The Cox Customer Spotlight is shining on GBS Lumber, Inc. in Mauldin, South Carolina. GBS Lumber, Inc. is a locally owned, full-service lumber yard and millwork specialty center based in Upstate South Carolina. GBS Lumber was founded in 1972 by a group of local builders. Under the leadership of Ron McNeely, who has for many years served as President and General Manager, GBS Lumber serves the custom home builder through four strategic locations in North and South Carolina.

Specialty treated lumber products have had a positive impact at GBS.

Facing the challenges of the housing market, GBS is always looking for ways to add value for the customer; Manager Dave Davis states, “laminated columns are a great product for us. Our customers are in awe of how easy these columns are to use, how straight they are, and easy to paint.” GBS has also experienced success with Dricon (fire retardant treated wood). Although Dricon in not a stocked item, customers know they can get the product through GBS.

GBS realizes that quality products and service can positively impact the bottom line in more than cost savings.

Davis used the comparison of Cox products and services to other vendors as an example. Davis stated, “Cox is selling similar grades as competitors, but they’re buying smarter. My culls (unsellable goods) have been reduced to one-quarter of what they were with the competition. If we ever get a bad run of lumber our Cox representative, Charlie Brooks, is right here; even one-quarter is too much in Charlie’s eyes.” Davis goes on to state, “Cox truly cares about what they sell and who they sell to. They care about satisfying not only my needs as a lumber yard, but ultimately the customer’s needs.”

Product knowledge and sales training has been truly beneficial to the employees of GBS.

Davis states, “not only do they learn how to better sell products; they learn strategies and improve skills in areas of customer service, problem-solving and accountability.” Each time they attend a seminar “they return with a renewed outlook on sales and customer service.” Earlier this month, GBS hosted their first Cox Day at the Mauldin location and reported great success. “I look forward to many more of these events designed to educate and show our builders how we and Cox appreciate their business.”

Weathering the storm with strong customer relationships.

As a result of the down market, GBS Lumber is meeting many of the same obstacles we are all facing in the building industry. Davis relates that he works everyday on maintaining margins. “For me personally, this has been the hardest year of my career; not only trying to maintain sales but keeping morale up in the store. These times are taking the fun out of the lumberyard business. We just have to keep striving to get it back.” Although times are tough, GBS Lumber is maintaining the respect of their builders. “Our builders know that we are keeping fair prices and that we’re in this together.” With such great attitudes and focus on customers, we know that Davis and GBS Lumber will come through these times stronger and healthier. 

For more information…

GBS Lumber in Mauldin is a 100% stocking dealer of Cox treated wood products. In addition, they stock Cox Laminated Timber Columns. To learn more about GBS Lumber, Inc. check out their website at www.gbslumber.com or visit any of their four locations: Mauldin, SC; Anderson, SC; Six Mile, SC; and Hendersonville, NC. Two-thirds of Dave Davis’ sales staff has recently attended a Residential Cox College in Orangeburg, SC. For more information about Cox Laminated Timber Columns or Cox sponsored educational events visit www.coxwood.com.