Print edition: 
Star Lumber & Supply has reshuffled its leadership, preparing for what officers call "an aggressive decade of growth."
Chris Goebel has been named chairman of the board and CEO of Star and will focus on business development. He replaces board chairman Robert Goebel, his uncle, who will continue to serve as a member of the Star board.
Patrick Goebel, Chris' cousin, has been named president and chief operating officer.
The company made the announcement after a Thursday afternoon meeting.
"When you're dealing with recessions as deep and as broad as this one has been, there are opportunities in this business," Chris Goebel said. "This move positions me to take a look at those opportunities. I've been CEO, but in the past when I've tried to look at those opportunities, the operations have suffered. We're really excited about this move."
Patrick Goebel will assume operations control of the company's various building teams in a "systematic fashion" over the next several months, Chris Goebel said.
"What you're going to see over the next decade is a lot of growth from Star," Chris Goebel said. "We'll look at people, we'll look at business, and we'll look at acquisitions, both here and in new markets."
Chris Goebel is a 36-year Star veteran and had been president and CEO. Patrick Goebel has been senior vice president of Star's building material group. Both are grandsons of Star founder Earl Goebel.
Patrick Goebel also joins the board, taking the place of his father, Michael, who will continue in an advisory position.
Star, founded in 1939 by Earl Goebel, is one of the largest suppliers of lumber and building materials in Kansas.
The company has 370 employees and had a 2009 sales volume of $87 million.
