A Family Affair

At Wausau Supply Company, our story of success isn’t just about manufacturing and distribution, it’s about people and the kind of culture that turns a job into a lifelong journey. For team members Craig Schroeder, Ryan Schroeder, and Megan Grabow , it’s a story that spans generations and departments. It’s a story of legacy, leadership and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, it’s one that reflects the values that have helped shape Wausau Supply into more than just a workplace—it’s a place to build a future.

A Family Affair

Craig, the oldest brother, has been with Wausau Supply for over 21 years. As a Quality Control Technician, he’s seen nearly every corner of the shop. His job ensures every Waudena door leaving the line meets the company’s high standards, from color to components.

Ryan, Craig’s younger brother, started in 2002 and now serves as Director of Sales for Waudena. His journey has been anything but linear. He’s worked in customer service, outside sales, pricing analysis, and business analytics.

Megan, Ryan’s daughter, represents the next generation. She began part-time in high school, helping out in the marketing warehouse under Dave Southworth. Each summer during college, she’d return and drive forklifts, assist with warehouse moves and gain hands on experience across departments. She now holds the role of Associate Brand Manager for Vendor Brands.

It All Started in a Lumberyard

Craig and Ryan’s father worked at Low Brothers Lumber* in the early 90s and was a proud Wausau Supply Company customer. So, when Ryan started looking at making a move, his dad stepped in with an idea. “He said, ‘You should go to Wausau Supply. They’re growing fast, and there’s room to grow with them,’” Ryan recounts. “I had no idea that would lead to where I am now, 23 years later. It’s been an incredible journey.”

*Fun side fact: Their father worked at Kersten Lumber prior to Little Brothers, which was owned by Phil Kersten. Phil’s grandson, Garret, works in our IT department!

Ryan came to Wausau Supply Company first, then came Craig. After graduating college, it was time to see what Megan would decide to do. Ryan said he didn’t want her hired just because of their family connection. “If she’s not the best candidate, don’t hire her,” Ryan told the hiring manager. His priority was fairness, ensuring Megan earned her role on merit, not her last name. In the end, she did exactly that, proving herself and continuing the family legacy the right way.

Culture that Keeps You

When asked what makes Wausau Supply special, the answer was unanimous: opportunity. What stood out to Megan the most was how the company doesn’t just offer promotions, it actively helps employees find the roles that best fit their strengths and goals. Ryan echoed that sentiment, crediting the company’s culture and the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) for helping him build a career he never imagined. For all three, the opportunity to grow, and grow with ownership, was a powerful motivator.

Even with multiple family members under “one roof”, the Schroeders don’t cross paths daily. But when they do, whether in meetings or around the holiday table, the conversation often circles back to Wausau Supply. “It probably makes us a little boring,” Ryan joked.

A Lasting Legacy

With over 50 years of combined experience, and even more if you count in-laws, the Schroeder family has left a lasting mark on Wausau Supply. Megan, who was just four years old when Ryan started, has quite literally grown up with the company. Their journeys are a testament to what’s possible when a company invests in its people.

What began as individual career paths has become a shared legacy, one built on hard work, opportunity, and a culture that values both family and hard work. And as the next generation steps forward, it’s clear that the story of the Schroeder family at Wausau Supply is still being written.