By Sara Jane Richter
A true anniversary has arrived. Local son Darren Harak has dedicated 25 years of service to Garrison Lumber, marking his silver anniversary—quite an accomplishment in today’s climate of frequent job changes. He is a humble, hard-working man who genuinely believes he has made a positive impact on his company and community, and he is absolutely right.
His employer, Diane Garrison, holds him in high regard for his work ethic, sense of responsibility, and friendship. During the protracted illness and eventual loss of her husband Joe, she relied heavily on Darren. He stepped up to shoulder additional responsibilities and provided much-needed stability during this challenging time.
Darren began his journey at Garrison Lumber in June 1997. He took a brief hiatus from 2011 to 2013, but upon his return, he assumed even more responsibility. His work activities evolved from heavy lifting and loading trucks to driving delivery vehicles, ordering inventory, and overseeing operations. He has experienced the business from the ground up, transitioning from the sawdust-filled lumber yard to the main office, where he manages invoices and payouts.
He claims the best part of each workday is interacting with his customers, always greeting them with a friendly smile. While he believes the core of the business has remained constant over the years, he has noticed some changes in customer purchasing trends. These days, sales of roofing materials and sheetrock have decreased, indicating a shift in available materials and the construction landscape. Darren stays informed by keeping a close eye on customer needs and industry innovations as they come and go.
When he’s not at work, Darren loves spending quality time with his family: his wife Rachelle and their daughter Peighton, who is a sophomore dual major in Spanish and hospitality at Oklahoma State University. The Harak family has enjoyed six Disney cruises, embracing numerous high-seas adventures together. In addition to family time, Darren also loves hanging out with friends and excels at cornhole. He participates in a weekly cornhole league and consistently throws accurate beanbags for the win.
Darren describes himself as a humble, hardworking man who prefers to remain modest about his achievements. He approaches his tasks with a willingness to help, often saying, “Sure, I can do that too.” All companies—both large and small, urban and rural—could benefit from employees like Mr. Harak. Hennessey should take pride in having a man who continually strives for growth in his work, family, and community.
At just 47 years old, Darren has many more years ahead in his career, and he embraces the future with enthusiasm. He understands his business and eagerly anticipates future contributions to both his hometown and Garrison Lumber. Be sure to drop by the lumberyard soon and wish Darren Harak a happy silver anniversary. He would truly appreciate your kind words!
About The Author
