Gordon Lumber looks back at 150 years
Fremont, Ohio-based Gordon Lumber celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. And as it has grown over the century and a half to a seven-location home center and lumberyard company, it has maintained some of the values impressed upon the company in its early days by founder Washington Gordon.
Recently, on the occasion of the company’s milestone achievement, the great-great-granddaughters of the founder shared their thoughts on the company’s past, and its future:
Pamela Goetsch, chairman of the board and descendant of the founder
“Back when my dad was president of the company in the 1970’s I unofficially advised and supported him. I remember family members always talking about the business philosophy: focus on the community, customer service, fairness, integrity and excellence. These were all values that were embraced as much in the decades past as they are today.
“Innovation was important to our success. Back in 1868 my great-great-grandfather started this company with a sawmill located in the Village of Oak Harbor. A basket-making company was added to the business in 1907, and then was spun off from the business nine years later.
“After that Gordon Lumber acquired and sold lumberyards, established a concrete division (which was also later sold), operated a design showroom, entered into the components business and most recently added installed sales to its product offerings. Those types of innovations and changes allowed us to grow and evolve into the business we are today.
“I’ve worked through the purchasing and closing of yards, moving the components facility and assisting to turn around the business. I’m proud to have worked with my fellow directors and management team members to affect a generational shift in the business.
“We’ve quite literally rebuilt the business into a modern and lean corporate enterprise. Foremost on my mind has always been a strong sense of stewardship and responsibility to keep Gordon afloat so it could continue supporting our employees and the communities in which we do business.”
Pam Goetsch and Jennie Gwilym visit the company's operations in Genoa, Ohio.
Jennie Gwilym, board member and descendant of the founder
“It’s no small feat to stay in business for 150 years. This company has made a large and lasting mark on people in Ohio and Michigan.
“As we look to the future, I see us leveraging our expertise by acquiring additional lumberyards in small communities throughout Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. I can also see us needing more component facilities since that business continues to explode.”
“It would be exciting to create a supply chain in the future that is so efficient that lumber and building materials move from our vendors directly to the construction site in less than 30 days. We could create a lumberyard with virtually no inventory on the books.
“I believe the founders of the company would like that progressive idea. If they were here today I think they would advise us to continue to grow and adapt to the ever-changing building industry while keeping our focus on our customers and their needs.”
Betsy Snow, shareholder and descendant of the founder
“Pamela and Jennie keep me updated on key issues,” says Snow. “While growing up, I remember my father and grandfather telling stories of the company and about their roles on the Board of Directors. I believe these men would be surprised by how the company has grown and matured. If they were here today, they would tell us to continue to provide excellent customer service at a fair price.”
“This company will survive if it maintains close ties to the communities it serves,” says Snow. “Builders and remodelers return again and again to Gordon Lumber because of the customer service and a sense of community. If we stay focused on those values our company will continue to grow.”
Moving into the future, Goetsch has advice for future generations – advice that seems applicable for most companies in the building supply industry. “I would advise those who come after us to embrace change, both the uncertainties and possibilities it offers,” said Goetsch. “You have to remain resilient and meet challenges head on. This advice mirrors that which I have received over the years and I believe is timeless.”
Recently, on the occasion of the company’s milestone achievement, the great-great-granddaughters of the founder shared their thoughts on the company’s past, and its future:
Pamela Goetsch, chairman of the board and descendant of the founder
“Back when my dad was president of the company in the 1970’s I unofficially advised and supported him. I remember family members always talking about the business philosophy: focus on the community, customer service, fairness, integrity and excellence. These were all values that were embraced as much in the decades past as they are today.
“Innovation was important to our success. Back in 1868 my great-great-grandfather started this company with a sawmill located in the Village of Oak Harbor. A basket-making company was added to the business in 1907, and then was spun off from the business nine years later.
“After that Gordon Lumber acquired and sold lumberyards, established a concrete division (which was also later sold), operated a design showroom, entered into the components business and most recently added installed sales to its product offerings. Those types of innovations and changes allowed us to grow and evolve into the business we are today.
“I’ve worked through the purchasing and closing of yards, moving the components facility and assisting to turn around the business. I’m proud to have worked with my fellow directors and management team members to affect a generational shift in the business.
“We’ve quite literally rebuilt the business into a modern and lean corporate enterprise. Foremost on my mind has always been a strong sense of stewardship and responsibility to keep Gordon afloat so it could continue supporting our employees and the communities in which we do business.”
Pam Goetsch and Jennie Gwilym visit the company's operations in Genoa, Ohio.Jennie Gwilym, board member and descendant of the founder
“It’s no small feat to stay in business for 150 years. This company has made a large and lasting mark on people in Ohio and Michigan.
“As we look to the future, I see us leveraging our expertise by acquiring additional lumberyards in small communities throughout Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. I can also see us needing more component facilities since that business continues to explode.”
“It would be exciting to create a supply chain in the future that is so efficient that lumber and building materials move from our vendors directly to the construction site in less than 30 days. We could create a lumberyard with virtually no inventory on the books.
“I believe the founders of the company would like that progressive idea. If they were here today I think they would advise us to continue to grow and adapt to the ever-changing building industry while keeping our focus on our customers and their needs.”
Betsy Snow, shareholder and descendant of the founder
“Pamela and Jennie keep me updated on key issues,” says Snow. “While growing up, I remember my father and grandfather telling stories of the company and about their roles on the Board of Directors. I believe these men would be surprised by how the company has grown and matured. If they were here today, they would tell us to continue to provide excellent customer service at a fair price.”
“This company will survive if it maintains close ties to the communities it serves,” says Snow. “Builders and remodelers return again and again to Gordon Lumber because of the customer service and a sense of community. If we stay focused on those values our company will continue to grow.”
Moving into the future, Goetsch has advice for future generations – advice that seems applicable for most companies in the building supply industry. “I would advise those who come after us to embrace change, both the uncertainties and possibilities it offers,” said Goetsch. “You have to remain resilient and meet challenges head on. This advice mirrors that which I have received over the years and I believe is timeless.”