The Design & Conference Center is a big part of the continued focus on remodelers, Hendrix said. He’s hired a salesperson who works exclusively with remodelers, holding monthly roundtable meetings to introduce Chic Lumber products and services.
Hendrix said he conservatively estimates 12% growth through the remodeling business.
“The concept is to give our customer a professional place to send their clientele. What everybody did before was to send them into the big box stores to make their selections. Now they come to us.”
With its own millwork and manufacturing facility, along with the state-of-the-art Design & Conference Center, Chic Lumber has become a one-stop shop for building and remodeling professionals as well as the clients they serve.
Family Business
A true family business, Adam Hendrix became president in May of 2015, when David Hendrix stepped down. David then became the chairman of Chic Lumber’s Board of Directors, and still remains an active participant in the company. Adam’s mother, Carol, retired as the company controller in April 2015. His wife, Melinda, is the current controller. Their son, Justin, now works in one of the yards, and Adam’s sister, Linda, contributes as an assistant manager.
Hendrix said he values the close-knit relationships that a family atmosphere brings to a business. He deeply respects the traditions that his father established and understands the values of the company’s co-op relationship with Do it Best Corp., as well as its involvement in Mid-America Lumbermens Association, The Home Builders Association, National Kitchen and Bath Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Shooting Sports Federation.
In addition, he is able to instill his own traditions within the company. 2016 will be the third year the company will participate in the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Chic Lumber is a 100% donor for all building materials for a home, including lumber, windows, exterior doors, interior and exterior trim, hardware and garage finishes. In 2015, St. Jude awarded Chic Lumber the Power of One in Action award, in recognition of the company’s donation of more than $200,000 in materials. It is the program’s highest award for vendors. 2016 will also mark the fourth year for Chic Lumber’s Annual Charity Car Show. The fundraising event is organized and staffed by Chic employees who volunteer their time and talents. This year’s show, set for September, will benefit Backstoppers, a St. Louis-based group that provides financial assistance and support to families of police, firefighters and first responders who have lost their lives or suffered a catastrophic injury in the line of duty.
The family atmosphere of the company was evident at the grand opening of the Chic Design & Conference Center in November, Adam Hendrix said. Nearly every full-time employee attended the event and brought their families. “The sense of pride and accomplishment in the company’s investment into the future growth of Chic Lumber was shared by all,” he said.
