Meet the CFO: Katie Garrett

Before her work at MPBS started, Katie attended San Jose State where she earned her degree in Business Accounting, from there, she went on to get her CPA license. Shortly afterwards, she started work at an accounting firm in California called Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC). After working at the firm for nearly 3 years, she decided to revisit her hometown roots and move back to Moscow. She was interested in a position at the family business and approached her father, Pat and brother, Tyler to see what was available. The two knew Katie would be a great fit for the family-owned atmosphere and welcomed her with open arms.

In 2018, Katie joined the family business alongside Pat and Tyler. As the CFO & Office Manager, her office is located in the accounting office and oversees all financial aspects of the business. In 2019, Katie truly settled back into the Palouse when she proudly built a new home in Moscow, ID with the help of her father. A typical day for Katie includes routine office management duties, tracking cash flow, analyzing expenses, margins, and the company’s financials. She works as an advisor and strategic partner to Tyler and gives input on the company’s investments, capital structure, and how to best manage income and expenses. She can also be seen preparing financial statements, budgeting, and working on customer accounts. Katie is responsible for ensuring all the bills get paid and everyone pays their bills, which is a crucial role for any business.

When Katie began her career at MPBS, Pat Garrett was the owner of MPBS. January 1, 2019, Pat happily retired and shortly after, Katie and Tyler bought out the company from Pat and became the new CEO/President. Since then, Katie has proudly become a part-owner of the family owned & operated company.

She enjoys everything about her role at MPBS, but she especially likes working with people. Helping customers and employees grow is a big part of what makes her happy. Being part of the family business is a nice perk, as the MPBS family atmosphere is strong. She feels like she is a true part of the team and has a good time with all her peers, especially Tyler. Together, they work well and get a lot done, while tossing in a few jokes here and there and poking fun at one another.

In July 2024, Tyler and Katie made the toughest decision of their careers—Pullman Building Supply would officially close its doors. Saturday, November 2, 2024, was the last day of business at the Pullman store, located at 400 SE Fairmount Dr. in Pullman, WA. This decision marked a deeply impactful and emotional transition, the conclusion of an era in the community. Together, they expressed heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated team members for their unwavering commitment and professionalism during this difficult time. “Their resilience and adaptability were a source of inspiration as we navigated this transition together,” Tyler said. They also expressed gratitude to the valued customers and community members who continue to support local businesses like MPBS.

After the closure of the Pullman store, Tyler and Katie’s focus is still set on the future of MPBS and continuing to grow the company, even if it is only from the one location. “We are continuing to build upon the great success that MPBS already has and focusing our full attention on the improvements of this facility and all of the people who run it,” Tyler said. Tyler and Katie share undying thankfulness for the dedication of the hard-working MPBS employees who helped break down the Pullman store, and remodel the Moscow store, as projects ran around the clock, including a truly dedicated night crew!

The Moscow store remains open and fully operations, ready to serve you! One location. Same service.

COMMUNITY ROOTS:

Both Katie and Tyler are deeply rooted in their local community. As one of the largest locally owned businesses in the area, they feel a social responsibility to dedicate time, resources, and products to local charities, programs, and fundraising events. Katie has expressed her gratitude for being able to help other local businesses and entities through charity and donations. Giving back is incredibly rewarding and is a big part of what it means to manage a family-owned business in a community with strong roots. Donation requests land on Tyler and Katie’s desks daily, and they have both done a great job of diversifying the programs and charities MPBS donates to.

Katie was born and raised in Moscow, ID. Her parents, Pat and Gerri Garrett, are the previous owners of the building supply. She has one younger sister, Sarah, and an older brother, Tyler. Even though she works with her brother on a daily basis, the two have a good relationship. When not at the office, Katie can be found going on camping trips, riding her side-by-side, fishing on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, or visiting her sister an niece, Brynn!