IOS.CAL LUMBER COMPANY

Builders Showcose to Serve Yuccq Volley Retqil Trode in Unique New Operotion

Lou Holland (right), veteran Southern California lumber executive, planned to open his Builders Showcase retail establishment in Yucca Valley, April l, at Cherokee Trail and 29 Palrr.s Highway in the central business section of the thriving desert community. Holland will be assisted in the new enterprise by Ralph H. Brockmier, Jr., who is also well known in west coast lumber circles.

Lou Hqlland's Builders Showcase has been designed to assist all builders at all levels and to give personal guidance in all phases of construction. Complet_e displays 6f all materials, including lumber, plywood, paneling, hardware and allied items will be maintained in the modern new plan room of the firm. Trained employes will attend the sales room, which will be open seven days each week, and expert craftsmen will be available to handle any type of construction for the clients. Stocks of paints, windows, sash, frames and doors especially manufactured and designed for desert living will be available for selection.

All fast-moving items will be carried in inventory but considerable custom work will be handled for various jobs, it was said. Species of imported and domestic hardwoods will be available for customer selection to fit every interior decor, and the Showcase will be just what the name implies, "a place to select all building materials for new construction or remodeling," Holland declared.

Lou Holland has been associated at all levels of lumber distribution and sales. During the past 25 years he has been identified at the sawmill level straight through to wholesale distribution and retail sales. He is well known throughout the Pacific coast area and has held important positions with such California concerns as E. K. Wood Lumber Co., Western Hardwood Lumber, Roddiscraft, Inc., Neiman-Reed and others.

Builders Showcase is unique in its policy of sales. All standard brand products will be presented for customer selection and a one-stop store will be maintained for customer service. "If we haven't got it-we will get it," Holland said. "And our trained staff will assist in every facet of construction progress and our experienced builders will complete the job if desired," he contir-rued.

Ralph Bockmier, Jr., started his lumber career as a "whistle punk" in the sawmills of Northern California, Idaho and Oregon. His wide experience also covers every phase of lumber production,. shipping, sales and distribution. He has a wide knowledge of all building materials and their various uses. He is. considered an expert on plans and design. He comes to Yucca Valley well equipped to handle problems that confront the home builder and do-it-yourself weekend contractor.

Further expansion of Builders Showcase calls for a modern <io-it-yourself customer department where selection of materials may be made, and cut up, for home improvement and all remodeling jobs. The personnel at the retail establishment will start the customer out to his job with every item needed to bring a project to successfuf conclusion. The retail store will be headquarters for Valley craftsmen and contractors who will assist builders with their problems from procurement of materials to the completed job.

According to best estimates, shipments of lumber from the Douglas fir region to the South increased about 4ffi/o during the period L948 to 1954.