet Care facilities. In 2004, John purchased the business as the majority stakeholder and became President. Since then, he has successfully led the company through product development, innovation, process improvement and capital investment.
John joined the NFBA Board of Directors in 2004 and was Chairman from 2009 to 2011. He brought an admirable spirit of collaboration and work ethic to the role. John generously shared insights with the association, that he had gathered at Lester Buildings, in an effort to benefit the post-frame industry as a whole. He worked with others to expand the use of post-frame construction into the commercial market, and played an integral role in the development of the NFBA’s Post-Frame Marketing Initiative.
“John is a class-act, a great leader and a humble inspiration for all of us”, said Todd Carlson, current NFBA Chairman.
“And best of all, he is selflessly willing to share his wisdom to develop other leaders.”
“This is quite an honor,” said John Hill.
“I have experienced many positive changes in the industry over the years. I am looking forward to what the next generation will bring.”
In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and cheering on his favorite teams: the Kansas City Chiefs in football and the Kansas Jayhawks in basketball.
About the National Frame Building Association
NFBA is a non-profit trade association that promotes the interests of the post-frame construction industry and its members. The association’s members are primarily post-frame builders, suppliers, manufacturers, building material dealers, code and design professionals, and structural engineers. Learn more at
NFBA.org.
About Lester Building Systems LLC
Established in 1947, Lester Building Systems LLC has designed and manufactured over 150,000 post-frame buildings for the agricultural, equestrian, hobby and commercial building markets. Based in Lester Prairie, MN, the company distributes in 35 states, with regional facilities in Clear Brook, VA and Charleston, IL. Learn more at
LesterBuildings.com.
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