The Gaylord Family
Dear customer,
After having worked for two large forest product companies as a lumber grader, kiln operator, yard foreman, quality control, and as a lumber salesman, I decided to start my own business in 1985. To raise money for the new venture, my wife Rosemary and I sold our comfortable four-bedroom home and moved into a one-bedroom apartment attached to my in-laws' home. We had a great start thanks to a strengthening economy and our determination.
In order to better serve our customers, we purchased land and built dry kilns in 1987. The business thrived for the next few years until the early 1990s claimed much of our previous prosperity.
For the next fourteen years, the core of our business was monthly lumber programs with manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, moulding, flooring, caskets, hockey sticks, dimension stock and distributors throughout North America and worldwide.
In 2001, we decided to shift our focus to finished goods. We entered into the pre-finished flooring industry in order to meet the growing demand for high quality pre-finished hardwood flooring.
Over a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, our showroom concept came to life on the back of a placemat. We recognized the need for consumers to see the products in room settings where they could visualize what the products would look like in their homes. Looking at small samples does not give customers the confidence to make the right decision.
Our goal from that moment was to build a showroom that was unique, a place where consumers could enjoy selecting their hardwood floor while receiving knowledgeable, unparalleled service.
When discussing the showroom idea, my wife said she didn't want to be sitting around while waiting for people to come in. Knowing that she loves to cook, we put in a kitchen where she spends much time preparing her famous buttertarts, which go over well with customers.
Construction began on the showroom in September 2003, and continued until our Grand Opening in May 2004.
When the time came to trim the building, we found there wasn't much solid wood trim available. At that point, we decided to make our own line of trim using the same species as our flooring. It only made sense as we had the lumber and the showroom to promote the products. The bottom line is that people love wood. Our goal is to help make our customers' homes beautiful, in an affordable way. Come see us and you will discover that we have a unique concept, exceptional products and outstanding staff that will make your floor buying experience unforgettably enjoyable. We are located at 228 Victoria Street, which is the main highway going through downtown Tweed.
It's always worth the trip.
Sincerely,
Lewis Gaylord
