Deep Roots in Dubuque
Spahn & Rose has been serving the area since 1904 and Dubuque since 1907. The company was founded by a group of five men who purchased an existing line yard organization. One of those original Spahn & Rose locations is still in operation today in Waverly, Iowa. Ancestors of the original five founders are owners today.
“We’re still family owned today and currently have third and fourth generation shareholders,” said Hannan. After Chuck Spahn’s sudden death in 2002, Hannan has served as the first non-family president in the company’s history.
During the past 111 years, Spahn & Rose has adjusted with the Midwestern economic trends. At one point, the group had expanded to 42 lumberyards.
“We have shown our customers that we have been in business for many years and will be here for them in the future. We feel that adds a lot of credibility to all of our promises,” Hannan said. “We have high standards on quality. A lot of companies say that, but we have high standards on what type of products we sell. That eliminates call-backs and problems in the future.” The Dubuque location features an impressive drive-through enclosed lumber storage facility, an investment that ensures product remains top-shelf.
Spahn & Rose has strategically focused on smaller markets, none larger than Dubuque’s 58,000 population. The company’s total revenue in 2014 was about $112 million, company wide, Hannan said, and this year is looking even better.
“So far year to date, sales are showing a nice increase compared to last year,” Hannan said. “And sales at our new Dubuque store are up approximately 20% over last year.”
