The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT) announced its 2023 Dealer of the Year and Associate of the Year.

Peyton Ritter, president at Triple R Brothers, was named the 2023 Dealer of the Year. The award is given to recognize an individual for dedication to LAT and the industry, service to customers, participation in civic and community affairs, and developing camaraderie among LAT members.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as the 2023 Dealer of the Year by the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas,” Ritter said. “Having had the privilege to serve as president of the organization, this award holds a special meaning to me. It’s a reflection to the dedication and hard work of the entire team and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished.”

He is currently a director at LAT, having previously served as president of LAT’s board of directors in 2022. Ritter also co-chairs LAT’s membership committee and is a past member of LAT’s emerging leaders group.

“Peyton devotedly engages rising industry leaders with our mission,” Kate Woodson Borroni, president of the LAT board of directors and human resources and principal at Woodson Lumber Company, said. “He has helped us focus on investing in these members and detecting how the association can help them be successful. As a respected operator, his personal outreach to his peers has been a game changer for LAT.”

Blake Baldwin, senior director at PrimeSource Building Products, has been named the 2023 Associate of the Year. The associate award is based on level of service to LAT’s dealer members and dedication to and engagement with LAT for the betterment of the industry.

“It’s an honor to work with all members of LAT, where relationships and opportunities transcend beyond just business,” Baldwin said. “LAT’s members represent an important cornerstone of our economy, providing families with more than just a roof over their heads, they’re providing community. I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from my LAT peers and mentors, as well as contributing to such a vibrant organization that continues to grow.”

Baldwin is a long-time member of LAT’s convention committee, a past member of LAT’s emerging leaders group, and serves on the organization’s board of directors.

“Blake takes every opportunity to champion LAT’s mission,” Borroni said. “He is passionate about engaging others and has a keen ability to link them to LAT in a way that powerfully shows our impact. We look forward to bestowing on Blake and Peyton our association’s most prestigious honors.”