Western wood specialist thrives for 60 years

lltlTH LUMBER companies

lU coming and going as frequently as the tide, it takes a very special one to thrive for 60 straight years. Rolando Lumber Co., San Leandro. Ca., is one such firm.

Approaching $20 million in sales annually, the wholesale lumber distributor and remanufacturer boasts one of the largest, most complete Douglas fir timber inventories in Northern California. The company also offers a broad range of other western softwoods, including redwood, western red cedar, pine and laminated beams. Complementing its diverse inventory are full line milling and processing capabilities, including specialized corbels and crane mat assembly.

Rolando was established in 1927 in San Francisco, Ca., by Joseph Rolando. He sold the company in 1946 to the Irwin and Lyons families, who owned the Irwin-Lyons Lumber Co., Coos Bay, Or. The Lyons became the sole owners in 1961 by acquiring the Irwin interest. When in 1968 the yard at 5th and Berry Street in San Francisco was vacated to make room for a freeway, Rolando bought six acres of land just south of San Francisco in Brisbane.

Accompanying the move was a change in marketing to supplying lumber only to wholesale accounts.

Thomas J. McHugh, previously a salesman for Western Pine Supply and a Marquette University graduate, joined the company as vice president to oversee its wholesale marketing efforts. McHugh was elected president three years later upon Stewart Lyons' resignation from active daily management. In addition to his current position, McHugh is a past director of the Lumber & Mill Employers Association, past president of the North American Lumber Service Corp., and a current member of the executive board and board of directors of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association. ln 1979, Rolando moved its distribution yard and milling operation to a 95-plus acre facility in Cloverdale, Ca., and its sales and administrative offices to San Leandro.

Vice president James W. Henderson, previously vice president of Western Pine Supply, manages 65 employees in Cloverdale using his 40 year's experience in the lumber industry. Harold Henderlong, who is also current president of the Redwood Inspection Service, directs Rolando's custom milling facilities to ensure quality milling and on-grade products.

Scott C. Kennedy manages accounting, finance, credit and data processing. He has developed additions to Rolando's main computer system, including implementing personal computers for financial management and reporting.

Secretary and office manager Helen D. Osborne is responsible for risk management, benefits, personnel and general office management. Previously she was an investment assistant at Van Strum & Towne Investment Advisors.

Sales manager and Doug fir trader Jeff Howard joined Rolando in l98l after graduating from San Francisco State and receiving his masters de-

November 1987 gree from San Diego State University. The outside sales force "Andy" Anderson, Steve Bernardi, Gerald Chambers, Greg Gomon and Art Kellycalls on building material and retail lumber accounts in Northern and Central California. Sales support is provided by a staffof inside salesmen and an adminstrative group of 24 people.

Rolando's large milling facilities have allowed it to become a major processor of redwood and cedar. Redwood is managed by Abbie Hanlon; cedar and glue lams are managed by Bob Carlson.

Story at a Glance

Broad products range. Douglas fir concentration... wholesale accounts. veteran indus' try employees maintain high standards at Rolando.

The breadth and depth of Rolando's services are unique. Its one stop shopping success has been built from a long established reputation for service, dependability and quality. And the company prides itself on giving competitive and reliable quotes on its wide range of softwoods, providing high quality products, performing high grade milling, and offering timely delivery.

The company's success is also owed to its people. Key employees have logged many years of industry experience and sit on various boards of trade associations. Several employees hold certificates pertaining to their positions.

This combination of skilled, dedicated employees and high companY standards is what has made Rolando survive the first 60 years in a dynamic business environment.

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