Jason Blair

#3462 | Member since 2010
Vancouver, Washington | 31 locations

Jason joined TAL Building Centers as CEO in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience. “Growing up in a DIY house, I went to the lumberyard a lot and had no fear of tackling projects,” he says. After high school, Jason stocked shelves part-time at Payless Cashways while earning a civil engineering degree. He held lumberyard and sales floor roles before becoming store manager at 24. Later he held positions at major LBM suppliers, another wholesaler co-op, and was most recently VP of merchandising and marketing for Wilco farm and ranch stores. 

Today, TAL operates 31 locations in the Pacific Northwest. “We range from a pure lumberyard to a full-blown home center, and combinations in between,” Jason says. “We look primarily for rural, county-seat-driven hubs of commerce far from the big boxes, and it serves us well.” Stores range from 3,000 to 30,000+ sq. ft. Each one’s assortments—heavy pro yard, DIY, or hybrid—are driven by the needs of its market. TAL’s roster also includes a standalone rental facility, a truss plant, and a cabinet shop. Jason adds, “This is a noble industry, and it’s fun knowing you’re supporting someone’s largest investment, whether they’re building a new home or improving and maintaining one. It’s just awesome to support a lifestyle that allows people to live out their dreams.”

“I’ve had wonderful mentors and gained amazing industry relationships throughout my career,” says  Jason. He didn’t grow up in the family’s store as many members have, so he believes he’ll offer a little bit of a different perspective. “Serving on our board is just one way I can continue giving back to an industry that’s given me so much. To be involved in the long-term vision of Do it Best and help ensure its continued growth is exciting to me. I look forward to representing our members and hearing their feedback. Working together on strategic plans and initiatives for the good of the whole is incredibly important and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

At a glance 

Areas: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana
Store type: Home centers, lumberyards
Market: Rural
Core categories: Hardware, LBM, paint, plumbing, outdoor living, live green goods
Best advice: Do what you say you’re going to do
Favorite activity outside of work: International travel, golfing 

The Hardware Connection Best New Store Beacon Award (2023)