Got the word today – one of Bakersfield’s newest and best lumber suppliers is shutting down their yard. No more sales, no more deliveries, its over. Sign of the times. Maybe we’re heading for a recession? Ha ha. Economy is in the terlet here, as with most places.
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles Greene
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Replies
My condolences.
A couple yrs ago, I lost the yard I opened my first account with. We had done business for over 35 yrs. Still feel bad that our business relationship is over. The day I have only the choice of pushing a shopping cart for lumber marks the end of this career.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I am quite familiar with Hayward Lumber. They are just like anyone else who has tried to get big and give poor service. They bought a lumber yard I once worked at when in I was in college and they have steadily run the place downhill with poor service and poor pay for employees. They tried to narrow their market to just contractors but during that time a new lumber yard joined the competition and did a much better job of service.
Opposite scenario here: Stock was the only other show in town (84 lumber is here, but they don't seem to even be trying, and Sandstone closed their lumber yard), and Haywards hired Stock's best people, and really tried - but the market (and the whole economy) died just as they were opening thier doors.
I liked Stock's people, and followed them to Haywards - they were actually pretty happy when it was Terry Lumber, but morale dropped measurably when Stock bought Terry out, so they were grateful when Haywards gave them another shot.
At any rate, I'm back to shopping at Stock now. Haywards still sells doors and windows, but no lumber yard any more.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
How is Pulte Homes doing in Bakersfield?
Pulte? Don't know specifically about them - but I don't see how any builder could be doing well here now - the economy is trashed. I don't see anyone building, and the only homes selling are foreclosures...there's a ton of those.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Huck,
Sandstone is gone? Didn't they just get bought last year by Dixieline? Sounds like it won't be too long before all that's left will be Home Depot or Lowes.
Sounds like it won't be too long before all that's left will be Home Depot or Lowes.
Add that to the list. Bakersfield: some of the worst air quality in the nation, one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, and now, worst building supply selection in the nation. No wonder they chose as the city's motto: "Bakersfield - Life as it should be!" =)View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com