HOULTON, Maine – It looks a little different behind the service counter at S.W. Collins Co. now that Greg Fitzpatrick has retired after 54 years in the lumber and building materials industry. Fitzpatrick has dedicated his career to serving customers throughout the greater Houlton area, most of whom he knows by name.
As a teenager, Fitzpatrick began as a sales associate for Almon H. Fogg Hardware store. He became very involved in learning every aspect of the business while taking on roles as a driver, receiving, and contractor sales. His drive and commitment naturally earned him the role as store manager while the company continued to grow and flourish in the community.
When S.W. Collins purchased Fogg’s in 2007, Fitzpatrick stayed on as manager and was an instrumental part of the transition process ensuring that customer’s needs continued to be met. His contributions to the company continued for several more years until 2018 when he stepped down as manager to assume the role of lead sales professional. He continued to serve his community through solving problems and building solutions.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Greg for more than 40 years as we crossed paths at trade shows in the early eighties,” said S.W. Collins President Sam Collins. “Greg embraces all of our core values, especially our value care. He is the first to help out the homeowner in need of a sump pump when their basement is flooding during the evening hours when the store is closed or run down to the store for a customer needing that last piece of trim to finish the project on a Sunday afternoon. Always smiling, always friendly, always helpful, Greg has made S.W. Collins and our community a better place. I will miss seeing my friend and colleague at the Houlton store and thank him for his many contributions.”
We will all miss Fitzpatrick’s smile, his boisterous hello and infinite knowledge that he has freely given to the many coworkers and thousands of customers over the years. As Fitzpatrick embarks on his next chapter, S.W. Collins salutes him for his stellar career in building materials and sincerely thanks him for his contributions to the company and community.
S.W. Collins is a fifth-generation Aroostook County lumber and building supply dealer with locations in Lincoln, Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, and Fort Kent. Their commitment to offering excellent products and legendary service has been the core of the business since 1844.
