Bliffert Lumber
Milwaukee
Industry: Lumber and hardware
Founded: 1904
Projected 2017 revenue: $75 million
For more than a century, the Bliffert family has been serving the region’s lumber needs, including lumber, building supplies, hardware and millwork. Since 2004, the company has grown from two lumberyards and 20 employees to seven locations and 150 employees. A strategic approach to expansion and consolidation of key competitors has allowed Bliffert to diversify its offerings.
That diversification, along with a strong focus on customer service and relationships has helped the company weather the challenges associated with online retail and big box stores.
Bliffert now has traditional industry yards, construction yards and a neighborhood hardware store. The company is always on the lookout for additional opportunities to expand and increase its share of the retail lumber and hardware markets.
What is your biggest obstacle to growth?
“The ability for people to purchase almost anything online can be a threat to any retail establishment. But many of our customers tend to prefer the customer service and insight provided by our staff members over the ease of purchasing something online. Chances are that someone with a substantial project will stop at their local Bliffert location rather than try to order their material online or take their chances at a big box store. By getting to know our customers, we can provide a very different sort of experience.”
