Paula Randall Ervin

Title(s) and work responsibilities: President/ general manager, Randall Lumber

Working in a family business means I’m responsible for everything from budgeting and forecasting to the everyday functions that can include picking up trash and sweeping the snow off the sidewalks.

How many years in present occupation?

I have been president/gm since 1997, but I have been active in the business since 1975.

List any involvement with groups/nonprofits:

I have been a board member/officer of Taos County Chamber of Commerce - Women’s Division, president of Mountain State Lumber & Building Dealer’s Association, and currently serve as church counsel president for Sangre de Cristo Lutheran Church of Taos. I also actively support Habitat for Humanity, Taos, and the Taos 4-H program.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for women in the workplace?

This is the most challenging question for me. Although I have grown up in and am leading a business that is in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I was fortunate to grow up in a family that did not suppress my interest in continuing the business. With both my grandmother and mother working in the business, Randall Lumber developed a culture that I think is pretty fair to all employees. So with that background, I have tried to maintain a work environment in our company where all our employees feel valued and supported.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self anything, what would it be?

Having been a very shy teenager I would tell myself, Don’t be afraid and have confidence in yourself.”