1954: Golden State Lumber opens for business
Golden State Lumber became a leading product supplier during California’s building boom in the 1950s. But unlike competitors who sought only to quickly profit from such good times, Golden State focused on building relationships. “My father realized that if you provide consistently superior service and genuinely care about your patrons, customers [will] keep coming back—something which they have been doing for generations,” Scerri says.
1995: Sierra Point location is acquired
Located in Brisbane, Sierra Point (left) greatly expands Golden State’s footprint while, at the same time, generating additional sales. “Sierra Point became a huge walk-in facility for us,” Scerri says.
1997: Optimizer-saw service begins
“My father, Lee, brought in an optimizer saw to our American Canyon facility,” Scerri says. “Currently, we have two optimizer saws at our Stockton location, and it has proven to be a great addition to our services.” According to the CEO, this technology enables Golden State to “provide cut-to-length products and package them accordingly,” which “allows the customer to use less lumber and reduces waste for a cleaner and more efficient job site.”
2001: FSC certification earned
Through FSC certification, Golden State realizes an important new product dimension. “We are now able to offer lumber products—including trim, moldings, and sidings—derived from ecologically managed forests,” Scerri says. This move is well received by contractors focused on sustainability. “Developers seeking to earn LEED certification are turning to us to meet their quotas for FSC lumber products,” Scerri says.
2008: Supply and services consolidation
Responding to changes in the building industry, Golden State Lumber embarks on an aggressive streamlining initiative. “Previously, our four locations operated largely on an independent basis,” Scerri says. “However, given the challenging reality of the current economy, we’ve successfully focused on a team approach. This means that if a product isn’t available in one of our stores, we can ship it over from another of our locations. Or, we improve product pricing by using our larger Stockton location to buy greater quantities from our suppliers. We then pass on this savings to our customers.”
2011: A San Rafael remodel and brand consolidation
“We’ve been able to bring in a whole new clientele … by adding a showroom to our [San Rafael store],” Scerri says. The location (right, below) features compelling displays of Golden State’s wide range of products, including windows, doors, decking, siding, trim, roofing, and window and door hardware. “We’ve had designers bring in clients to view our inventory in this attractive setting,” Scerri says. “The fact that we’re seeing people coming to Golden State that we’ve never seen before is encouraging for us.”
In the fall, Sierra Point is renamed Golden State Lumber, and a new logo advances marketplace presence and identity. “Our four locations will continue working together daily,” Scerri says, “to be the premier lumber and building-material supplier in the greater Bay Area.” ABQ
