Beverly lumber business celebrates 100 years

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September 1, 2010

By Stacie N. Galang Staff Writer The Salem News Wed Sep 01, 2010, 12:07 AM EDT

BEVERLY — William Howard Taft was president and deliveries were made by horse and carriage when Gove Lumber opened its doors 100 years ago.

Five generations later, the family-owned business on Colon Street in Beverly is still family-owned, but it delivers customers' goods in trucks equipped with a hydraulic boom or a piggyback forklift, company President Bruce Gove said.

In addition to Bruce Gove, four relatives play a part in Gove Lumber today, including his father, Robert Gove; his brothers, Barry and Sandy; and his son, Michael. They span in age from 19 to 79.

What do you think about reaching your centennial anniversary?

It's quite a milestone. In this economy, it seems to be just another day. If it was a better economy, we probably could have a nice party or two. It's not an easy economy for the construction business.

No doubt, the economy has been a challenge for many businesses. How have you stayed viable?

We've created our own niche of high-quality products and a high level of product knowledge. Being small enough, we're able to do everything we can for the customer quickly and to their satisfaction.

What do you mean by high-quality?

We go out of our way to ensure we have the best quality in stock that's available. We try to get premium stock for all our framing materials and so forth. Without looking at it, it's hard to explain, but if you held a two-by-four from us and a two-by-four from Home Depot, you could tell the difference.

We also specialize in masonry. There aren't too many places around that have that. Also, back in 2001 we opened up a Marvin Window and Door showroom in Danvers.

So you've tried to diversify your business. What was your hope in opening a Danvers store?

We wanted to increase our customer base, provide opportunities for expanding the business.

Is there a Gove Lumber business philosophy?

Friendly service and quality products. We always treat our customers with the utmost respect. Everyone's treated the same. We don't play favorites.

You started working while in high school in 1979. What has changed for you?

Well, when I started, we were handwriting all our invoices. Now we're using computers for everything.

Did you always plan to go into the family business?

No. It was our decision to be in it or not. But it's very enjoyable. I enjoy dealing with the customers, helping them solve their building problems.

How do you run a family business without stepping on each other's toes?

Luckily, we all work well together. We all have our own specialty area. My father does a lot of buying of products. My brother Sandy operates the showroom in Danvers, and Barry heads up our installation and services division.

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Beverly lumber business celebrates 100 years

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