Employees make independent grow

working summer jobs, Work Inc. personnel and other dedicated Santa Barbarans. All tull-time non-union employees are offered an excellent retirement program, yearly bonuses, medical benefits, vacation and potential for advancement since County Lumber promotes from within.

With over 3,200 active charge accounts and an ever increasing cash customer trade, County Lumber serves professional contractors, do-ityourselfers, landscapers, even craftsmen who make toys and wind chimes.

The company hosts an annual Product Knowledge Day inviting homeowners, contractors and architects to network among themselves and suppliers. The giant barbecue and the carnival atmosphere attract the families of the local contractors whom the employees seldom get to meet.

Redwood sales manager Larry Clark attributes the company's success and survival to that level of sincere, personal service. "With 20 years in the industrv. I have seen the shock on the face of a contractor after quoting his materials list, and the concerned look on the face of those building their first home. They both demand the same attention," he says. "Our job as local independent lumberyard personnel

Story at a Glance

With employee buyout complete, County Lumber hopes to step up growth ... keys to their success, survival.

requires that we understand what we sell and how to sell it. Although the Big Boxes have their place in the changing scene, the local lumberyard is the backbone of our industry and must continue to meet the contractor and homeowner with a smile, knowledge, advice and, above all, reasonable pricing."

rock.