Many business owners struggle to keep their heads above water the first year after beginning a new business venture.

So, when you manage to keep the lights on for 157 years, you’re naturally going to get a little attention.

Last week, it was announced that Dowagiac’s Judd Lumber Company would be featured in national lumber trade publication LBM Journal’s Century Club, a listing of U.S. dealers who have been in business for 100 years or more. As part of its entry, Judd will be featured in a future edition of the magazine and will also be recognized during LBM’s annual conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, later this year.

According to owner Dick Judd, this is the first time that the business has been recognized by a national publication with the level of LBM’s reach.

While the business may finally be turning heads with people outside the state, very few living in the Dowagiac area need an introduction to Judd Lumber, which is recognized by Michigan as the state’s oldest lumber yard.

Established in 1859, Judd has been a stalwart member of Dowagiac business community. Whether they are frequent customers or they just recognize the friendly mascot waving to them by the train tracks, Judd Lumber is an iconic part of Dowagiac’s culture and history.

More than that, though, the business’ lumber and other hardware lie inside many area homes and businesses. It is hard to think of a major construction project within the Grand Old City that Judd materials haven’t helped build.

Another impressive thing about the company is that, in spite of the age of the business, it remains owned by the same family that started it — the Judds.

Started by Mark Judd, the business passed on to his son, William “Will” Judd, then to his son, Richard M. Judd Sr. Today, Richard’s son, Richard “Dick” Judd Jr. owns the company, having taken over in 1976.

We want to congratulate both the Judd family and their business for the recent accolade. Regardless of the amount of notoriety the business earns from national publications in the future, you will always be cherished the most by your neighbors back home.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.