About Withers Lumber
Family Owned and Operated Since 1928
Ann Withers
In 1928, Lee and Ann Withers bought a part interest in a sawmill in Woodburn that was then called Livesay–Withers Lumber. They relocated from McMinnville to Woodburn and quickly became part of the new community where they would spend the rest of their lives. Mr. Livesay ran the sawmill while Lee Withers handled the bookkeeping and retail & contractor sales office. Two important events would change the thriving partnership.
First, in 1929 the stock market crash plunged the country into depression. Then in 1931, J.W. Copeland came to Woodburn and told Mr. Livesay and Lee Withers that if they didn’t sell their lumberyard to him that he would open a yard across the street and run them out of business. The young partners welcomed the challenge. But it didn’t work very well for long. Copeland took enough business in the small town that Livesay-Withers could not survive and they went ahead and sold.
Lee and Ann then went to Mt. Angel, eight miles away, and started again. This was now in the depths of the depression. Times were very tough, but they were determined to succeed as Mt. Angel Lumber. Sales records still exist of this time. In fact, in May 1931 sales were $13.81 for the entire month.
First, in 1929 the stock market crash plunged the country into depression. Then in 1931, J.W. Copeland came to Woodburn and told Mr. Livesay and Lee Withers that if they didn’t sell their lumberyard to him that he would open a yard across the street and run them out of business. The young partners welcomed the challenge. But it didn’t work very well for long. Copeland took enough business in the small town that Livesay-Withers could not survive and they went ahead and sold.
Lee and Ann then went to Mt. Angel, eight miles away, and started again. This was now in the depths of the depression. Times were very tough, but they were determined to succeed as Mt. Angel Lumber. Sales records still exist of this time. In fact, in May 1931 sales were $13.81 for the entire month.
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The Withers decided to knock on every door in town and introduce
themselves and ask for the community’s support as they struggled to
keep the doors open. With the loyalty and support of many people things
got a little better and they managed to get by.
In 1934 it was Copeland’s turn to fall on hard times and their Woodburn store was put up for sale. Lee and Ann borrowed all they could from family and friends and bought the yard. Now with two lumber yards, Ann came to work with Lee at the Mt. Angel yard and took care of payables and receivables and as the community liaison— she had the personality to build relationships! Read more... |
 Lee Withers |
Company Philosophy
At Withers Lumber, we believe the success of our employees and our company comes down to Attitude. A good attitude in life and business is best described by Charles R. Swindoll:
Attitude
by Charles R. Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”
by Charles R. Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”
What Customers Say About Withers Lumber...
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"Withers Lumber provides all the services and pricing like the 'Big Boys' do, but the difference is that they treat you like a friend."
— Keith Coppenger, KDC Custom Homes LLC |
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"Withers Lumber we feel is part of the Team
at Rich Duncan Construction; their understanding of how the project
needs to come together and the 'can-do' attitude really shows. With the
sometimes complex and fast track projects, Withers Lumber continues to make the
grade and become an asset to the whole organization. The respect goes
both ways—we value each other knowing the client comes first and
together we provide 'Outstanding Performance in the Construction
Industry.'” —Rich Duncan
"Your company has always been outstanding! After 25 years, the lock failed on the door set we bought from your bone yard. We did not want to bother you, as it was not your responsibility to fix it after all these years, but Cisco Cabello came to our rescue in short order and fixed the lock—even though the local expert locksmith tried and gave up! Cisco also came to our rescue last summer with a window casement and casement material to make my install job much easier to accomplish. The thing I find amazing is the high level of service we continue to receive even though we are only home owners." — John and Mary McLure
"Trent - I just wanted to follow up with you about the Mark R. Anderson by fold door. From the start Nate delivered an amazing service, he always kept me informed either by email or phone call about what is going on. I could truly see that he was trying to do everything possible to take care of my costumer. Awhile back I had a meeting with Mark and this was way before the damaged panel was replaced and he asked me if Withers Lumber will take care of him? I told him that I have been working with you guys for years now and your costumer service was always outstanding and then after our conversation Mark told me that he will pay the remaining balance for the door. At the end of the day Mark and his wife Leny are extremely happy with the door. I think with the group effort we all contributed to that. Thank you I appriciate what YOU and Nate did." - Oleg with G & S Building Inc.
