How We Got Here
Lumbermen’s is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan and operates in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Founded in 1955
Lumbermen’s was founded by three brothers, Paul, John and Henry Bouma. Called Lumbermen’s Pick-up initially, the business was founded to serve West Michigan lumber dealers (Lumbermen) with construction materials in a post-war era when these items were in short supply.
Diverse Products, Services, and Industries
When Lumbermen’s expanded into delivery services, “Pick-up” was dropped from the name. Adding to its full line of building materials, Lumbermen’s began carrying laminate in the late 1970s which quickly led to other products such as cabinets and hardware, making us a full-line distributor to the kitchen and bath industry.
Today Lumbermen’s fabricates and installs countertops on behalf of our customers for single family, multi-family and commercial projects ranging from laminate to solid surface and stone products such as quartz and granite.
Lumbermen’s brings in over 600 rail cars of board products annually to be distributed to our industrial and commercial customers or used by us to manufacture components for our customers, enabling them to expand their capabilities and capacity.
We also assemble entry doors using components from partners such as Therma-Tru, GM Wood Products, and Simpson Wood Doors. As an additional value-added option, our doors can feature factory paint and stain finishes.
Employee Ownership
In 1990, Lumbermen’s established the Employee Stock Ownership Program, giving employees a personal investment in the business, and by 1998 the company was 100% employee-owned. Today, there are 425 employee-owners.
From humble beginnings, Lumbermen’s has grown from a pick-up building materials supplier to a leading distributor and manufacturer offering diverse products and value-added services that stand out in multiple industries. We were founded on Christian Faith that informs our thinking yet today. We are committed to investing in rewarding relationships and believe that Lumbermen’s has been blessed in order that we may be a blessing to others.
Our Timeline
Hard work and honoring the Lumbermen’s promise has fueled our growth throughout the decades. From our humble beginnings to our current, diversified product and service offerings, our customers are the reason we continually seek opportunities to serve. We’re here to help you create exceptional spaces.
Learn more about Lumbermen’s evolution through our downloadable History PDF (which will open in a new window on a desktop browser) or click the expander to see online.
MISSION
VISION
LUMBERMEN’S PROMISE
Commit to those who count on us
As employee-owners, we commit to one another, our customers, suppliers, and the communities we serve. We will invest in rewarding relationships and will give back as the Lord has blessed us.
Do what’s right
With a servant’s heart, we will strive to do what’s right in every interaction. We will cultivate a culture where the values of individual responsibility, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, generosity, humility and grace are demonstrated by all employee-owners.
Exercise sound business practices
We will make sound business decisions as an investment in the future of our employee-owners and for the sustainability of the company.
Earn consideration
We will earn the opportunity to be the workplace of choice for employee owners and the first choice for customers and suppliers by striving to exceed expectations in every interaction.