American Lumber is honored to receive the 2010 ProSales Excellence Award, "the most prestigious award in the construction supply industry". 

"The 2010 ProSales Excellence Award winners exemplify the smart, innovative, creative thinking that’s taking place at America’s best construction supply companies even as we suffer through the worst housing market in decades," said Craig Webb, editor, ProSales magazine.

"The judges were impressed by how well-conceived American Lumber's marketing campaign was, as simple and forthright as the message might seem," added Webb. "Its research showed that, these days, the lumberyards that lie at the heart of American Lumber's customer base value the ability to buy in smaller quantities. By declaring 'We want your small orders,' American Lumber emphasizes capabilities that make it special, and speaks to the relevant business needs of the times.  Adapting both message and service to the changing business environment helped American win the Excellence Award."

Small orders  are more challenging to execute.  There is no question that a stocking distribution wholesaler's efficiency is greatest when it comes to stocking orders shipped in original mill packs.  But it makes sense for many dealers at least some of the time, because set against the additional cost is the efficiency of just-in-time, just-as-needed ordering, as well as improved cash flow.  We are determined to help our customers get through the worst downturn since the Great Depression, and we have the ability to service small orders because we have a built-in competence at servicing custom orders of all sizes.  What many dealers need right now is the ability to outsource more of their warehouse function, and American Lumber wants to be their first choice for that.  That is the reason for this ad campaign. 

"The ProSales Excellence Awards honor outstanding achievements in construction supply in showroom design, facility design, technology, marketing and customer service, advertising, and Web sites. The awards program honors business leaders whose creativity and ingenuity have not only improved and reinvigorated their own companies, but also set new benchmarks for service in the entire industry."

We thank The James Group for their assistance in crafting the winning campaign.

American Lumber graced the cover of Green Building Product Dealer Magazine last month and was the subject of the feature story “Rightsizing Green”. 

Read the article here

The theme of this issue was the contrast between a startup “green” niche distributor who had recently given up trading in some markets, and the success of a traditional distributor who has embraced green building.

It seems likely the future of green building distribution lies with traditional dealers and distributors, rather than an alternative niche market.  If you look at the dealers who are now known for green building supply – say, Sterritt Lumber, or Green Depot – they are long-established players who have taken on a new category.

This is certainly true in American’s case.  Our operational and financial strength, coupled with our expertise, relationships, and existing product and customer base, makes it far easier for a company like American Lumber to become a distributor of choice in the evolving “green” market. 

The article notes we are making it easier to source certified wood through our ability to deliver job lots of FSC Certified lumber in an unmatched range of items.  It also points out that we arm our customers with the product knowledge to more effectively advertise the green aspects of our product line, for example by providing easy-to-read NAHB and LEED category information for all our specialty products on our website.

We’re very pleased that Green Building Product Dealer appreciates that the face of green building distribution may be a company like American that has been earning dealer and manufacturer trust for 90 years.

The Lumber Co-operator, a trade magazine serving LBM dealers in the Northeast, recently noted American Lumber's market-leading position in FSC Certified specialty lumber.

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Says Kaye of American Lumber: "Don't bet against the current.  Whoever fills the consumer's needs, wins."

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Sidney M. Kaye turned 90 this year - as did American Lumber.

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