GLEN BURNIE, MD.— On June 13 M. Lee Marston, chairman emeritus of J.J. Haines, will step down from the Haines board of directors after 50-plus years with the company. He will celebrate his 75th birthday the following day, June 14. Marston presided during Haines’ most significant growth phase—from 1950 to 2001 Haines sales grew from $15 million to $200 million— holding several positions.

Marston joined J.J. Haines a week before the Korean War in 1950, at age 17. While finishing school he worked in the warehouse. In 1955, he went to work for Armstrong, moving between Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Chicago. He came back on board with Haines in 1960 and was quickly promoted to general sales manager. In 1963 he became executive vice president and joined the board, and in 1966, Marston was elected president. In 1993 he took over as chairman—with Mort Creech residing as president—where he remained until 2001.

Creech, former president and current chairman, worked several years with Marston and said he is the best partner anyone could hope for. “He and I are as different as night and day but together we accomplished a lot for this company, our customers and our suppliers.”

Bruce Zwicker , current CEO and president of J.J. Haines, agreed Marston has been great to work with, calling him a people person known and loved throughout the industry. “Lee has the ‘people touch,’ making everyone feel appreciated. He truly cares about others and still stays in contact with customers and employees, who think of him as a friend.” He noted Marston’s legacy of selfless leadership as an inspiration to everyone.

Bruce Lindsay, lead outside board director and chairman of the board’s governance and strategy committee, said Marston has always operated with the highest ethical standards and has been totally dedicated to J.J. Haines. “The shareholders owe him a debt of gratitude for what he has contributed.”

Marston’s business sense and values have constantly been recognized throughout his career not only by associates, but industry professionals across the board. For instance, Frank Ready, CEO and president of Armstrong, which has had a relationship with Haines for nearly 100 years, said Marston—who was there for more than half of the companies’ relationship— was instrumental in forming the strong partnership that exists today between the two. “A giant in the industry is stepping down from one of the best run floor covering distribution companies in America.”

Likewise, Randy Merritt, president of Shaw Industries, noted Marston’s work ethic and dedication to Haines and the industry. “For over 130 years J.J. Haines has been serving customers. Lee’s vision and leadership of the company has propelled J.J. Haines to its position as the largest flooring distributor in the U.S. Today, Haines is stronger than ever, and the legacy Lee leaves will survive for generations to come.”

When asked about his next Haines’ Marston to step down after 50-plus years venture, Marston said he is not retiring as there are several other projects and areas to keep him busy, such as charitable work including helping the Chesapeake Bay Association. He also took time to reflect on his years with J.J. Haines, saying, “I am so very grateful to our customers, Haines associates and suppliers for everything they have done to help the company. It has been very exciting to see the improvements at Haines in recent years. Today the company is in great shape, with excellent leadership and ready for a very bright future. Let’s go!”