AKIN CORPORATE TEAM
Adam Bock
Chief Executive Officer
Adam brings a strong financial background to the ownership group and strategic leadership approach to his role as CEO. With extensive experience in financial management and organizational planning, he guides the company with a focus on long-term stability and sustainable growth. Adam’s analytical skill set supports sound decision-making and ensures the company remains well-positioned for the future.
Ryan Draper
Executive Vice President
Ryan hails from Creston, is part of the ownership group and was a residential contractor for 20 years prior to joining Akin in 2019 as a contractor estimator. In 2023 he assumed the General Manager role, overseeing operations across all locations and he continues to do so today. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge ranging from day-one hands on residential construction, to retail lumber supply channel distribution and pricing, and everything in between.
Brenda Currin
Chief Financial Officer
Brenda is a southwest Iowa native and has been with the company since 2003. She manages the company’s financial operations with precision and strong professional judgment. Brenda oversees accounting, payroll operations, and financial reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance. Her disciplined approach and industry understanding support effective decision-making and long-term financial stability.
bcurrin@akinlbr.com
(641) 322-3046
Michele Draper
Chief People Officer
Prior to joining the company as part of the ownership group in 2025, Michele spent 23 years in the insurance industry as a front-line agency underwriter and servicing advisor for many area farm operations. She has a passion for relationship building and is focused on engaging employees and ensuring a safe and rewarding culture.
mdraper@akinlbr.com
Tony Young
Retail Specialist
Tony has been in the retail lumber industry his entire career, coming home to Creston in 1999 when the existing Creston location, opened under previous ownership as the Crestland Do It Best Home Center. Tony is a versatile building-materials professional with strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of product performance, operating systems, inventory and pricing, all of which make him an invaluable asset to our team.
tyoung@akinlbr.com
(641) 782-3310
Josh Thurman
Outside Sales Rep
Josh joined the team in January 2025 as a Supervisor at the Creston location, bringing 15 years of prior experience in residential construction and contracting. In early 2026, he transitioned into the Outside Sales role where he focuses on strengthening contractor relationships and supporting customers with field-based service and expertise.
jthurman@akinlbr.com
(641) 782-3310
Robert Whaley
Safety Manager
Robert is dependable, with a steadfast commitment to safety and solid experience in lumberyard operations after spending many years in manufacturing environments. Known for his friendly, caring demeanor and consistent performance, Robert helps ensure the safety of our employees and customers alike.
rwhaley@akinlbr.com
(712) 542-5603
THE HISTORY OF AKIN
Akin Building Center has proudly served Southwest Iowa since 1927. Our story began when Frank O. Akin purchased the W.J. Dixon Lumber Company in Corning, Iowa. From that first location, we continued to grow by acquiring other lumber companies throughout the region, including the Atlantic Lumber Company.
In 1984, the Atlantic Lumber Company was destroyed by fire. That same year, we expanded into Clarinda. Following the fire, we purchased the Fullerton Lumber Company and added an additional 60×100 building to continue serving the community. Our growth continued in 2002 when we purchased Crestland Do It Best Home Center in Creston, Iowa. In 2008, our Atlantic location expanded again with a 90×100 addition to the main building, allowing for continued growth and the creation of our current Design Center.
Throughout nearly a century in business, we have remained committed to the same principle that started it all, providing the best hometown customer service possible. Today, with four locations in Corning, Clarinda, Atlantic, and Creston, we continue to focus on supporting our communities, especially local youth programs and organizations.
Another priority for us has always been providing quality building materials. We take pride in offering products that are built to last, ensuring our customers receive dependable materials for their homes, farms, and businesses.
From our early beginnings in 1927 to today, Akin Building and Design Centers has remained dedicated to helping our communities build, grow, and thrive.