Mike

What is wrong with this picture? During my most recent visit to Hopkin's sawmill, located in northern Maine, the owner of the mill, a Mr. Steve Hopkins, told me to check out his new delivery of wood that he had ordered for an upcoming project. (Yes, he does own a wood mill but spruce is not milled at every mill including Steve's.) Now to assist with helping you determine what is wrong with this pic might I [...]

As an English major I am cursed with seeing symbolism in all things thus the literal symbolism of Marley's chains was too good to be denied. The chains that Jacob Marley's ghost wears represents the greed and selfishness that defined his life. The supply chains that circle our planet are not that different. They prioritize scale, distribution, wealth and accessibility over environmental waste and community. To quothe Marley, "“I wear the chain I forged in life,”  “I [...]

The Lumbery has really high quality, unique gifts that do not require batteries or a cord. We also have classic tools and hardware that are perfect for anyone at anytime and are always well received. Best of all is our Lumbery Gift Card!  This gift allows the recipient to imagine the "what could be's". Maybe a new deck, or a garden bed, a sauna or an outdoor shower. Plus shopping local with us helps to reduce [...]

Dr. Ross Green, Google travel, and the Lumbery have independently of each other reached the same conclusion. Kids (consumers) do well if they can but sometimes things get in the way. So what is preventing consumers from doing well? Answer: Information and labeling. Information and labeling are an essential component of choices and of good decision making. Google, as shown in the advertisement above, and the Lumbery believe that if consumers are given the information to choose an option that will lower [...]

Everyday at our store I get an opportunity to speak with homeowners and contractors about how hard it is to find tradespeople.  Here is my conclusion. It's not going to get better any time soon. Why? Busy is good unless you cannot capitalize. Contractors would like to expand their crews to meet demand but unfortunately one thing gets in the way. There is a dearth of skilled workers. Thus, every contractor I know is booked at least [...]

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021 I was included as a panel member for a webinar hosted by Green and Healthy Maine Homes magazine as part of their "Home and Energy Chats" series. Along with myself, Michael Friedland, Co-Owner of the Lumbery, was Lee Burnett of Local Wood Works and Harold Bumbly of Maine Wood Treaters. Now you might be asking yourself...Was Mike selected from an esteemed panel of experts on local wood? The very telling answer [...]

Chances are when you buy some wood from us you cannot see all the tiny lines that begin to form. They might branch out to our local banker, insurance agent, landscaper, web designer, girl scouts or they might spread towards the forests and the loggers and the mill workers. They might even reach the small convenience store that provides sandwiches for the log haulers.  All of this right here in Maine. On top of that more lines are formed [...]

In our first year in business we have been recognized as a Stihl All Star. Only one hardware/building supply store from every state is awarded this honor. This award "represents community-oriented, customer-focused, high-performance retailing at its finest." From our inception we knew we wanted to be different. We wanted to be unintimidating. We wanted to empower professionals and non-professionals alike to achieve their goals both big and small. We wanted to be involved in the community, offer knowledgeable, [...]

A few weeks back a customer of ours named Anderson came in and asked if we would provide birdhouse house kits to special-ed students that are enrolled in a summer camp. Apparently these students were going to take a "a deep dive into birding". We said yes of course. Little did we know that they would also ask for a tour de Lumbery. Ryan was more than happy to oblige. Then the most amazing thing happened. Ryan [...]

I published this video 1 year ago before we even opened our doors.  If you've watched it already it's worth a revisit. If you haven't seen it then I highly recommend it. One year later I have a better understanding of what I instinctively knew from the start and what, I believe, consumers instinctively know as well. The tag line on our website says "Supporting Local Communities and Promoting Sustainability". Makes sense. Right? Not so fast. [...]

Starting any kind of business is never easy. You truly don't know what you don't  know. I see people in the store and out of the store and many of them ask the same question. "How are you doing?" I say "Good" And then they ask. "How are you really doing?" I presume this is because we opened during a pandemic, at the beginning of winter (not an ideal time to open a building supply store), [...]

Left to right:Commissioner Amanda Beal (Commissioner of Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry),Oliver Markewicz, District Forester for York County and Part of Cumberland, Shane Duigan, District Forester for most of Cumberland County, Ryan Holland (Lumbery owner), Alex Bettigole(Lumbery owner), Michael Friedland(Lumbery owner), Director Patty Cormier (Director of Forestry), Allison Kanoti (State Entomologist, Maine Forest Service, Forest Health and Monitoring), Field Team Leader Morten Moesswilde (supervisor of Forest Policy and Management field team), Treebeard What happens when [...]

WE HAVE MAINE Northern WHITE CEDAR! DECKING, POSTS, SHIPLAP, TONGUE AND GROOVE; ROUGH AND SMOOTH. Visit our site for a full list of materials and pricing. It won't last long and when it's gone we are not sure we can get more. Supply chains have gotten all messed up, building materials have become scarce and they are only going to get harder to find as the summer progresses. But as of yesterday we are flush with white cedar! [...]

Would a fish market in Maine sell lobster from away? Fuhgeddaboudit. If you live in Maine why would you buy a lobster from Long Island? There's plenty of lobstermen in Maine and there are plenty of lobsters. The answer is, you wouldn't. So why would you buy a pine board from Georgia? There's plenty of loggers in Maine, there's plenty of mills, and there certainly is plenty of pine. The answer is, you aren't presented with [...]

I have been referred to, by friends and others, as a wood nerd. Most likely because I own a wood store and most my conversations relate to wood but I believe upon closer examination you would agree with me that I am more of a story nerd. Read the passage below and answer questions 22-25 Anna and Don walked into the Lumbery and were greeted by a fine fellow who introduced himself as Mike. Good day [...]

 “There’s a local movement for everything, but somehow the synapses don’t connect when it comes to wood.” —Michael Friedland We are so psyched to be featured in this months edition of Maine Homes by Downeast. Our basic message seems to be resonating. If you live in Maine shouldn't you have an opportunity to buy Maine wood and support small Maine mills. Farmers can sell their goods at farmers markets, restaurants and even grocery stores but wood mills have [...]

 “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” —Piglet   That's right my friend. I am brimming with excitement. Tomorrow Ryan and I are heading to the great north to visit some old mill friends and meet some new mill friends.  We have our snowboards snagged to the Fuso just in case some mountains get in our way. First we head to Rangeley area, then towards Presque Isle, then onwards to Houlton. Our goals are to A) [...]

Who knew a lumber and hardware store could be so romantic? Good wood always makes my heart beat faster. Maybe it'll work for you too. Stop in and grab your gift or gift card this week...or simply learn some Tips and Tricks from the Pros on finding Studs:) To get us ready for the big day here are some fantastic V-Day quote's to make you smile. "Love thy neighbor—and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, [...]