Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Perez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Florida Lumber is a family-owned and operated company that has been servicing South Florida since 1966. Homeowners, contractors, and handymen have consistently trusted our reputation for over half a century, as our business continues to grow to this day.
At Florida Lumber, we take pride not only in providing high-quality and affordable materials for all of our customers’ building needs but also in delivering outstanding customer service. Our staff has earned a reputation for being friendly, understanding, and most importantly, knowledgeable about all of the products we sell.
As our slogan suggests, Florida Lumber really is More Than Just Lumber. Apart from having an enormous selection of wood for a variety of usages, we also offer steel, paint, and many home installations to suit any project. When you throw in free delivery, which we offer in Miami, Broward, and West Palm Beach, it is no surprise that we have become one of the most trusted names in South Florida.
But don’t take our word for it. We invite you to take a tour of our website and to visit our showroom, where you will get an expanded look at what we are all about. Open the doors to new possibilities at Florida Lumber, truly More Than Just Lumber!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Number one challenge is and will always be dealing with the loss of my father and grandfather, who were my main teachers in the business. Combined they had over 50 years of experience that we lost quickly. At the age of 36, I was adapting to life without them and making major decisions in a company that has been here for 50 years. I’m still learning as I go, but thanks to my teachers I was prepared for the future. Now, with the help of family and especially Gabriel, my cousin, who has become my right-hand man, Florida Lumber is ready for another 50-year run.
Another challenge in business is personal. We have approximately 100 employees in one location and all with different personalities. My dad always uses to say that you need to have a degree in psychology to deal with people, employee and customers alike.
Another big challenge is adapting to the market. We have grown so fast in the last few years that we have needed to adjust to things we were not ready for. The current conditions of the market are conditions that have never been seen. There is an extremely large amount of work available, which forces us to be creative in finding ways to buy right so that our prices remain competitive and right for our customers. Adapting to any business is vital.
My last challenge is planning for the future. You always want to be ready for what comes next and, if possible, be ahead of the curve. Raising salaries, hiring new people, taking in new customers, buying new products or more inventory, and investing in technology are all ways for us to stay ahead of the competition. We need to be prepared for the natural cycles that occur in this industry for there will always be upswings and downswings. Planning for such things helps us minimize the downturns and maximize the construction booms.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Florida Lumber – what should we know?
At Florida Lumber, we take pride not only in providing high-quality and affordable materials for all of our customers’ building needs but also in delivering outstanding customer service. Our staff has earned a reputation for being friendly, understanding, and most importantly, knowledgeable about all of the products we sell.
As our slogan suggests, Florida Lumber really is More Than Just Lumber. Apart from having an enormous selection of wood for a variety of usages, we also offer steel, paint, and many home installations to suit any project. When you throw in free delivery, which we offer in Miami, Broward, and West Palm Beach, it is no surprise that we have become one of the most trusted names in South Florida.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father and grandfather are the two men that truly built Florida Lumber from the ground up, all the way back in 1966. They each helped to mentor me, ensuring that their company would be in good hands when it was eventually passed down. Although it was given to me more suddenly than I would have expected, their guidance has made me confident that I can further develop the brand and reputation of Florida Lumber in South Florida, guaranteeing that homeowners, contractors, and handymen can always trust us to deliver.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2431 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142
- Website: https://www.floridalumber.com/
- Phone: (305) 635-6412
- Email: floridalumber@aol.com
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/FloridaLumber/?business_id=165224260505892&ref=bookmarks
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