LINCOLN CREEK LUMBER: Building Leaders from the Ground Up

by Kathryn Millhorn

Photography

Exemplifying leadership doesn’t always mean standing in front of people, telling them what to do. Leadership should be lived, learned through experience, and embodied in everyday actions and relationships. At Lincoln Creek Lumber, they offer more than 120 years of knowledge and know-how. Their team is happy to support families, organizations, and businesses across Thurston and Lewis counties. Jeremy Scott, General Manager, is part of Lincoln Creek Lumber’s founding family and works hard to continue this legacy into the next century.

Lincoln Creek Lumber started in 1906 when William H. Thompson purchased Centralia’s Lincoln Creek Mill. They’ve survived everything from the Great Depression to COVID-19 and pride themselves in supplying superior services, quality merchandise at competitive prices and continually expanding to offer more than just lumber. Their stores showcase fishing gear, tools, sports gear, coolers, garden supplies, a Dream In Color Paint Studio, and much more.

“I have been working for this company almost my entire working life,” Scott explains. “I started while in high school and left to try a couple things prior to returning and working my way up. I am currently responsible for the leadership and direction of the company and always interested in anything with leadership; whatever can help build and inspire a strong and effective team.”

Lincoln Creek Lumber started in 1906. Their stores showcase fishing gear, tools, sports gear, coolers, garden supplies, a Dream In Color Paint Studio, and much more.

Their management team and staff appreciate the many ways to share, learn, and grow thanks to the Thurston County Chamber. They’ve participated in community events, virtual seminars and learning sessions, and onsite ribbon cuttings.

Scott suggests new businesses always have a problem-solving mindset when first starting out. “When you get frustrated, don’t focus on the frustration, but figure out what’s causing it,” he recommends. “Typically, this will be a misunderstanding or miscommunication; figure that out, fix it, and move on.”

He also suggests being adaptable when looking towards—and planning for—the future. During the Great Depression, Lincoln Creek’s mill was forced to close but the company endured by reselling lumber and moldings from other mills. Today they have four store locations as well as a full lumberyard and a large selection of items from Ace Hardware. “Not only do we have what people need for their projects but great items for their lives,” says Scott. “We even added a Graphics division to expand offerings to businesses and assist with their own promotion and brand because their growth is hopefully our growth.”

And no matter how large, enduring, or successful a business becomes, the strongest foundations are based on friendship. “My hope for 2023 and beyond is to create strong relationships with contractors and builders in our community,” says Scott. “I hope none of our customers ever feel like they are just an account or just a transaction. We care about their project and how they operate and provide options and solutions to problems that may arise. We know that growth for our customers is growth for us and that is the kind of partnership they can expect from us.”

Know someone looking for work? Lincoln Creek Lumber is always looking for kind, helpful team players for their Tumwater, Centralia, and Chehalis locations. “If being part of a successful team and helping to solve problems sounds like something you would enjoy, we would enjoy meeting you,” says Scott.

It’s said that a leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. At Lincoln Creek Lumber, they’ve been embodying this mindset for generations and have the longevity to prove it. Find locations, forms, resources, and contact information at www.LincolnCreekLumber.com today.

Who: Thurston County Chamber

What: August Forum: Unveiling the Power of Government Contracting for Business Growth

When: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 11:30 am

Where: Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake

Tickets: https://members.thurstonchamber.com/ events/Details/august-chamber-forum-bipocbusiness-expo-848678?sourceTypeId=Website.