PRESQUE ISLE – Now celebrating its 60th year in business, Rathbun Lumber Co. in Presque Isle is the rare exception in today’s economy. In the age of big box stores and vanishing customer service, the company has managed to thrive by doing what it has always done well, and that is to provide the good quality building products everyone needs to build and maintain properties, and to take good care of their customers.
An article published in a 1952 edition of The Star-Herald states, “The firm is one of central Aroostook’s largest contracting and supply companies and carries an extensive inventory for all normal building requirements.” Although the firm phased out the contracting business in 1980, they still carry an extensive inventory and can special order a vast array of products to meet individual needs.
Rathbun Co. was founded in 1948 by Jim Rathbun. Rathbun came to Aroostook County from Mystic, Conn. during the Depression. Well educated with degrees from Worcester Tech and Harvard, he was involved with starch manufacturing in Westfield prior to purchasing a heating oil business located at 43 State St. In the early days, the company sold furnaces and heating oil and did mill work in addition to selling building materials. Soon they began building houses in town, and eventually branched into commercial construction, eventually doing work all over the state until 1980.
After closing the construction side of the business in 1980, Alden Rathbun assumed leadership of the lumber company. Under his management, it has grown steadily over the years. Although small independent businesses face many challenges in today’s market, the company has been able to remain competitive through its affiliation with Lumbermen’s Merchandising Corp., the largest building materials buying group in the United States. In addition to providing access to the best products in the industry, and good purchasing opportunities, LMC also keeps its member dealers abreast of industry trends.
With constant changes in products, codes, safety requirements, and similar issues, there is a lot to keep track of these days. Alden’s wife, Pat, oversees the marketing and communication end of things. Employee training, contractor newsletters, and advertising flyers are all important tools they use to help spread information about trends and products.
According to Alden, computers have changed the way a lot of things are done.
“Rathbun Lumber offers computer design with 3-D drawings, and we can help you plan in detail from start to finish. We can also offer free estimating based on your house plans, kitchen and bath design services, special order products, and talk about what products are available to meet your needs,” he said. “Just as Jim Rathbun did back in the early days, we invite people to come in and discuss their projects. Pick up some materials, get to know our staff, and browse our showroom.”
Another specialty item offered by the company is a line of hot tubs from Sundance Spas.
“This is a luxury product that was added a few years ago after several customer requests. Even though showroom space is limited, Sundance Spas offer a very fine product, and the spas have sold pretty well over the years,” Alden said. “We have a trained technician on staff to assist with delivery and installation, and repairs.”
An exciting new resource is located on the company Web site, www.rathbunlumber.com.
“We’ve recently added a complete product catalog called the eShowroom,” said Pat. “Developed by industry magazine Remodeling News, this Web-based customized catalog allows us to feature all the products we carry with links to the manufacturers. It allows us to easily share information with a customer, as well as provide a complete reference resource for architects, contractors, and homeowners.
“A customer can do extensive research on styles and options without leaving the Rathbun Lumber Web site. Sales personnel or contractors can access technical data, installation and warranty information, or e-mail a page to a customer,” she said. “It’s a pretty amazing space that allows us to reach everyone with a lot of material, if they are interested. We hope people will take advantage of it.”
The Rathbuns agree that customer relations are one key to their success.
According to Pat, “Although we provide a vast array of building materials, we are always aware that the ultimate goal is a completed building, addition, or redesigned living space that functions as it was intended for the people who use it.”
“The best outcome for the customer depends upon providing good products, fair prices, and service that matches customer expectations,” Alden said.
The company takes pride in its reputation for working with its customers to provide a helpful and friendly experience for everyone who comes through the door. Their full team consists of a sales staff with over 100 years of combined experience and industry knowledge, courteous drivers who deliver materials right to the job site, and an office staff ready to help in any way they can.
“Working together, we look forward to maintaining the relationships, loyalty and friendships established within the Presque Isle area community for the past 60 years,” said Alden.
Rathbun Lumber is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 764-4444 or log onto www.rathbunlumber.com.
Contributed photo
THOUGH THE EMPLOYEES have changed over the last 60 years, their attention to customer service has always remained the same. Current employees at Rathbun Lumber Co. include, from left: Blyn Tilley, Jamie McLaughlin, Roger Mullen and Scott Pinette, sales; Nelson Michaud, delivery; Susan Tucker, bookkeeper; and Alan Archer, shop manager. Absent when the photo was taken was Brady Burlock, delivery.
