The Columbia Chamber of Commerce named Boone County Lumber the 2019 Small Business of the Year. Earlier this year there were a record number of small businesses nominated by the business community for the award. From those nominations came a very competitive field of finalists; Boone County Lumber, Focus on Health Chiropractic, Fortified Roofing and Siding, LLC, Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling, Inc. and White Dog Promotions, LLC.
For more than 50 years, Boone County Lumber has been a constant in an evolving central Columbia. BCL is a building material retailer that specializes in forest products, siding and decking, hardware and tools. They mainly serve Mid-Missouri, but have shipped product internationally. Its mission is to grow individuals and their companies in order to help all involved and the community. BCL leaders make sure they treat every customer like they are the most important. This has been one of the most fundamental aspects of becoming who they are today.
“We’ve found tremendous value in being present on jobsites since our customers no longer need to come to us,” BCL President Brad Eiffert said. “Being physically present on jobsites makes a statement to superintendents, framers and other sub-contractors that they are important.”
Eiffert said the other aspect that has made them so successful is not just their work or products, it’s about the investment they put back into the community. They whole-heartedly believe in community service and giving back engrains them even more in their community. On top of being a supporter and partner with local schools and groups, they also donate thousands of dollars worth of materials and time to organizations like the Voluntary Action Center, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and True/False Film Fest.
Eiffert and BCL have been a leader, not only locally, but nationally. Eiffert was in a leadership position with The National Federation of Independent Business. He helped represent 350,000 members across the country and discussed public policy with President George W. Bush on immigration reform and the impact it would have on small employers.
Eiffert’s heart will always be with BCL. He said they will continue to not waver from what has made them successful. They will continue to deliver to their customers the service and product they demand and more.
“We continue to innovate and are excited about a new business opportunity and the potential to assist other small businesses,” Eiffert said.
BCL is a wonderful example of small businesses and members that make up the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so proud of what Boone County Lumber brings to our community,” Chamber President Matt McCormick said. “They are the role model of what small businesses can achieve and the service they bring.”
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the Chamber at (573) 874-1132.
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce was established in 1905 and is a voluntary, member-supported organization of business, industrial and professional people who are dedicated to developing, promoting and maintaining a sound and healthy economic climate for Columbia. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is recognized as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the United States Chamber of Commerce.