Tri-City Lumber; 30 Years of Building the Tri-Cities
Ryan Hughes
I had the opportunity to interview Ryan Huges, Outside Sales and Marketing Manager at Tri-City Lumber.
A quick snapshot of Ryan:
He graduated from The University of Utah, went into the world specializing in marketing and PR, met the lady of his dreams and then came back to the Tri-Cities to plant some roots. He joined up with the family business about 6 years ago. Generally, it is not easy to work in the family business because there is more pressure to be successful, there is more pressure to act with grace at all times because you are one of the faces of the company, and there is more pressure to not let the parents down. But perhaps this pressure is part of what makes him so good at what he does? In any case, Ryan takes pride in knowing he is helping to literally build the Tri-Cities and make it into a better place for the folks living here.
Lexi: Tell me about how Tri City Lumber began?
Ryan: My parents; Keith and Betty, started up the company in 1990 (Tri City Lumber is actually celebrating their 30th anniversary this year). When they began building the HQ, that part of Clearwater Ave in Kennewick was just dirt and tumbleweeds. They had the vision and the belief that the Tri-Cities would be a place of growth for many years. They had the foresight that it would be a hot sport for building. At the time (and it still holds true for the most part today) the physical location they chose was the closest material supplier to most of the upcoming projects and developments.
Lexi: What makes Tri City Lumber special?
Ryan: TCL is an asset to the community and the builders for getting projects accomplished as they are honest with the timing and help keep the projects on schedule. We also help to manage the slough of moving parts. When you work with us you basically get a secondary project manager to help get your project off to a good start. With TCL you also get access to almost any product, this is because it is not part of a corporate company that oftentimes are required to purchase only designated products. Basically, there is versatility and flexibility.
Lexi: Describe the term “Family Owned Business” and what it means
Ryan: Because TCL is a family owned and operated business, there is a family feel to it. The owners Keith and Betty are still active in the business and 5 of the 12 staff are related. We try and maintain that for all employees they are also part of the family and not just a number. We try to always keep in the top of our minds that we are in business to provide quality building materials to the community at a competitive price. Also, being a smaller company, we can communicate easier with the team so the reaction times are quick to anything that might come up throughout daily operations.
Lexi: What does it mean to be “Local”?
Ryan: There is satisfaction and pride that comes from knowing that you are supporting a local business and providing jobs to the community. It is important to keep money in the community.
Lexi: I hear that TCL gives a lot back to the community in terms of service and materials. Can you elaborate?
Ryan: TCL has been a member of the Tri City Home Builders Association since it began 30 years ago and has been a sponsor of various events such as the Sander Races and Parade of Homes for many years. In addition, the company donates regularly to the Boy Scouts of America, specifically with Eagle Scout Projects. We try and work with the kids and parents by always selling supplies at cost to them as well as donating. TCL is also involved with local children’s athletic programs because we believe that staying active and healthy is important in life, mind, body, and spirit. We give to high school baseball, football, and booster clubs.
Lexi: How many structures do you estimate TCL has helped supply across the Tri-Cities?
Ryan: Probably over 7000 homes and commercial buildings. Some of the buildings you might recognize are the new Chucky Cheese building, the Queensgate Almond Orthodontics building, the Round Table Pizza and Jack N the Box on Clearwater. It feels pretty cool to drive by something and know how you contributed to it.
Tri-City Lumber is located at: 8600 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick WA.
http://tricitylumber.com/
If you have a building or renovation vision, the staff at Tri-City Lumber can guide you and can source the materials the project requires and talk to you about proper installation. TCL offers contractor services as well. Call Ryan at 509-783-3322 to get your project started.