41 Lumber Celebrates 100 Years of Service with Community Open House in Quinnesec

41 Lumber Celebrates a Century of Service with Community Open House

QUINNESEC — A vibrant atmosphere filled the air as 41 Lumber celebrated its 100th anniversary with an open house on Thursday, honoring the loyal customers and dedicated employees who have contributed to its century-long legacy.

Retired teacher Ron Vivio was among the attendees, enjoying a putting game that offered prizes, a fun nod to the company’s commitment to community engagement. “It’s great to see a local business thrive for so long,” Vivio remarked, as he took a swing at the putting green set up for the occasion.

Chief Operating Officer Carol Quandt, a fourth-generation member of the Quandt family involved in the business, expressed her gratitude to the community. “We’ve been holding celebration events at each of our locations to honor our customers, our team, and our retirees. They are the reason we’re here, so it’s important to recognize and celebrate that,” she said.

The company, which began as the Hamar Quandt Company in 1925, has evolved significantly over the decades. In 1975, it rebranded to 41 Lumber to distinguish itself from competitors, a name that has since become synonymous with quality and customer service across its six locations, including Escanaba, Houghton, and Marquette.

In a special tribute to their centennial, 41 Lumber released a video detailing its rich history and the changes it has undergone. “We wanted to mark this moment and remember how we got here,” said Tonia Swanson, marketing manager. “It’s important to us to focus on what we can do next to help our customers with their projects.”

The company has not only maintained its reputation for quality but has also embraced modern technology. Store manager Craig Buckman highlighted their innovative use of virtual reality, allowing customers to visualize changes in their homes before any work begins. “We want to develop friendships with our customers and ensure they are happy with the end result,” he stated.

As part of their ongoing commitment to customer service, 41 Lumber has expanded its showroom space to 6,000 square feet and continues to enhance its product offerings, including popular Milwaukee Tools. “Customer service and product quality are our top priorities,” Swanson added.

The open house was a testament to the company’s enduring legacy and its deep-rooted connections within the community. With a history that spans a century, 41 Lumber looks forward to many more years of serving its customers and adapting to their needs.

For those interested in visiting, the Quinnesec store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The distribution center operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the design center in downtown Iron Mountain welcomes customers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

As the sun set on the festivities, the spirit of community and celebration lingered, marking not just a milestone for 41 Lumber, but a shared journey with the people it serves.